‘Summer Field Day’

Tour Five Farms June 6 In Scott County

NICKELSVILLE, Va. – You can tour five farms for free on June 6, from 1-5 p.m., along Little Duck Road in Scott County.
Sponsored by the Scott County Cattle Association, this “Summer Field Day” is slated to promote agri-tourism and rural lifestyles, said organizer Eddie Skeen.
More and more, farmers are turning to agri-tourism to help raise awareness of the importance of local farms, said Pete Odle, a small farm technician in Scott County’s agricultural extension office in Gate City.
“It’s getting to take off here some more,” said Odle, who remembers once attending many farm field days across Scott County and neighboring areas. “I think people want to get out and see and know people [on farms].”
Later in the year, the Scott County Hair Sheep Association is holding a similar public meet-and-greet on Sept. 11-12, Odle said.
At the June 6 event, just off State Route 71, look for Skeen to show off new farm equipment and hay machinery from Wright Equipment, Progressive Tractor and Southwest Tractor.
Wendell Burke is slated to display his antique tractors and farm shop, while Jimmy McConnell demonstrates heifer development. Ryan Sluss is showing off his feed barn and facilities, while Dr. Bill Fuller explains rotational grazing and watering systems.
Following the farm tours, food is slated to be on tap at the Keith Park Amphitheater in Nickelsville, with concessions beginning at 5 p.m., followed by a concert by Copper Ridge at 6:30 p.m.
Concert tickets are $5. Call (276) 479-3179 or (276) 452-2772 for more information.