After enjoying breakfast at the Embassy Suites, Ag Tour attendees will depart at 7 AM to explore two agricultural businesses in Robertson County, which is the #3 ranked county for ag production out of the 95 counties in Tennessee!
South Central Growers, Inc.
The first stop will be at South Central Growers, Inc., in Springfield, Tennessee. They are a wholesale producer of annuals, bedding plants, hanging baskets, garden mums and poinsettias. They supply retail organizations such as 84 Lowe’s stores, 37 Sam’s Club stores and others. They grow over 9 million plants under 25 acres of greenhouse glass along with 16 acres outside. Attendees will learn about plant production techniques; logistics systems connected to their buyers; resource stewardship and their family history rooted in the Netherlands. Poinsettia’s will be their primary focus in November so attendees will be treated to some spectacular views!
Jepson Farms
Next, tour goers will visit Jepson Farms, located in Orlinda, Tennessee, to experience and learn about the rich history of this multi-generation family farm, with the 6th, 7th and 8th generations actively participating since the operation began in 1806! They produce corn, soybeans, wheat, tobacco, pumpkins and watermelons encompassing over 10,000 acres in 4 counties. Attendees will learn about family history, cropping practices, sustainability focus, end use markets they supply and labor management. Breakout groups will focus on Tobacco Stripping, Cover Crop Trials and Tennessee Department of Ag topics.
Lunch will be prepared by Bernard Farms Custom Meats and Market, a neighboring business to Jepson Farms.
Attendees will enjoy experiencing rural Tennessee with its rolling hills, trees, farmsteads and the friendly nature of the people!