Agritourism

Agri-tourism is a hot commodity for Kentucky farm families. This is a way to add value to your business as well as diversify the agriculture operation. The Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service and the Small Business Development Corp. are joining forces to sponsor agri-tourism How-to Workshops in Frankfort and Somerset. This is open to anyone interested in starting an agri-tourism business or learning more about expanding an idea. The first series, "Jump Start Your Business Plan," begins April 13 at the Franklin County extension office in Frankfort.

Farmers may vote in FSA elections If you are a local farmer or agricultural producer, the U.S. Department of Agriculture encourages you to vote and make a difference. This year, Farm Service Agency County Committee elections will be held Nov. 4 through Dec. 5. FSA county committees give farmers a voice in how the agency's programs are administered in their communities. They play an important role by making decisions on commodity price support loans and payments; conservation and disaster programs; and other important agricultural issues.

Gov. Steve Beshear has appointed three new members to the Agricultural Development Board to serve for terms expiring July 6, 2011. Benjamin Samuel "Sam" Lawson, of Bowling Green, is the president and chief executive officer of Hartland Equipment Corporation. He represents the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. The appointment replaces C. Richard Warner, who has resigned. Jim Sidebottom, of Greensburg, is the owner and manager of Sidebottom Farm. He represents active farmers.

The second annual Kentucky Farms are Fun Conference Feb. 15-17 at the University Plaza Hotel and Conference Center in Bowling Green will bring together businesses, industry leaders, policy makers, suppliers and academics to share information and ideas. Early registration fee is $75. After Jan. 31, registration will be $125. Vendor registration is $100 and includes lunch on Feb. 16. Vendor registration is due by Jan. 15 to guarantee being listed in the conference program. To find out more about the conference or agritourism in Kentucky, go to www.kentuckyfarmsarefun.

Pumpkins compete for poundage prizes FRANKFORT - It's an event that Linus could love - a contest to see who has the greatest pumpkin of all. The inaugural Atlantic Giant Pumpkin Weigh-off will be Saturday at Bear Wallow Farm near Nancy in Pulaski County. Kentucky pumpkin growers will vie for bragging rights for the state's heaviest pumpkin and shoot for the state record of 1,089 pounds held by a pumpkin grown by Frank Mudd of Flaherty. Mudd's mammoth melon came in second in the 2007 Indiana State Fair.

Farm tourism Web site to be unveiled at summit The new Web site for farm-based tourist destinations in Kentucky will be unveiled at the 2008 Kentucky Agritourism Summit Feb. 21 at the Center for Rural Development in Somerset. "The new 'Kentucky Farms are Fun' Web site will enable Kentucky agritourism operators to market their attractions quickly and efficiently," Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. "Tourists from near and far will be able to find Kentucky farm destinations that the whole family will enjoy.

New surgeon joins medical staff at Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center Dr. David O. Montgomery, a board-certified general surgeon, has joined the medical staff at Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center. He has joined the practice of Dr. Barry Spoonamore and Danville Surgical Associates and is now available to see patients. Montgomery attended Centre College and graduated from the University of Louisville School of Medicine in 1993. He completed an internship and residence at the University of South Florida in Tampa from 1993 to 1998.

The Brousseaus, who own the businesses at Old Crow Inn on Stanford Road, were awarded a $49,988 forgivable loan to expand their agri-tourism ventures, the Governor's Office of Agricultural Policy announced Monday. The Brousseaus will use most of the money to expand their wine-making capacity, buying larger tanks and making room for those tanks in their building. Kentucky Agriculture Development Board awarded the Brousseaus the loan. The board, which is chaired by Gov. Ernie Fletcher, set aside $10 million to develop agri-tourism businesses and regional organizations.

Crab Orchard to have ice cream social CRAB ORCHARD - A back-to-school night and ice cream social will be from 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Crab Orchard Elementary School. Parents of Crab Orchard Elementary students may meet the teachers, visit classrooms, and sign up for a Passport for Life or get their passport stamped. Ice cream will be served in the cafeteria. For more information, call (606) 355-2331 or (606) 355-2129. Kings Mountain plans open house KINGS MOUNTAIN - An open house will be from 4-6 p.m. Monday at Kings Mountain Memorial Elementary School.