PCBC - 2012 Ag Tour

The Agri-Business Committee of the Portage County Business Council invites you and your business associates to attend Ag Tour 2012.  This is your opportunity to learn more about what makes the local agri-business industry a great success.  Ag Tour begins at noon at Wisconsin Public Service Corporation in Plover with a picnic lunch. 
 

Special thanks to our Presenting Sponsors: Del Monte Foods and Roberts Irrigation Company, Inc.

The theme for this year’s event is “Alternative Ag”.  The event begins at noon with a picnic lunch and guest speaker, Jasia Steinmetz, Founder & Board Member from the Central Rivers Farmshed. The title of her presentation is “Capturing Community Food Dollars and Localizing the Food System”.

Participants will hear about the impact of community investment in the Wisconsin food system using the examples of Farmshed's efforts and vision. We will discuss potential partnerships with Farmshed that strengthen our local food economy.

After the picnic lunch, a tour of a third generation farming venture of the Bronk Family Hops Farm will take place.  This family farm grows 2700+ hop plants.  With the rise in Wisconsin microbreweries, the demand for fresher, specialized hops with greater flavor and aroma has mushroomed, which is what the Bronks supply and our audience will hear about.  Then it is off to a 300 acre organic farm - Stuczynski Farms, located in Amherst. Stuczynski Farms grow row crops, small grains, hay and are in their fourth season of growing organic malting barley for Central Waters Brewing Company.  Participants will look at some fall cover crops, discuss the preparation for next year crops and organic weed control, crop quality and samples of the barley and hard red spring wheat grown this year.

Then it’s off to Central Waters Brewery Company in Amherst to experience for yourself the care taken to brew some of the finest quality products.  Today the brewery services over 200 retail locations in Central Wisconsin and has expanded its product line to include eighteen beer styles.  Come taste and feel the malted barley and be part of the brewing process. They will show attendees first-hand how they have brewed exceptional beer for more than 14 years.  This brewery tour consists of a detailed history of the brewery, walking tour of the brew house cellar, the packaging process and barrel aging warehouse facilities, followed by a tasting in the tap room.

Cost is only $20 person and includes tours, bus transportation, picnic lunch, socializing and education. Register soon as space is limited. Casual attire; sandals acceptable.

Wednesday, September 19, 2012 Agenda

Noon:        Picnic lunch and guest speaker at WPS

1:15 pm:    Arrive at Bronk Family Hops Farm
2:15 pm:    Arrive at Stuczynski Farms

3:00 pm:    Arrive at Central Waters Brewing Company
5:00 pm:    Return to WPS Corporation

Space is limited.  Sign up now.

Click on photo gallery below to see some of last year’s visits.