Free farm tours to learn the ropes of agritourism

Jul. 20—Farmers and growers in Haywood County can get a first-hand look at agritourim in action with the free series AgriTourism for Working Farms Tours hosted by the Haywood Community College Small Business Center.

The tours of five unique working farms are not meant for "tourists," but rather for farmers with working farms seeking to add agritourism to their income stream. The tours will take place from 5:30-7:30 p.m. every Tuesday in August.

—Smoky Mountain Mangalitsa: Aug. 6

Nestled on the banks of the Pigeon River in Iron Duff, this 95-acre farm raises Mangalitsa pigs — a distinctive woolly breed highly regarded for its flavor, marbling and velvety fat cap.

—Sustainabillies/Two Trees Farm: Aug. 13.

A unique solar-powered, sustainable farmstead in the Beaverdam area with vegetable and flower gardens, orchards, mushrooms and chickens and even a geodesic dome greenhouse.

—KT's Orchard and Apiary in Canton: Aug. 20.

12 acres of apples, peaches, pears, blackberries and raspberries — which produce sweet, juicy goodness for jelly, jams and even fruit punch. The apiary sells a full line of honey beeswax lip balm and cream, along with bee supplies and bees.

—Jehovah Raah Farm and Ferguson's Supply Glamping: Aug. 27.

At Jehovah Raah Farm in Fines Creek, spinning and weaving animal fiber is a chief occupation, including alpacas, llamas, Shetland sheep, Angora goats and an Angora rabbit, hosting farm stays for those looking for rejuvenation. Ferguson's Supply, also in Fines Creek, glamping and an event venue is being added to the 100-year-old cattle farm.

Register by emailing [email protected], indicating which farms you want to visit.