By Andi Anderson
Young farmers can sign up for the Iowa Farm Bureau's Ag Insights Tour, happening on July 11-12. This tour offers a close-up look at various agricultural operations, including everything from distilleries to state-of-the-art farming equipment.
Tour Highlights:
- Lonely Oak Distillery: Owned by Iowa farmers Pat and Amy Hoffman, this distillery exemplifies the "seed-to-spirit" approach, allowing participants to follow the production of bourbon whiskey and vodka from the initial grain selection to the final bottling process.
- Elite Octane, LLC: Located near Atlantic, this state-of-the-art ethanol production facility is among the newest in the U.S., capable of producing over 150 million gallons of ethanol annually. Tour goers can see its rapid semi-truck unloading and distillers’ grain loading operations.
- Lincoln Premium Poultry: Partnering with Costco, this Nebraska-based complex supports the supply of rotisserie chickens and includes a processing facility, hatchery, and feed mill, all supported by local corn farmers. It significantly boosts the local economy, with an estimated annual economic impact of $1.2 billion.
- CLAAS North America: In Omaha, this facility is known for assembling the LEXION combine, one of the most advanced in the industry, demonstrating high-tech agricultural machinery manufacturing.
Participants will also have networking opportunities at Troy’s Bar and Grill, known for its top-ranking burgers, and explore Old Market Omaha, a vibrant area rich in history and modern attractions.
The tour costs $75 per member or $110 per couple with Iowa Farm Bureau membership. For more information and to register for the 2024 Ag Insights Tour, visit IowaFarmBureau.com/YFTour.
This tour is an opportunity for young farmers to gain valuable insights into agricultural innovations and consider new strategies to enhance their farming practices.
Photo Credit -iowa-farm-bureau
Categories: Iowa, Education