Organic Valley farmers will host free public farm tours at several Midwest locations on Sept. 20.
The tours will be family-oriented, and will include hands-on activities, butter making and hayrides, as well as viewing cows, calves, hens and other farm animals at pasture. Tour hours are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Organizers said the tours are part of a "Farm Discovery" program that's intended to give people information about farmers and farming, where food comes from, and how organic farms operate.
Three of the farms are in Minnesota: Zweber Farms in Elko, Valley View Dairy in Maple Lake, and Schroht Family Farm in Owatonna.
Organic Valley is America's largest cooperative of organic farmers that represents 1,844 farmers in 36 states. It produces organic milk, soy, cheese, butter, eggs, produce, and other items sold in supermarkets, natural food stores and food cooperatives.
To make reservations for tours and for more information, go to www.organicvalley.coop
