The 7th Annual Diversified Ag Tour will take place Friday, September 7th. Visit and learn about some of the alternative agriculture enterprises located in southeast Nebraska. The tour begins in Nebraska City at 8:00 AM. Travel arrangements include participant pick-up in Tecumseh and Auburn.

8:15-9:30 a.m. - Kimmel Orchard and Vineyard, Nebraska City
The first apple and cherry trees were planted in 1925 by Richard and Laurine Kimmel, and the tradition of agricultural education, research, and historic preservation continue today. The Kimmel Foundation is a philanthropic foundation which supports innovative ideas which promise substantial impact. Today, some of the focus areas at Kimmel include viticulture, specialty forestry crops, agrotourism, and helping ag producers with marketing and production techniques. In addition, research is conducted in cooperation with UNL. http://www.kimmelorchard.org

9:45-10:45 a.m. – Ellen’s Melons—Ellen Shank Farm, Rural Nebraska City/Union
Market producer and Master Gardener that grows a wide variety of field and high tunnel vegetable and melon crops. Ellen sells her products at the Nebraska City and Bellevue Farmer’s Markets

11:00-12:00 p.m. - Union Hill Vineyard - Ted Schekirke, Rural Union
Produces wine grapes for local wineries in Southeast Nebraska. Grape varieties grown at Union Hill Vineyards include Chambourcin and Brianna. In addition, Union Hill also has a small orchard consisting of Asian Pears and plums with the hopes that these fruits will be eventually integrated into the local wine scene.

12:30-1:45 p.m. — Slattery Vintage Estates, Vine-yard and Tasting Room, Nehawka
(Lunch at this location)
Family owned (Barb and Mike) vineyard, tasting room (wine and beer), courtyard, gift shop, bungalow lodging, and delicious food! Live entertainment avail-able at this picturesque location most weekends. Fa-cilities available for rent for wedding parties or other group events. In addition, you will learn about the Weeping Water Valley Scenic Trail. Check out the fun events planned at Slatterys throughout the year! http://www.svevineyards.com/

2:15-3:30 p.m. — Chisholm Family Farm, Elmwood
A family (of seven) owned farm conveniently located close to Lincoln and Omaha. Pasture based farm offering grass-fed products. Grass-fed products grown at Chisholm include milk and cream (from Jersey cows), aged cheese, soy-free pastured pork, soy-free pastured poultry and eggs, grass-fed and finished lamb and beef, and nourishing pet food. The Chisholm family practices rotational grazing with no synthetic or chemical fertilizer, weed control, or in-sect control products used at all! http://www.chisholmfamilyfarm.com

4:15 p.m. - Arrive back at Kimmel
Times may be subject to slight change.

Seating is limited with a registration deadline of Sept. 4th. Registration cost is $20.00 which covers travel and lunch. Registration deadline is Sept. 4th.

Contact Vaughn Hammond at UNL- Kimmel Education & Research Center, 402-873-3166 or the Nemaha County Extension office at 402-274-4755.