Logan County Farm Bureau members Russell and Patsy Poore of Poore’s Nursery & Farm joined more than 40 participants of farm markets throughout the state in late July on the Kentucky Farm Bureau’s 2010 Summer Tour of markets in Kentucky, Illinois, and Missouri.

“The Summer Roadside Market tour is a great opportunity for our market members to be together,” said Mark Haney, President of Kentucky Farm Bureau and a Roadside Market member. “Traveling on a tour bus learning from each other and seeing what other states are doing at their farm market is of great value.”

First stop was Trunnell’s Market, a family farming and agritourism operation in Utica, Kentucky, just south of Owensboro. Kevin Trunnell, owner of Trunnell’s Market, shared with the group how he and his family have grown the market from its original roadside stand of corn based on the honor system to the large market that is on site today.

The tour continued on into Illinois and Missouri where the group had the opportunity to tour farm markets, orchards, nurseries, and a winery.

The final stop on the tour was at Little Kentucky Smokehouse in Uniontown, Kentucky. Jimmy and Linda Baird gave a tour of both the Little Kentucky Smokehouse and Fresh Meal Solutions and then treated the group to their famous ham, chicken salad and pimento cheese sold through their Jim David Meats market.

“In the end the summer tour is another way we can help our members give a better farm experience to our consumers,” said Haney. “Making that connection between the market and the consumers is what is really important.”

KFB’s Certified Roadside Market program was initiated in 1996 and has expanded to 109 markets across Kentucky. For a complete list of the markets and to learn more about the Certified Roadside Market Program visit kyfb.com/roadside.