by Tim Baker, Northwest Region Horticulture Specialist
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A few weeks ago I wrote a column about Grazeland Farms, and a tour that the Grundy County Soil and Water Conservation District and University of Missouri Extension had planned. Unfortunately, the weather didn’t cooperate so we had to postpone the tour.
We have rescheduled the event for Wednesday, June 24.
As you may be able to tell from the name, Grazeland Farms has a primary mission to grow grass and other forages. Now you can’t buy the grass from them directly. No, they add value by turning those forages into animal products.
Their primary emphasis right now is on egg production, but meat and dairy products are being developed as well. They are selling their products wholesale through several outlets, and are developing a store where customers can buy their products direct.
I recently visited their farm again, and talked with Mike Comish, who manages the farm. Mike has a vision of developing a high quality outlet such as a delicatessen in Kansas City, selling premium products to patrons. The vision is to raise most of the products there on the farm, adding value to them, and controlling the quality at every stage of the process.
I know there were a lot of calls about the tour, some from as far away as Springfield. There is a lot of interest in this kind of farming operation, and the demand for products like this is growing.
Again, as last time, I will strongly suggest that you call beforehand to make sure the tour is still scheduled. If we get another series of rains, we will have to cancel the tour. If the tour’s status is in doubt, call the Grundy SWCD at 660-359-5685.
So, our rescheduled date is Wednesday, June 24. We will start at 1 p.m., and will run until approximately 4 p.m.
To find Grazeland Farms, travel northeast on Highway 6 from Jamesport. At Highway WW, head east. Grazeland Farms is located on Highway WW, approximately one mile east of Highway 6.
University of Missouri Extension is cooperating in the tour as well. In addition to me, our area Agronomy Specialist, Heather Benedict, will be there as well. Heather has wide exposure to all areas of agronomy, including a strong background in forages. If you have any questions on the topics of agronomy or horticulture, feel free to come by and visit with Heather or myself.