Have you ever wanted to drive down a farm path and learn more about  where your food comes from, or see animals up close, how crops are grown, and all the many steps that go into producing agricultural commodities?  How about a chance to learn more about different breeds and types of livestock? How does genetics, nutrition, and management affect taste, quality, and nutritional value of meat products? The same can be said for fruits and vegetables. Would you like an opportunity for a behind the scenes tour of farms and locally owned businesses that grow and serve Sampson County products?

We hope for the Grand Farm Tour of Sampson County to be the first of many where locals can visit farms and understand more about the day to day operation of a farm, why there are so many differences, such as breeds of animals, varieties of grapes, cuts of meat, etc. Some are “working farms”, whereas others grow events, entertainment, and both indoor and outdoor fun!

Here are the September 2024 line up of places to see and visit on the tour, and a little bit about the six tour stops.

1. Twiddle Dee Farm: Learn how the family of this Century Farm has adapted through the years to accommodate market changes and how it now must also accommodate its aging owners.
2. Wilders Farm: Tour one of the largest full-blood Wagyu cattle operations on the East Coast. Visit the farm general store and learn about our direct-to-consumer beef and pork business.
3. Midway Grillin’: Located in the heart of the Midway Community, offers cozy, informal settings through its indoor dining and outdoor tailgate/picnic areas allowing customers to "connect with others through food and fellowship". This restaurant supports local farms by sourcing local produce (when in season) as well as pork produced in Sampson and nearby counties, sourced from local family owned pork processors.
4. Rich Farm & Venue: How does a small farm become a destination for weddings, reunions, parties, and other events? Learn how this family built a large, fully-equipped indoor structure for weddings and other events and then added layers of outdoor possibilities to enhance the experience of its guests.
5. Cork & Brew: What does a long-time family of Sampson County do to show its commitment and dedication to our community? It creates a stunningly beautiful coffee and wine shop that delivers an experience when you walk through the doors.
6. First Miracle Vine & Wine: Meet the owners of Sampson County's first winery and treat yourself to some of their hand crafted wine. The rustic and secluded tasting room and event space was completed by the owners with trees from hurricane Matthew of 2016. They also own the Samuel Johnson House, on the National Registry of Historic Places, which was carefully restored to its former glory. From the vines to the bottles, everything is done by hand. This is a true commitment to a 20 year dream as a result of a motorcycle trip to Yadkin Valley, NC.

Register today for the Grand Farm Tour via Eventbrite and join us for a day of learning all about Sampson County local food, places and most of all, agriculture! The tour cost is $35. Participants are encouraged to bring additional funds to cover any purchases at farms or restaurants. Lunch will be served at Midway Grillin’ and is not included in the tour fee.

For more information on the tour, please contact us at the N.C. Cooperative Extension, Sampson County Center: 910-592-7161 or email eileen_coite@ncsu.edu.

(Top left: Twisted Vines Vineyard; Top right: Twiddle Dee Farm; Bottom left: Rich Farm Venue; Bottom right: Wilders)