Farm Tours

GEORGIA MOUNTAIN FARM TOURS

SPRING 2024 - Habersham and Stephens Counties

MEET YOUR FARM TOUR HOSTS

Tariq of Bey Family Farm. Tariq started cultivating part of the 16 acre farm for fruits and vegetables 5 years ago to be closer to family and to put down some roots. Focusing on Certified Naturally Grown vegetables, Tariq has an insatiable drive to grow better food and engineer more sustainable systems for the farm. From his newly grafted tomato and cucumber seedling trials, to his idea on how to make static aeriated compost on farm, the possibilities are endless and there's never enough time or help to make it all happen. 

Stephen of Peach House Farms. Peach House Farm is a family home and farm specializing in cut flowers. Originally built by David Franklin Thomason in 1909, the farmhouse was lovingly renovated in 2019 and is managed by descendants Caitlin and Ryan Greene, whose family has deep ties to the Toccoa and greater Currahee Mountain communities to this day. Peach House Farm’s 40 acres are maintained by farmer Stephen Dobek. 

Susan of Little Toccoa Creek Farm.  For Susan, growing good food means fostering biodiversity and improving the land, which uncoincidentally involves Certified Naturally Grown practices that produce nutrient-rich, healthier produce. After retiring from teaching Biology, Susan worked on organic farms in Australia and New Zealand “to make sure [farming full time] was something I enjoyed,” she says. Spoiler alert—she really does, so she set out to create a farm of her own. When she purchased the 92-acre Toccoa property five years ago, it had been used for many years for cattle, so it needed some restoration. Susan put her science background and environmental health values to work bringing back a more natural ecology without chemicals and using regenerative farming practices such as broad-forking, cover cropping, and using water efficiently. Read more...

Important Information

THE SCHEDULE - April 13th, 2024

Tour three different farms located in Habersham and Stephens County. Everyone starts at 1pm at Bey Family Farm in Demorest, GA, and there is expected to be two groups (so you can hear the farmer better). 

Each of the three farms will offer a 45 minute educational tour, and there will also be a "Starting Seeds for Beginners" hands-on workshop with Carrie of New Branch Farm.

Garden plants, seasonal farm food, flowers, and seeds will be available for purchase.

Starting address, directions, and further schedule details will be sent to attendees closer to the date. 


YOU’RE THE DRIVER

This is a drive-yourself (CARAVAN) style farm tour! Brochures with directions, map overview, and farm info will be given at check in.


Having a designated and trusted navigator beside the driver is recommended. We will be in rural areas where service and GPS routes need to be accompanied by attention and written directions, not just following the person in front of you.


PIT STOPS & RESTROOMS

We recommend using bathrooms before arrival. We will also have a few pit stops suggestions listed in the brochure located between farms to help you stay comfortable. There is a porta-potty at Bey Family Farm. 


BRING SOME SNACKS… & PLENTY OF WATER 

While we will be around food being grown, we are not expecting substantial prepared foods for purchase this time. Feel free to bring some snacks or even pack a picnic that you and your friends can enjoy after the final tour. Don’t forget your blanket! 


FAMILY FRIENDLY, OF COURSE!

We want every generation to experience small working farms and the atmosphere of food grown for the community by REAL PEOPLE. Those 12 years or younger can come free of charge. ALL attendees under 18 years of age need to be accompanied by a legal guardian to sign waiver. 


THERE WILL BE ANIMALS

There are animals incorporated into this spring farm tour; You might see chickens, goats, rabbits, donkeys, dogs, horses, guineas, ducks. Please use utmost caution and care around all farm animals. Never assume they are meant to be approached, pet, or fed without explicit directions from the farmer.


NO PETS allowed when visiting farms. 


ACCESSIBILITY IS LIMITED

During each 45-minute farm tour, there is uneven ground, gravel, and potential mud. Please be advised; limited seating is provided unless you bring your own portable chair, or let us know of your needs ahead of time. A shuttle vehicle is expected to be available for a limited number of people to get from parking areas to start of tour. Please indicate your accessibility considerations when purchasing tickets and call Andrew at 770-five30-3287 if needed. 


STICK TOGETHER

These are guided tours around working farms. Please stay with your guide and group. Some areas might not be included in the tour.


RAIN OR SHINE!

The tour will still take place with forecasted and/or light rains. If thunderstorms or inclement weather are eminent during tour hours, the tour will take place the next day on Sunday, April 14th. Attendees will be notified by email by 5:30pm Friday April 12th.


Only ticket holders who sign the Farm Tour Release Waiver will be given access to farms. 

PROGRAM GOALS & PROCEEDS

Georgia Mountains Farm Tours help local residents learn who, why, when, and where local food comes from, connect folks with those currently producing food in your community, and provide authentic experiences on working farms with sustainable practices! 

Proceeds from this event go towards our mission of building community around local food!


Farmers are given an honorarium (made possible through Sponsors) for sharing their time, experiences, and farm, and supporting them through on-farm purchases is highly encouraged to keep these tours sustainable!

2024 FARM TOUR SPONSORS:

Cleveland, GA

White County Farmers Exchange

Soque River Outfitters

A to Zinc Health Store

United Community Bank

Sue Harmon

Elaine Gerke