Polk agriculture highlighted for LEAD Polk tour

It doesn’t take much to love Fall in Polk County. From the color changing leaves overhead on a country drive to visiting the local farm to pick up this year’s prized pumpkin, it is undeniable that soon the bakeries in our county will be filled with the smells of cinnamon and pumpkin pie.

The local festivals will excite our senses and beckon us to welcome the impending holiday season.

It is those wonderful characteristics that I love about Fall in the county I call “home.” Now, back to that pumpkin pie and smell of sweets. As we wander into the bakeries this season and into the homes of our loved ones let us not miss the spectacular talents of Polk County residents that we find at our table, or rather soon in our stomachs.

Many items on your dinner table this time of year, and all year, aren’t so far away, if you know where to look. On Sept. 21, LEAD Polk toured farms in beautiful Polk County that not only produce food items, but flowers too. After all, every holiday table must have a beautiful centerpiece, right?

The group was treated to exploring Jan-Bil Farms, Morning Glory Farms, Lovell Farms and Carlton Dairy Farm. These are just a few of the many establishments in the agricultural industry of Polk County.

From soybeans to cotton, wildflowers to beef, poultry and pork, our farmers work hard to provide fresh product to the Polk County community.

Each farmer we met spoke of their love for the county and the colorful history that led to their love of farming, each explaining in careful detail how they chose the animal or crop they would farm and the vigilant process of harvesting and caring for their land and animals.

However, to get that fresh farm to table meal in Polk County, one doesn’t have to look far. Each Thursday the local Farmer’s Market in Downtown Rockmart welcomes farmers from across the county to sell their bounty to the public.

One stroll through the vendors and your mouth will water as you pass the bacon jams, warm baked bread and fresh fruits.

The food isn’t the only treasure you will find there, it’s the stories and history passed down through conversations of residents as they say hello and meet new friends.

Oh, and if you want that fresh bird for Thanksgiving, don’t worry about visiting the freezer aisle, visit the farmers market to order your bird fresh from the farm, and support a local area farmer.

Polk County is full of treasures if you only take time to see them. Want to know more about the gem we call home? Join the LEAD Polk Class of 2018 by contacting Missy Kendrick, Program Coordinator at missykendrick@ polkgeorgia.com to fall in love with our county whether for the first time, or all over again.