FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, June 16, 2008

For more information contact:
Bill Clary

(502) 564-4696

CHANEY, HINTON NAMED TO HEAD AGRITOURISM COUNCIL

FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky Agritourism Council has elected Carl Chaney of Bowling Green and Jeremy Hinton of Hodgenville to serve as council chairman and vice chairman, respectively.

Chaney and Hinton have served as regional representatives on the council since its formation in 2002. The Council was formed to make recommendations for a statewide plan for agritourism and provide guidance to the Office of Agritourism.

“Carl Chaney and Jeremy Hinton are great leaders in Kentucky Agritourism,” said Stephen Yates, Kentucky agritourism director. “It has been a wonderful experience to work with them on projects such as the Kentucky Farms Are Fun Web site, and I look forward to working with both these individuals as we continue to look a new opportunities to develop and promote Kentucky’s agritourism industry.”

Chaney and his wife, Debra, have operated Chaney’s Dairy Barn in Warren County since 2003. The Chaneys provide an on-farm experience and a café where customers can enjoy local foods, including sandwiches and soups, along with the Chaneys’ famous homemade ice cream.  Chaney’s Dairy Barn has a gift shop focused on Kentucky products. The Chaneys offer educational tours on the farm to groups, showing kids of all ages where milk comes from and giving them a taste of farm life.

“As an industry we have come a long way since that first meeting of the Council back in 2002,” said Chaney. “We still have much to do to continue to educate the public and consumer about agritourism, and I look forward to working with the Council and Stephen as we continue this effort.”

Hinton and his wife, Joanna, operate Hinton’s Orchard and Farm Market in LaRue County.  The couple started their agritourism business in 2002 when they leased the farm known as Tommy Bennett Orchards. In 2006 they purchased a new farm on Ky. 210 outside Hodgenville, and Hinton’s Orchard and Farm Market was created. 

Hinton’s Orchard offers a variety of fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables as well as activities for the entire family at the farm. 

“I am excited about this opportunity to serve the agritourism industry,” said Hinton. “I think now is a great time for families to look in their own back door for opportunities to spend time and create memories with their families. With the rising cost of gas, farms like ours can provide a low-cost alternative to a trip to another state, and I look forward to working to promote this industry as it grows.” 

To learn more about Kentucky’s agritourism industry and about Chaney’s Dairy Barn, Hinton’s Orchard and Farm Market, and other great agritourism sites across the state, visit www.kentuckyfarmsarefun.com.

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