The Tennessean (link no longer available)
Written by Ronnie Barron For The Times
“Locally grown,” “organic” and “eat fresh” have become common buzz words in today’s society as more and more consumers look to buy fruits and vegetables from local farmers.
This interest is opening opportunities and new markets for local food producers to meet this demand. To give farmers a firsthand look at one such successful operation, UT Extension agent Ronnie Barron arranged a tour for five Cheatham County vegetable producers last week of an organic farm in Bowling Green, Ky.
Joe O‘Daniel, owner and operator of O’Daniel Organic Farm, graciously hosted Barron along with Cheatham County vegetable growers Hank Batts Jr., Christine Lockert, Jim Day, Steve Middleton and Steve Nagy as they toured the family run operation.
The group learned how the O’Daniel family transitioned their traditional Kentucky farming operation into a small-scale sustainable organic farm. Through the use of “high-tunnels,” plasticulture, drip irrigation, free-range poultry, naturally raised beef and pork, as well as creative marketing techniques, the family has been able to provide a living from the land without off-farm income.
Although each of these Cheatham County producers are already involved in fruit and vegetable production, the educational tour gave them ideas to enhance their own production and marketing skills.
They currently market their produce by various means, including the Internet and local market outlets, such as the Ashland City Open Air Market and the Pleasant View Farmers Market.
The UT Extension provides educational programming for both youth and adult audiences in Cheatham County. For more information, call 792-4420.
Ronnie Barron is an Extension agent in Cheatham County.
