September 16, 1pm–5pm
WhatJoin us to visit the great farms and agriculture businesses of Shelby County! We will be located in the northeast section of the county in Dinsmore and Jackson Townships. This fun family event, with programs, activities, food and best of all it is FREE!
Bambauer Fertilizer & Seed
20910 Wise Rd. in Jackson Center
Since 1958, Bambauer Fertilizer & Seed, Inc. has been a family owned and operated business, currently incorporating its fourth generation. With three retail locations in New Knoxville, Jackson Center and Pemberton, they are serving farmers in seven counties. On the tour, guests will experience the Dry Fertilizer Facility at the Jackson Center location. The 10,000 ton facility offers better service to Bambauer’s customers with expanded storage and rail capacity as well as more efficient transfers to all Bambauer locations. A tower blend system that incorporates a state of the art High Intensity Mixer are additional features of this facility. Also at this stop, guests will enjoy facility demos, a children’s corn pit, popcorn and refreshments.
K & K Dairy, Inc. Bob and Marcy Kohler
15437 Botkins Rd. in Botkins
Bob and Marcy Kohler are currently operating their family farm of approximately 750 head of mostly Holstein dairy cattle. After years of milking in stanchions, the Kohler family built a double four milking parlor in 1968. Then in 2000 they built a double 12 milking parlor and are currently milking 300 cows. The Kohler family also farms 600 acres of corn, soybeans, wheat, and hay using different conservation practices such as conservation tillage. The cows are pasture-based, spending a majority of their time on grass. The heifer and bull calves are raised to maturity on their farm. At this stop you will get to see the feeding of baby calves, milking starting at 2 p.m. and many jobs that are a part of life on a dairy farm. The Shelby County Dairy Boosters will be serving FREE ice cream.
Dave & Patty Mann Family Farms
19907 Botkins Rd. in Jackson Center
Mann Farms was established in 1987 just outside Jackson Center, Ohio. The family operation includes Dave and Patty, their daughter Shelby and son-in-law Ethan Fite, and their son, Chris, along with several additional full-time and seasonal employees. Currently, the farm is producing corn and soybeans in several counties in northwestern Ohio. To reduce their environmental impact and grow better, the Manns are ever increasing their use of high-tech solutions including RTK (Real Time Kinematic), autosteer in their tractors, combines and sprayers, GPS, and drones. In the process, they are protecting their soil, air and water that they depend on to create a sustainable way of life. Come and see their impressive grain storage facility and high-tech farm equipment.
Kah Nursery Garden Center & Landscaping Design
17447 Pasco Montra Rd. in Botkins
In 1948, George and Irene Kah established Kah Nursery with a little more than 8 acres of land, a few plants and a barn. As the business grew, they began to lease land to grow more of their own plants. In 1957, William Baughman was hired and in 1968, Bill purchased 8 acres of land which Bill and George, as partners, decided to use to plant shrubs. Over the years the partnership grew as more land was acquired and in 1984 after George Kah passed away, Bill purchased the nursery from George’s wife, Irene. Kah Nursery is now comprised of nearly 50 acres, five polyhouses, two greenhouses, two shade houses, equipment barns, office and a year-round gift store. The business has shifted from managing shrub and tree growing fields to more landscaping and expanded plant growing facilities. As Kah Nursery Garden Center & Landscaping Design celebrates 70 years of service, bring the family and tour their thriving plant facilities and beautiful landscape designs.
Stop Sponsors
A.G. Boogher & Son, Inc., Cargill Inc., Community Insurance Group, Farm Credit Mid-America, Hubbard Feeds Inc., RE/MAX ONE, Gay & Eric Smith, Sidney Body Carstar, and Sidney Visitors Bureau
Friend of Tour Sponsors
Buckeye Ford Lincoln, LLC, Farm Bureau Council #30, Fultz Flooring, G.A. Wintzer & Son Company, Gary L. Flinn Co., L.P.A., Koenig Equipment, Inc., McCrate, DeLaet & Co., Nupco Plastic Tubing, Inc., Ohio LMO #2 National Farmers Organization, Osgood State Bank, Paradise Acres, Rusty Eilerman – Nationwide Insurance, Schafer Oil Co., and Tony & Joyce Bornhorst
Star Sponsors
Barker Insurance Agency, Inc. and Kenneth J. Rethman, CPA
Tour Organization Committee
Shelby County Farm Bureau
Shelby Soil & Water Conservation District
OSU Extension, Shelby County
USDA, Farm Service Agency
USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service
Tour includes free refreshments, demonstrations, and maps at every location. Watch the media outlets the week of Sept. 10 for details. If you have further questions contact Shelby Soil & Water Conservation District or Farm Service Agency at 937-492-6520, OSU Extension at 937-498-7239 or Shelby County Farm Bureau at 877-775-7642.
Tour Brochure for map & details.