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PUTNAM COUNTY, MISSOURI -- University of Missouri Extension announces a fruit and vegetable tour with an emphasis on local food production will take place from 1-4 pm in Putnam County on July 29. There will be two stops on the tour. The tour will start at the home of Duane and Janice Carney at 1:00 pm. The Carney’s have approximately 100 acres near Martinstown, MO.  They grow several different types of produce including strawberries, blueberries, kohlrabi, radishes, onions, cabbage, carrots, potatoes, asparagus, rhubarb and tomatoes.  They have a small orchard that contains some apple, peach, plum and nectarine trees. 

The second and final stop will be at the farm of Thomas and Chris Yunick. We should be there at approximately 2:45 pm.  The farm consists of 175 acres of rolling pasture and woodland. There are two main gardens currently cultivated as "Pantry Gardens", meaning the produce is grown and used for personal consumption, fresh and canned. They are growing 12 different tomato varieties and have nearly 60 plants. Almost all of their annual garden plants are grown from seed, under a grow light or in the seasonal greenhouse. The Yunicks’ raise “Free Range Chickens" and sell the eggs. They also raise cattle, and use goats for brush control. Almost all of their annual garden plants are grown from seed, under a grow light or in the seasonal greenhouse.

Pre-registration is suggested. Please call the Adair County Extension Center at 660-665-9866 or the Putnam County Extension Center at 660-947-2705 for directions to the farms and to register. If we are having severe weather or it is approaching we will reschedule for another day. There is no cost to attend.