Kaw Valley Farm Tour by themerccoop

THIS BOOKLET IS YOUR FARM TOUR TICKET

12th Annual

KAW VALLEY FARM TOUR

Explore 32 Local, Family Farms www.KawValleyFarmTour.org

October 1-2 9 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5 p.m.

Welcome to the 12th Annual

KAW VALLEY FARM TOUR

The Kaw Valley region offers a wealth of sights, tastes and traditions. The farm tour provides fun and interactive farm experiences, supports local farms and introduces individuals of all ages to the many faces of agriculture in the Kaw Valley. Have breakfast on a farm, discover unique artisans, nurseries and greenhouses, pumpkin patches and wines produced at local vineyards. Pet a friendly alpaca, meet a horse that paints or chat with a chicken. The Kaw Valley Farm Tour is the perfect event for friends and families, and a great way to make connections between the farmers in the fields and the foods on our tables. WELCOME!

Farm Tour Hours Saturday, October 1 9:00 a.m.â&#x20AC;&#x201C;5:00 p.m. Sunday, October 2 9:00 a.m.â&#x20AC;&#x201C;5:00 p.m. By law, Kansas wineries cannot open before noon on Sundays

www.KawValleyFarmTour.org

Cover photo: Juniper Hill Farms courtesy of The Merc Co+op

Breakfast on the Farm Start your farm tour off right with delicious homemade, farm-fresh foods

Saturday, October 1

8:30-10:00 a.m. Vesecky Family Farm 1814 North 600 Road, Baldwin City $3 and $5 options available. Menu includes farm fresh eggs, sausage, sweet rolls, coffee, milk and orange juice. No reservations needed. First come, first served.

Sunday, October 2

9:00-11:00 a.m. Pendleton’s Country Market 1446 East 1850 Road, Lawrence $10 adults, $5 kids meals. Menu prepared with local ingredients by STiCKS. Bought to you by Pendleton’s Country Market, Flory Family Farm and STiCKS.

Farm Tour Tips • • • • •

This booklet is your ticket, so take it with you to each farm. One booklet counts as a ticket for your entire carload. Look for roadside signs to help guide you. Honor the farm tour hours. You will be able to see more if you plan your route ahead of time. A realistic goal is to visit four to five farms per day. Secondary roads may not be paved.

• • • • •

See the map on pages 13-14 for possible detours. Bring a cooler! Many farms will have fresh produce and seasonal items for sale. Refer to the highlight boxes in the farm descriptions for information on kid-friendly activities, prepared food and restrooms. This is a rain or shine event. Come prepared for inclement weather. Sorry, no pets. 2

FARM

Oz Highland Farm John and Debbie Jenkins

Shooting Star Equine Rescue Careen Cain

9839 SW 89th Street | AUBURN 785.256.7920 Open during tour and by appointment

10527 SW Indian Hills | WAKARUSA 785.249.1760 www.ShootingStarEquineRescue.org Open during tour and by appointment

Oz Highland Farm has been in the Jenkins family since 1856. In 1999, they purchased three Scottish heifers and one bull. Today, the farm has over 150 cows and four working bulls.

Located on 40 acres of rolling hills overlooking the Wakarusa Valley, Shooting Star Equine Rescue provides a safe haven for 15 to 25 equines at a time. Shooting Star began operating in 2001 and is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization verified by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries.

Scottish Highland beef is healthy and nutritious with lower levels of fat and cholesterol and high in protein. It is so lean it compares with the fat content of chicken and fish. The Oz Highland herd is one of the finest you will see anywhere. Their goal is to breed good conformation, good genetics and over all good gentle nature, passing on only the best qualities. They pride themselves on quality not only in the all-natural beef they sell, but in the breeding stock and herd animals.

FARM PRODUCES Scottish Highland beef FARM HIGHLIGHTS • View the unusual Scottish Highland Cattle • Concession stand serving Oz Highland Beef • Visit a more than a century old family farm CONVENIENCES • Kid-friendly activities • Food available • Restrooms available

Their mission is to offer rescue, rehabilitation, adoption or safe sanctuary to abused or neglected equines that come to them through owner surrender or animal control seizure. Many come in need of both physical and mental intensive care, and require months of care and training to rebuild strength, trust and skills to help them become adoptable. Founder and President Careen Cain is a social work therapist certified to provide equine psychotherapy, a therapeutic intervention offered to children and adults with the use of rescued ponies, donkeys and horses. Shooting Star also has a team called “People Ponies,” who are available to visit and provide hands on therapy within the community.

FARM HIGHLIGHTS • Meet the horses and learn how they are rehabilitated • Duni, the painting horse who paints on canvas holding a brush in his mouth. will paint on Sunday in two hour intervals starting at 11 a.m. • Volunteers will be on hand to educate visitors on equine topics • Beaded “Horseshoes with Heart,” hand crafted ceramics, jewelry and horse tack available CONVENIENCES • Kid-friendly activities • Food available • Restrooms available

FARM

Marie’s Alpaca Acres Marie Blankenship

In 2009, Marie Blankenship fulfilled her childhood dream and moved from the city to the country. Raising alpacas seemed like a reasonable idea as they are easy on pastures and fences, and after purchasing five fiber males and two females, she was hooked on alpacas. The alpacas became a business venture when she realized all that could be made with their beautiful fleece. Today, Marie’s herd is over 20 strong and growing. Located just 15 minutes from Topeka, she offers quality alpacas for sale, but her main focus is on the fiber arts. She enjoys providing quality, U.S.A.-made alpaca products and looks forward to visitors!

13130 S Topeka Avenue | CARBONDALE 785.250.5545 www.MariesAlpacaAcres.com Open during tour and by appointment. Online store available

FARM PRODUCES Clothing items made from Huacaya alpacas, including: hats, scarves, gloves, socks, headbands, boot warmers, hunting accessories, felt, yarn and more. Plus, one of kind hand-made items. FARM HIGHLIGHTS • Up close encounters with alpacas with great photo opportunities • See the production process of alpaca-made products, including hand-dying wool for yarn • Shop the farm store for alpaca-made goods • Enter to win a free t-shirt, pair of socks or skein of yarn CONVENIENCES • Kid-friendly activities • Restrooms available

FARM

Glaciers Edge Winery Mike and Lisa Steinart

Fieldstone Orchard & Farm

1636 SE 85th Street | WAKARUSA 785.862.2298 www.GlaciersEdgeWinery.com Open during tour and regular hours: Friday 4–7 p.m., Saturday 12–6 p.m., Sunday 12–5 p.m.

7049 E 149th Street | OVERBROOK 785.665.7643 www.FieldstoneOrchard.com Open during tour and regular hours: Sunday-Thursday 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Friday 8 a.m.-3 p.m., closed Saturdays

On the edge of a glacial Moraine, resides a growing vineyard consisting of eight varieties of grapes. Glacier’s Edge Winery showcases Kansas grape and fruit wines from Northeast Kansas and the Midwest. Their mission is to be positive ambassadors to our local wine, food and tourism industry, support their fellow grape growers and wine makers, to educate enthusiasts about Kansas grapes and wines, and to produce exceptional wines.

For years, Fieldstone Orchard and Farm has been a wonderful place to visit with a beautiful orchard of over 3,000 fruit trees; a 150 acre farm with seven ponds; a number of animals including ducks, sheep, goats, chickens and bees; and, a newly remodeled Fieldstone Market. Together, these make for a perfect place for families to visit and pick what’s in season.

Their wines consist of dry reds and whites, as well as semi sweet and sweet reds and whites. They also offer their famous wine Slushie by the glass. Outside food, including take-out or pizza delivered from a local pizzeria, is always welcome to enjoy alongside a glass or bottle of our wine. The winery features an outside patio with fireplace as well as a covered porch. Come and experience the Kansas countryside and get a taste for Kansas Wines.

FARM PRODUCES Wine, grapes FARM HIGHLIGHTS • Wine tastings • Relax on the beautiful patio and covered porch • Try their famous Wine Slushie CONVENIENCES • Kid-friendly activities • Restrooms available • By law, Kansas wineries cannot open before noon on Sundays

Today, Fieldstone is under new ownership. The Patmon family purchased this beautiful farm and orchard in 2016 and have been hard at work pruning trees and allotting time and care to all the many aspects required to maintain the beauty and tradition of this land. Fieldstone is currently in the process of obtaining organic certification.

FARM PRODUCES Pork, lamb, goat, chicken, and rabbit meats, eggs, raw milk and bee products FARM HIGHLIGHTS • Tour the farm and visit the animals • Enjoy delicious, fresh baked breads, muffins and seasonal items, plus steamed sandwiches • Fruity tea slushes, mate, coffee and more • Farm fresh produce and herbs for sale • Handmade soaps and other items for sale CONVENIENCES • Kid-friendly activities • Food available • Restrooms available

FARM

Crooked Post Winery Kevin and Lori Henderson

7397 K-92 Highway | OZAWKIE 785.876.9990 www.CrookedPostWinery.com Open during tour and regular hours: Apr-Nov. Friday-Saturday noon to 8 p.m., Sunday noon to 6 p.m. Winter hours: Friday-Sunday noon–6 p.m.

Opened in May of 2014, Crooked Post Winery at Lake Perry is inspired by Italian architecture and wine. Using French-American hybrid grapes, suitable for the Kansas climate, their wine remains true to the flavor of the grape it comes from, and each wine is crafted by hand. Every year’s varietal wine is different than the last and something to look forward to. Their vineyard location has 3,700 vines and the winery location has 1,500. Crooked Post Winery has a 900 sq. foot event room available for small weddings and special occasions. They also have outside seating, seasonal entertainment and special monthly events celebrating wine. Bring your picnics, stop by the nearby food establishments or partake of their local cheese, meat, fruit and crackers trays or wood-fired pizzas.

FARM PRODUCES Wine, grapes FARM HIGHLIGHTS • Sample wines • Visit the vineyard • Tour the winery • Relax in our event room CONVENIENCES • Food available • Restrooms available • By law, Kansas wineries cannot open before noon on Sundays

FARM

The Henrys’ Plant Farm

Marcia and Roy Henry

248 North 1700 Road | LECOMPTON 785-887-6344 www.TheHenrysPlantFarm.com Open during tour and seasonal hours

The Henrys have been growing plants for over 30 years in the rocky rolling hills of western Douglas County, including: annuals, perennials, shrubs, vegetables, herbs and fall mums. They love helping people select the best plants for containers and landscapes. In the spring we give container talks so we can meet and interact more closely with the many people who visit the farm every year. The Henrys also have a large assortment of farm animals, including a pair of young pygora goats, Curly and Mo, who look like square hay bales with curly mohair. They also keep peacocks, chickens, ducks, alpaca, miniature donkeys and a miniature horse. Their display gardens are a relaxing place to picnic, and their water garden is a magnet for birds seeking a drink or a bath. In addition, they built a tower to climb to view their butterfly-shaped garden and their pasture toward the Katadin, multi-spotted sheep.

FARM PRODUCES Retail greenhouse with plants available March through October, perennials, fall mums FARM HIGHLIGHTS • See the peacocks roaming the gardens • View the Katadin sheep in the pasture • Meet Curly and Mo, their two pygora goats, up close • The alpaca will watch you with interest • Look down on the gardens from the tower viewpoint. • Splashing water garden and stream • Colorful fall mums available CONVENIENCES • Kid-friendly activities • Restrooms available

FARM

Washington Creek Lavender Jack and Kathy Wilson

The Red Tractor Farm Jessica Pierson and Jen Humphrey

858 East 800 Road | LAWRENCE 785.748.0678 www.WashingtonCreekLavender.com Open during tour

974 East 850 Road | LAWRENCE 785.550.4906 www.TheRedTractorFarm.com Open during tour

Enchanted with the idea of seeing beautiful purple plants dotting the horizon - ready and able to heal, relax and sooth - Kathy and Jack Wilson bore Washington Creek Lavender. A labor of love with nearly 6,000 organic lavender plants, their passion for this wonderful plant grows and grows. Over a decade later, they are still fascinated by lavender’s ability to mesmerize as it relaxes and stimulates.

Red Tractor Farm is owned and operated by Jessica Pierson and Jen Humphrey, who have been farming since 2008. On land that has been in Jessica’s family for four generations, they raise Boer meat goats, laying hens and a diverse selection of certified organic vegetables. Red Tractor products are sold at the Lawrence Farmers Market, through Common Harvest CSA and to area restaurants.

Founded in 2005, Washington Creek Lavender has grown to include a hoop house, a solar-powered barn with gift shop and a “lavender companion garden.” Their locally grown and handmade, organic products are available online as well as in their gift shop.

The farm is committed to sustainable agriculture practices that assure land can support people beyond this generation. They raise pastured livestock with respect for the animal, grow vegetables without chemical fertilizers or herbicides, and build community through and around local food.

FARM PRODUCES Lavender FARM HIGHLIGHTS • A registered Kansas tourism site • See the fields of lavender • Visit the hoop house and solar-powered barn with gift shop • Visit the lavender companion garden with its array of plants CONVENIENCES • Free refreshments • Restrooms available

FARM PRODUCES Goat meat, eggs, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, beans, radishes, greens, potatoes, onions, garlic, okra, beets, squash FARM HIGHLIGHTS • Kids can climb on the restored antique red Farmall Tractors • Visit the chickens and the goats • See the high tunnel, used for cool season produce • Additional vendors include: Ad Astra Food Truck offering burgers and Cuban sandwiches featuring Red Tractor Farm goat meat CONVENIENCES • Kid-friendly activities • Food available • Restrooms available 8

FARM

Amy’s Meats

Amy and Dan Saunders

FARM

Juniper Hill Farms Scott Thellman

17967 23rd Street | LAWRENCE 785.691.6251 www.AmysMeats.com Open during tour and by appointment

1547 North 2000 Road | LAWRENCE 785.840.4892 Open during farm tour only

Amy’s Meats is a small family homestead, striving to produce everything they eat, and sharing the abundance with the community. They raise livestock naturally and are the caretakers of Jersey dairy cows, pigs, sheep, free-range chickens, honeybees and the land. They also have two acres of heirloom vegetables. Since money won’t grow on the trees, they are constantly evolving to improve, and learning as new situations arise. They recently completed their home blending alternative building methods and modern construction, and have tips to share.

Established in 2006, Juniper Hill Farms is a first generation farm owned and operated by young farmers who are committed to raising high quality products in sustainable and environmentally-friendly ways.

Amy’s Meats offers two types of CSAs: a Mixed Meat and Veggie (& Eggs) CSA reconnects you to your food through volunteer hours on the farm, and a Milk Cow Share. Throughout the summer they offer Childrens’ working day camps and classes. With a focus on education and empowerment, individuals and families can choose to help grow and preserve the food they consume.

FARM PRODUCES Pasture-raised chicken, pork and beef, vegetables, gooseberries, blackberries, elderberries, wheat, barley, popcorn, eggs, handmade brooms, soaps and lotion made with beeswax and milk/cream, handmade suet and feeders, popcorn and pet treats FARM HIGHLIGHTS • Milk a cow • Pet the animals • Stroll through the garden • Enjoy a walking tour/scavenger hunt on the homestead • Picnic area and children’s play area • Farm market CONVENIENCES • Kid-friendly activities • Food available • Restrooms available

Their vegetable farm operates on 50 acres, and they produce nearly 1,000 acres of hay, alfalfa and small grains. At Juniper Hill Farms, they are not just growing great fresh food, they are growing great young farmers! They excited for you to learn how they sustainably plant, irrigate, grow, harvest and pack their fresh, locally-grown vegetables. Photo courtesy of The Merc Co+op

FARM PRODUCES Vegetables, grains, hay, alfalfa FARM HIGHLIGHTS • Educational tour with scenic view of Kansas River Valley • Hay rack ride to high tunnels • Visit the chickens • Hay maze • Tractors and machinery on display • Also on display: Honey Del Farms CONVENIENCES • Kid-friendly activities • Food available • Restrooms available

FARM

961 East 1600 Road | BALDWIN CITY 785.865.0660 www.HavenPointeWinery.com Open during tour with seasonal hours: Friday-Sunday 1-5 p.m.

Haven Pointe Winery is a brand new Kansas winery that produces both red and white hybrid varietal wines. In addition, they make fruit wine and a variety of meads. Their wines feature Kansas grapes, fruits and honey.

Haven Pointe Winery Tom Holland

FARM PRODUCES Wine, grapes

FARM HIGHLIGHTS • Be among some of the first visitors to this new winery • Wine samples and bottles for purchase (subject to availability) • Vineyard tour • Tasting room open during seasonal hours

CONVENIENCES • Restrooms available • By law, Kansas wineries cannot open before noon on Sundays

Fresh, delicious food is just the beginning.

Prairie City Minis & Raymond Crist Restoration

FARM

13 92 East 1600 Road | BALDWIN CITY 785.418.2770 Open during tour and by appointment

Anyone who sees the businesses run on this farm will say that they are a pretty unique. Prairie City Mini’s was started from a love of horses and the outdoors. Their talented mini horses, who do tricks and pull miniature buggies, are available for parties of all kinds at a variety of locations or on the farm. Plus, they have a very special pinto horse that pulls a large buggy for occasions such as proms, weddings, picnics and parades. Recently, they started raising Nigerian and pygmy goats which are big hit. Prairie City Mini’s passion is to drive and teach others how to drive. All of our mini’s are broke to drive and I would love to teach you! The Merc Co+op, Lawrence’s only cooperative grocery store, provides our community a place to shop, gather, eat and learn by offering good, local food and sustainable products at reasonable prices. Everyone can shop at The Merc Co+op and anyone can become a co-op owner. Find out more today!

Also on this farm is their versatile restoration business which does auto/truck/RV repair, tractor and AG service, collision repair, restoration, AC and mechanical service.

FARM HIGHLIGHTS • See the minis and the tricks they do • See the goats • Ride the Prairie City Tram • Additional displays include: Chippewa Hills Designs metal art; Cane & Cayenne Soap Company with handcrafted soap from Baldwin City; Horseshoe Designs by Troy Herring; and Erin Dunlap Photography CONVENIENCES • Kid-friendly activities • Food available • Restrooms available

901 Iowa | Lawrence www. TheMerc.Coop Open daily 7 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Coal Creek Farms Rick and Vickie Andrews

FARM

Ad Astra Alpacas Bob and Claudia Hey

1676 North 1000 Road | LAWRENCE 785.423.3414 www.CoalCreekFarmsAlpacas.com Open during tour, by appointment. Simple Living Country Store open Saturdays 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

168 East 1700 Road | BALDWIN CITY 785.594.6767 www.AdastraAlpacas.com Open during tour, by appointment and regular hours: October–March: Saturday 9 a.m.–Noon, Sunday 1–5 p.m.

Coal Creek Farms has been operating for nearly 30 years as a horse boarding facility and farm growing conventional crops such as corn, soybeans and wheat. In 2002, Rick and Vickie Andrews, along with their three children and spouses, purchased the property. For nearly a decade they have also raised grass fed, antibiotic free beef and open range chickens. In 2010, they brought the first alpacas to the farm and in 2015 they added pastured heritage breed hogs.

Located on a paved road just south of Baldwin City, Ad Astra Alpacas raises friendly, elite-fleeced alpacas and sell products made from their fleece within their shop. Alpacas like children, so it’s easy to have a fun, educational kid-friendly experience.

They produce a number of alpaca products, like socks, gloves, hats, purses, felted soaps and more. Their products can be purchased at their Simple Living Country Store and online.

FARM PRODUCES Corn, soybeans, wheat, horse boarding, grass fed beef, pastured pork, free range eggs, alpacas, alpaca products, baked goods, jams and jellies, Icelandic sheep, packaged meat, chickens and rabbits FARM HIGHLIGHTS • Pulled pork sandwich lunch available • Alpaca petting, feeding, and photo opportunities • Fiber processing demonstrations • Wet felting activity for kids of all ages • Meet King and Kong their “paca” herd dogs • Pony rides for kids • Live music by Drifters By Moonlight • Simple Living Country Store open CONVENIENCES • Kid-friendly activities • Food available • Restrooms available

Ad Astra Alpacas’ goals are to raise friendly alpacas, improve the fleece characteristics with each new generation and provide wonderful products from the fiber they harvest each spring. Their Annual Holiday Open House is the first weekend after Thanksgiving, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and don’t forget to like their Facebook page!

FARM PRODUCES Alpacas, products made from fleece such as socks, gloves, hats, scarves, sweaters FARM HIGHLIGHTS • Visitors can pet the friendly alpacas and feed them by hand • View demonstrations of weaving, spinning and sock making • Spinning, carding and felting demonstrations will show how alpaca fleece is processed • Products like socks, gloves, hats and scarves, made from alpaca fleece available CONVENIENCES • Kid-friendly activities • Restrooms available

Participating Farms 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13.

Oz Highland Farm Shooting Star Equine Rescue Marie’s Alpaca Acres Glaciers Edge Winery Fieldstone Orchard & Farm Crooked Post Winery The Henrys’ Plant Farm Washington Creek Lavender Red Tractor Farm Amy’s Meats Juniper Hill Farms Haven Pointe Winery Prairie City Minis and Raymond Crist Restoration 14. Coal Creek Farms 15. Ad Astra Alpacas 16. Vesecky Family Farms

17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32.

Wohletz Farm Fresh Vertacnik Orchard Pendleton’s Country Market Crescent Moon Winery Davenport Orchard,Vineyard & Winery BlueJacket Winery Next to Nature Farm Blossom Trail Bee Ranch Country Road Farms White Tail Run Winery Gieringers Orchard Lamborn Farm Holy-Field Vineyard & Winery Manna Meadows K.C. Wine Company Happy Valley Farm

Crooked Post Winery

PERRY LAKE

24 Perry

Lecompton

JEFFERSON CO

Topeka

Kansas River 1029

FORBES FIELD US

E 200 Rd

OSAGE CO

Marie’s Alpaca Acres

LONE STAR LAKE

Carbondale

5 US

Fieldstone Orchard & Farm

E 900 Rd

1029

1039

Washington Creek Laven

1039

1029

56 1039

E 900 Rd

Overbrook

Th Re Tra Far

E 1100 Rd

SHAWNEE CO

E 1000 Rd

SE 93rd St

E 750 Rd

Shooting Star Equine Rescue

CLINTON LAKE

E 800 Rd

335

S Topeka Ave

Oz Highland Farm

The Henrys’ Plant Farm

458

OSAGE CO

SW 93rd St

SE California

Auburn

SE 85th St

Stull

CLINTON LAKE

SE Adams

R N PI

N 1700 Road turns into SE 45th Street in Shawnee County

Glacier’s Edge Winery

SW Stewart Rd

Washington Street

SW 89th St

ANSA

SW 81st St

SW Burlingame Rd

DOUGLAS CO

SW 69th St

N 1700 Rd

DOUGLAS CO

SW 57th St SW 61st St

SE Shawnee Heights Rd

SE Tecumseh Rd

SE 45th St

SHAWNEE CO

SE 37th St

SE Stubbs Rd

SE Stanley Rd

470

Woodso

nt a

Fe Tr ai

179th St

KAW VALLEY FARM TOUR MAP l

92 S

Leavenworth

Evans Road

DETOUR

N 1000 Rd

E 1600 Rd

Winery

n nder

N 800 Rd

16 Vesecky Family Farms

1055

Old US-59

E 1700 Rd

E 1600 Rd US

Alpacas

158th St

dR 143rd St

N 400 Rd / W 183rd St

26 US

S. Gardner Rd

115th St

K.C. Wine Company

143rd St

27 Gieringers Orchard

White Tail Run Winery

Happy Valley Farm

Country Road Farm

460

Blossom Trail Bee Ranch

15 Ad Astra

JOHNSON CO

DOUGLAS CO

135th St

1061

Baldwin City

N 150 Rd

d 246th St

238th St N 1200 Rd

458

Farm

Kill Creek Rd

E 1850 Rd

BlueJacket Crossing Vineyard

Coal

N 600 Rd

N 1250 Rd

Vinland

460

Eudora

N 1275 Rd

1057

12 Creek 59 Haven Pointe

Kansas River

E 2200 Rd

Haskell Ave

Kasold St

Wohletz Farm Fresh 17

83rd St

Pendleton’s Country Market

Davenport Winery

1055

N 1100 Rd

19 21

Golden Road

DeSoto

ANSA

R N PI

E 2100 Rd

Mass. St

11th St 15th St

E 1600 Rd

E 1500 Rd

Vertacnik Orchard

AIRPORT

70 1

E 2000 Rd

Dehoff Road

166th St

Juniper Hill Farms

Stillwell Road

Lin wo o

Crescent Moon 20 Winery

E 1900 Rd

Trego

10 23rd

Linwood Road

Waverly Rd

Republic Road

26th

70 32

21st

Tonganoxie

Amy’s Meats

The 458 ed actor rm

Manna Meadows

LEAVENWORTH CO

27th

166th St

Wellman Road

23 McLouth

Lansing Lane

158th St

Holy-Field Vineyard & Winery

Next to Nature Farm

Lansing 4-H Road

198th St

Homestead Ln

Lamborn Farm

151st St

awrence

n Rd

Farms are arranged one through 32 in order from west to east. This map is not to scale and should be used for reference only.

Spoon Creek Rd

Oskaloosa

Launched in 2004, the Kaw Valley Farm Tour is comprised of the innovation, hard work and support of the Douglas County Extension Office, the Lawrence Convention and Visitors Bureau, The Merc Co+op and a number of dedicated growers. The KVFT is maintained through funding from Kansas State University and the Douglas County Extension Office, and is sponsored by the generous businesses advertised throughout this booklet.

Prairie City Minis 14

FARM

1814 North 600 Road BALDWIN CITY 785.594.2493 www.VeseckyFamilyFarms.com Open during tour and by appointment

Vesecky Family Farms John and Sharon Vesecky & William and Joanna Vesecky

Vesecky’s is one of the largest pasture-raised poultry farms in Kansas. Their stone farm house was built in 1866, and added to in 1870, 1885 and 1980. Three generations of the Vesecky family work this farm and are pleased to welcome you. Start your tour at the tent to see poultry up close, participate in educational games and get a general feel of the farm. The free hay ride tour runs continuously through the weekend - where you can see chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, heritage turkeys and guineas, boer goats, and maybe a few cows. It’s a great opportunity to meet the farmers and ask questions. Small folk can play in a corn tire, climb a rope and big round hay bales, or take a ($2) train ride. Bring your cooler to purchase farmfresh chickens and ducks ready to prepare. The Veseckys’ take orders for holiday heritage turkeys, turkeys and geese; and, recommend asking about their Easter “Rent a Chick (or Duckling)” program.

FARM PRODUCES Pasture-raised poultry including chickens, turkeys, heritage turkeys, ducks, geese FARM HIGHLIGHTS • Saturday breakfast on the farm (page 2) • Beautiful setting with 100-year-old burr oak trees • Enjoy a hay ride and educational tour • Turkeys, goats and interactive displays • Weiner roast lunch available both days CONVENIENCES • Kid-friendly activities • Food available • Restrooms available

Photo courtesy of The Merc Co+op

FARM

Wohletz Farm Fresh Jerry and Jane Wohletz

FARM

Vertacnik Orchard David and Wendy Vertacnik

1831 N 1100 Road | LAWRENCE 785.331.3468 www.WohletzFarmFresh.com Open during tour; regular hours posted daily

1403 E 1850 Road | LAWRENCE 785.842.4428 Open during tour and seasonal hours: September-October, Saturdays 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sundays noon - 6 p.m.

Wohletz Farm Fresh has been growing produce and raising cattle and chickens since 1996. In 2003, they began selling their homegrown produce at the Lawrence Farmers’ Market, and in 2009, they invited the public to their farm for the opening of a two-acre U-Pick strawberry patch. The strawberries generated so much interest that they added U-Pick tomatoes, onions, potatoes and blueberries. This has become an annual event for many customers, eager to hand pick their sunwarmed, vine-ripened, juicy, red berries. Make this a day trip and bring along a picnic lunch to enjoy in their shaded picnic area overlooking the strawberry patch and pond.

The Vertacnik Orchard is a small apple orchard featuring a roadside market and U-Pick opportunities. They strive to provide good quality fruit by using good cultural practices like integrated pest management, reduced pesticides and good pruning. Apple varieties include: Red and Golden Delicious, Jonathan, Jonagold, Gala, Gold Blush and Granny Smith, plus cider when available.

FARM PRODUCES Tomatoes, sweet onions, potatoes, peppers, strawberries, blueberries, zinnias FARM HIGHLIGHTS • Take a hay ride tour of the farm • Learn about the two acres of strawberry plants • Visit the hoop house used to extend the growing season • See the specialty farming equipment • Spend time in the park area, where kids can run and play on hay bales. • Enjoy a picnic lunch on tables near the pond. • Kid-friendly craft: Build your own scarecrow to take home. Materials included. (Minimal fee) • Additional vendors: Fine Thyme Foods (food truck) and Stony Ridge Farms: a family farm producing tree, bush and vine fruits, 100% grass-fed beef, nonGMO free-range chickens for brown eggs, honey bees, homemade jams and baked goods.

FARM PRODUCES Apples, cider, peaches FARM HIGHLIGHTS • Enjoy the beautiful orchard • Participate in U-Pick apple picking • Visit the farm store and purchase cider (when available)

CONVENIENCES • Kid-friendly activities • Food available • Restrooms available 16

FARM

Pendleton Country Market

fix

Crescent Moon Winery

John and Karen Pendleton

FARM

Kieth and Cheryl Hand

1446 East 1850 Road | LAWRENCE 785.843.1409 www.Pendletons.com Open on tour, by appointment and regular hours: Monday–Saturday 8 a.m.–5 p..m., Sunday noon–5 p.m.

15930 246th Street | LAWRENCE 785.550.5353 www.MoonandWine.com Open on tour, by appointment and regular hours

Pendleton’s Country Market is a diversified farming operation. The Pendletons planted their first half-acre of asparagus in 1980, and now grow a wide variety of vegetables, bedding plants and cut flowers. They operate a booth at the Lawrence Farmers’ Market, a seasonal vegetable and flower market on the farm and a CSA program with 100 subscribers. For some crops, customers are invited to “pick-their-own,” allowing families to enjoy the farm experience.

Crescent Moon Winery is a small family owned Kansas farm winery north of Lawrence. Stroll through the magnificent vineyards, sample superb wines in their delightful tasting room, or simply sit for a while on the patio and take in the magnificent, picturesque vantage point of the valley. The complete experience of the wine, and how it comes to be, is what makes Crescent Moon Winery what it is today.

Pendleton’s Country Market utilizes integrated pest management, drip irrigation, minimum till, buffer strips, wetlands and composting to produce their crops. They use only beneficial insects in their greenhouses for pest control, and will have their electric tractor on display during the tour.

FARM PRODUCES Wide variety of fresh produce: asparagus to zucchini, flowers, bedding plants, pumpkin patch, Butterfly BioVilla, an up close view of the cycle of metamorphosis FARM HIGHLIGHTS • $2 discount to the Butterfly Bio-Villa (reg. $3) • Wagon rides around the farm • Pick-your-own pumpkins in the pumpkin patch • Sunday farm breakfast (see page two) • Art projects and trike track for kids • Right hand turn maze • Visit the high tunnels and see farm equipment • Additional vendors: Flory Family Farm, Sundance Emu Ranch, handcrafted soap by Double J Farm and Homestead Ranch, Lawrence Sweet Potato Celebration CONVENIENCES • Kid-friendly activities • Food available • Restrooms available

Crescent Moon Winery has an affection for making their wines appeal to a range of tastes, from dry to semi-sweet to sweet, and they currently grow eight grape varieties to accomplish that. Their whites include: Vignoles, Seyval Blanc, Chardonel, Edelweiss and Gruner Veltliner; their reds are Noiret, Norton and Chambourcin. Visitors are invited to bring lawn chairs or blankets and a picnic lunch and enjoy the peaceful setting. The Hand family has loved meeting many great customers and look forward to greeting many more!

FARM PRODUCES Wine, grapes FARM HIGHLIGHTS • Stroll the vineyards and enjoy the valley view • Visit the tasting room and retail shop • New event space available for private parties • Saturday afternoon: Live music by “Two Jacks and a Queen.” Lawn chairs, blankets and picnics encouraged CONVENIENCES • Kid-friendly activities • Restrooms available • By law, Kansas wineries cannot open before noon on Sundays

FARM

Davenport Orchards, Vineyard & Winery Greg Shipe and Charlee Glinka

Davenport Winery is a 100% Kansas-grown farm winery established in 1997. They produce about 40 wines from 17 grape varieties grown on 24 acres, and several apple varieties grown on five acres. In addition, they purchase fruit from other Kansas growers. They are 100% Kansas, 100% of the time! During the tour, you can sample their wines in the tasting room, take an educational wagon ride or walking tour through the vineyard, and visit the processing area to see how they make the wine. Be sure to wave at the sheep who keep their orchard “mowed!”

1394 East 1900 Road EUDORA 785.542.2278 www.DavenportWinery.com Open during tour and regular hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 4-7 p.m.; Saturday, Sunday: 1-5 p.m. FARM PRODUCES Wine, grapes, apples, pears, peaches FARM HIGHLIGHTS • Grape processing during the tour • Farm store and tasting room open • Additional vendors: Flatlander’s BBQ CONVENIENCES • Kid-friendly activities • Food available • Restrooms available • By law, Kansas wineries cannot open before noon on Sundays

WORK HARD

play HARD

BUILT TO

DO IT ALL

2016 toyota tundra

Crown Autom otive .co m 785-843-7700 • 3400 South Iowa, Lawrence, KS

FARM

Located near the Oregon Trail, BlueJacket Crossing enjoys sharing knowledge about the development and growth of their vineyard and winery. Visitors can get a behind-thescenes look at a working vineyard and farm winery, see the wine-making process and visit their tasting room and gift shop. They also have picnic areas in a beautiful setting. The vineyard was first started in 2002 with their initial planting of Nortons (Cynthiana). The following years saw the addition of more Norton, St. Vincent, Seyval, Chambourcin, Fredonia, Leon Millot, Vignoles and Melody vines. The vineyard now covers approximately 8 acres in Eudora, located in the northeastern corner of the state, just four miles east of Lawrence. Their tasting room opened in May 2008, and they look forward to sharing their wines with you.

BlueJacket Crossing Vineyard & Winery Pep Selvan

1969 North 1250 Road EUDORA 785.542.1764 www.BlueJacketWinery.com Open during tour and regular hours: Wednesday–Friday noon–6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sunday noon–6 p.m.

FARM PRODUCES Wine, grapes

CONVENIENCES • Kid-friendly activities • Food available • Restrooms available • By law, Kansas wineries cannot open before noon on Sundays

FARM HIGHLIGHTS • Visit our venue • Tour the vineyard and winery • Visit our tasting room and gift shop • Picnic areas

Serving Agriculture • Growing Opportunities

Local Foods

Generations

Retail Agriculture

Experience

L a n d

Farmers Markets Equipment

Direct Marketing

Leases

Financing Rural Homes & Structures

Cooperative

Crop Insurance

Let’s talk about the direction you want to grow. 1270 N. 300 Road Baldwin City, KS

785-594-2900 www.frontierfarmcredit.com

FARM

23 Next to Nature Farm Chad and Megan Gilliland

Blossom Trail Bee Ranch Richard Bean

23338 Kissinger Road | LEAVENWORTH 913.238.6538 www.NextToNatureFarm.com Open during tour and by appointment

669 East 2100 Road | BALDWIN CITY 785.615.1548 Open during tour and by appointment

Established in 2008, Next to Nature Farm, LLC, is a small family farm northwest of Tonganoxie committed to offering their high-quality products in the most natural form with an environmentally friendly focus. This approach can be seen first-hand through their use of solar power to sustain their energy needs, large capacity rain water collection for crop irrigation, a “chemical free” approach of not utilizing standard pesticides in our fruit tree orchard, apiaries, and their laying flock of chickens. Learn all about how the “Next to Nature” approach works well for them and many of the concepts can be incorporated into your lifestyle.

Blossom Trail Bee Ranch lies above the Little Wakarusa Creek. With three soil types on their west-facing 10 acres, garlic, onions and leeks abound in the loamy creekside. An adherence to the organic method in all horticultural practices insures a balanced diversity of forage sources for the bees as well as the free grazing mare. To compliment their apple trees, numerous peach varieties and two blackberry cultivars were introduced.

FARM PRODUCES Wide variety of honey bee related products, including: honey, pollen, beeswax candles, honey and beeswax based soaps, salves and ointments. Farm fresh eggs and produce, homemade jellies, fresh apple cider, potted mums, painted gourds FARM HIGHLIGHTS • Hands-on demonstration of harvesting honey • Up-close view of a honey bee colony in an observation hive. • See hatching day up close and purchase young chicks for your backyard flock of chickens. • Hay ride available for all ages • Additional vendors: Lawrence’s Cromwell Environmental to discuss the use of solar power as an alternate energy source, and local wood carver, Dennis Bixby will demonstrate and sell his works of art CONVENIENCES • Kid-friendly activities • Restrooms available

Larger eggs and improved laying capacity are the focus of the vertically eclectic chicken flock. Outyards of bee hives give as many as five sources of nectar for distinct flavors for artisanal honey. Though honey production is the staple good, pollen production and queen rearing are primary functions at the farmstead. The ultimate goal is to foster better quality bee stock through the practice of natural methods. BEES4US educational service is providing a format for aspiring beekeepers to learn what must be done to enable a better future for the honey bee.

FARM PRODUCES Honey and honeybees, beeswax, pollen, free-range eggs, peaches, blackberries, apples, onions, garlic FARM HIGHLIGHTS • Beekeepers will share experiences • View the bees in an observation hive • Children can “dry run” extract honey • Frozen fruit and pullet eggs available for sale CONVENIENCES • Kid-friendly activities

FARM

Country Road Farms Jamie and Keith Knabe

991 E 2400th Rd | EUDORA 785.615.1290 Open during tour only

Country Road Farms, a division of Knabe Farms, began three years ago when Jamie decided to venture into selling their beef, pork, eggs and occasional pastries at local farmers’ markets. The Knabes, both raised on working farms, have operated their own working farm for over 20 years where they grow wheat, corn, soy beans, grass hay, alfalfa and livestock. In 2014 they added natural turkeys and chickens. The Knabe family’s goal is to raise the leanest and healthiest meat for your families and theirs. All animals are raised naturally with no growth hormones and no antibiotics. They want people to enjoy eating their meat and eggs from first bite to last.

White Tail Run Winery & Vineyard

Dan and Nancy Fuller

FARM

26 2327 N. 400 Road | EDGERTON 913.893.6860 www.WhiteTailRunWinery.com Open during tour and regular hours: Friday & Saturday 12-6 p.m., Sunday 12-4 p.m.

White Tail Run Winery, LLC was started in 2006 by Dan Fuller with the help of his wife Nancy, son Dusty, daughterin-law Jennifer and daughter Christy. Dan had recently retired and decided to grow grapes to keep himself busy. After growing grapes for a couple of years, Dan decided to try his hand at wine making. The first wine he made was from the Seyval grape. He entered the wine into a competition for amateurs and won a bronze medal. After the success of that first wine competition, he started to make plans with his family to start the winery and vineyard full time. They now have five acres of vines with four different varieties of grapes.

The Knabes hope to see you on the Kaw Valley Farm Tour and encourage you to bring coolers and cameras.

FARM PRODUCES Beef, pork, chicken, turkey, wheat, corn, soy beans, grass hay, alfalfa, eggs FARM HIGHLIGHTS • View the cattle, pigs, turkeys, chickens and horses • Take a wagon rides • View antique tractors • Antique corn shellers for the kids • Taste the Knabes’ own sausage gravy and biscuits cooked from a cast iron dutch oven next to a chuck wagon. Additional concessions available. • Additional vendors: Bowlin Farms, Mona C’s Fudge, Mystic Gardens, Dragonfly Farm CONVENIENCES • Kid-friendly activities • Food available • Restrooms available

FARM PRODUCES Wine, grapes FARM HIGHLIGHTS • Winery and vineyard tours • Visit their tasting room • Sample and purchase wines • Lunch available CONVENIENCES • Kid-friendly activities • Food available • Restrooms available • By law, Kansas wineries cannot open before noon on Sundays

Gieringers Orchard

39675 W 183rd St. | EDGERTON 913.893.9626 www.GieringersOrchard.com Open during tour and seasonal hours

Frank and Melanie Gieringer

As a family-owned and operated orchard and U-Pick farm, the Gieringers are one of a few farms in the area that support itself through full-time farming. They grow conventional corn and soybean crops as well as produce, peaches, blueberries and pumpkins. In addition to guided tours, samples and produce are available at their farm store.

FARM

27 FARM PRODUCES Peaches, strawberries, blackberries, tomatoes, grafted tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, sweet corn, pumpkins, blueberries

The Gieringers love to share the farm experience with others. Their farm appeals to families because parents and grandparents enjoy visiting with their children. And, their U-Pick produce allows opportunities to show youth the origins of food. The Gieringers’ goal is to expand their farm to include their own children.

FARM HIGHLIGHTS • See a full-time working farm and orchard • Enjoy guided educational tours of the 10 acre orchard and the five high tunnel green houses • This U-pick orchard and farm provides a great place to make family memories

CONVENIENCES • Kid-friendly activities • Food available • Restrooms available

Lamborn Farm

Joseph and Valerie Lamborn

Operation Wildlife, Inc.

FARM

As Kansas’ largest funded wildlife clinic, Operation Wildlife, Inc. receives thousands of wild animals each year with release rates averaging 69%, 20% higher than the national average.

With services covering nine counties, OWL receives no state or federal funding and relies entirely on the generosity of wildlife-loving donors. They appreciate your help. For more information, visit www.Owl-Online.org.

25761 151st Street | LEAVENWORTH 913.727.5666 www.LambornFarm.com Open during tour and seasonal hours: September–November: Monday–Friday 4–6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Sunday noon–5 p.m. Group tours also available.

Lamborn Farm is a fifth generation, family owned and operated, century farm founded in 1877. In 2012, their farm was listed on the National and State Register of Historic Places. Visitors can tour the historic farm which includes a recently restored 100-year-old horse barn (available for weddings and parties) and antique farm equipment. Visitors of all ages will have fun feeding the animals, hunting for peacock feathers, racing through the hay mazes, swinging on the tire swings, racing around the tire track on pedal carts, having a snack at the food stand and taking a hay ride out to the pumpkin patch to find the perfect pumpkin or gourd for Halloween.

FARM PRODUCES Pumpkins, gourds, fall decorations, straw bales, beef FARM HIGHLIGHTS • Visit the historic 1900s restored barn now on the National Register of Historic Places • Take a hay ride to the U-pick pumpkin patch • Feed the animals • Hay maze • O.W.L. will give wildlife demonstrations Sunday afternoon (see ad at left)

FARM

For nearly 30 years, OWL has provided rehabilitation and veterinary services to injured and orphaned wild animals. Once emergency needs are met, individualized programs for total recovery are implemented with the goal of returning the animals to their natural habitat.

CONVENIENCES • Kid-friendly activities • Food available • Restrooms available

FARM

Holy-Field Vineyard & Winery

Michelle Meyer and Les Meyer

Manna Meadows Alpacas Brian and Sharon Heimes

18807 158th Street | BASEHOR 913.724.9463 www.HolyFieldWinery.com Open during tour with year-round tasting room & gift shop hours: Monday–Friday 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Saturday 9:30 a.m.–6 p.m. and Sunday noon–6 p.m.

16842 Metro Avenue | BONNER SPRINGS 913.461.5003 www.MannaMeadowsAlpacas.com Open during tour and by appointment

Guests are welcome to browse the gift shop and sample HolyField award-winning wines presented by their knowledgeable and friendly hospitality team. A vineyard deck welcomes you to sit and enjoy a bottle of wine with your picnic or snacks.

Manna Meadows started raising alpacas about five years ago, While they started with just nine, they have grown their current herd to 55. During that time they have fallen in love with both the animals and the farming lifestyle. Events like the Kaw Valley Farm Tour provide an opportunity to educate others about alpacas and the alpaca industry.

Holy-Field Winery regularly hosts murder mystery dinners, live music and “Dueling Pianos.” Their summer concert series showcases superior musical talent with a variety of bands on Friday nights, and each concert is accompanied by a food truck. In addition, Holy-Field’s year-round activities include their famous harvest “picking parties” as featured in Midwest Living Magazine. Join their mailing list to receive all the latest news from an authentic “Drink Local” winery! Cheers to agriculture!

Visitors to Manna Meadows can view and touch the alpacas. Children can lead them by halter and get their hands “clean” as they learn to felt fiber. Information about the origin of alpacas, their unique value and other interesting facts will be featured in the educational tent. Spinning and weaving demonstrations will be offered. Alpaca products from their farm as well as other companies will be available for purchase.

FARM PRODUCES Wine, grapes

FARM PRODUCES Alpaca products, honey, eggs

FARM HIGHLIGHTS • Cellar visit to view the crushing/pressing equipment • Sample jams, jellies and other foods • Taste our wonderful wines • Visit our gift shop

FARM HIGHLIGHTS • Meeting the herd of gentle alpacas • Learn about alpacas in the educational tent • Watch spinning and weaving demonstrations • Take a hay rack ride (weather permitting)

CONVENIENCES • Kid-friendly activities • Restrooms available • By law, Kansas wineries cannot open before noon on Sundays

CONVENIENCES • Kid-friendly activities • Restrooms available

FARM

K.C. Wine Company

Kirk and Julie Berggren

FARM

Some call this land “flyover country” and K.C. Wine Company is OK with that. Go ahead, fly right on over en route to the coast. And leave the wine to them. However, they do invite you to drive over for a visit and taste their Kansas-grown wines on the patio, in the vineyard or next to their picturesque 40 acre pond. If you’re after something a little more lively, their climate-controlled barrel room can comfortably host up to 100 wine-loving/tasting/having guests. Visit kcwineco.com for more information on Kansas City’s newest boutique winery.

13875 S Gardner Road | OLATHE 913.915.4297 www.KCWineCo.com Open during tour and regular hours: Friday 3-8 p.m., Saturday & Sunday noon-6 p.m. FARM PRODUCES Wine, grapes FARM HIGHLIGHTS • Sample our wines • Play Boccee ball in the vineyard • Enjoy live music 2-5 p.m. • Visit the pumpkin patch CONVENIENCES • Kid-friendly activities • Restrooms available • By law, Kansas wineries cannot open before noon on Sundays

FARM

Happy Valley Farm Spike and Patty Durkin

29080 W. 95th Street | DESOTO 913.706.0370 www.HappyValleyFarm-KS.com Open during tour, by appointment and regular hours: Sunday-Saturday 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

Since June of 1996, the Durkins have owned and operated Happy Valley Farm. Prior to their purchase of the farm, it was a cattle farm with cattle leases still on the land. Cows lived on 12 acres while the family lived on 5 acres. The Durkins raised their three children there, and maintained an amazing vegetable garden. The nutrient-rich soil in the valley was evident, and the plants thrived. They planted their first berry plants in the spring of 2004, and decided they would pick all the fruit and bring any excess to the farmer’s market. Often their market customers, raving at the site of their beautiful fruit, would reminisce about how they used to pick their own fruit as children. After two years of picking and selling at the farmer’s market, the Durkins switched their way of thinking, and turned the farm into a Pick-Your-Own farm. And the rest, as they say, is history.

FARM PRODUCES Blueberries, concord grapes, cherries, gooseberries, strawberries, rhubarb, asparagus, horseradish, blackberries, honey, cider FARM HIGHLIGHTS • Visit the donkey herd • Pick your own fruits • Shop the wagon featuring Happy Valley Farm goods and produce from other local farms CONVENIENCES • Kid-friendly activities • Food available • Restrooms available

Help Create a Food System Plan for Douglas County! How we produce, buy, eat and throw away food in Douglas County impacts our economy, our health, our environment and our local culture. Each of us has a part to play in guiding the future of our local food system. Our leaders have asked for a strategic Food System Plan to guide future decisions.Your voice matters.We want to hear it.Together we will create a vision for our local food system.To participate and learn more, visit www.douglascountyks.org/fpc/food-plan or call 785-832-5157.

explore local wineries Two different bus tours available! Saturday, September 17 and 24 Bus departs at 11:30 a.m. Tours depart from, and lunch provided by,The Merc Co+op at 901 Iowa. SPACE IS LIMITED! LEARN MORE AND REGISTER IN STORE AT THE MERC CO+OP OR ONLINE AT WWW.THEMERC.COOP

cromwell ad