Somerset ag board to host ‘Ag in Action’ Day

BRIDGEWATER — The Somerset County Board of Agriculture will be hosting its “Ag in Action” open house on Sept. 12.
A regularly held event to promote agriculture and educate the public, 2010 marks the first time the “Ag in Action” will be hosted by two farms in Somerset County.
Visiting and touring two adjacent farms will help showcase the amazing diversity of today’s Somerset County agriculture.
Rainbow Run Farm, owned by former New York Giant lineman Brad Benson, brings a bit of the West to Somerset County. It is home to some of the best cutting horses in the country, and regularly hosts competitions and training and lessons to showcase and support this unique program. Benson also raises hay and grass-fed beef on the farm’s 350 acres.
Laine Farms, a long-time, family-owned farm run by Jim and Tom Laine, raises hay and grain, and operates a grain mill which supplies feed to many of Somerset County’s livestock operations.
Additionally, the brothers work with the Audubon Society growing birdseed, and are experimenting with alternative fuels in the development of pellets used in furnaces.
“Ag in Action” will be held from 10 am to 4 pm, with opening ceremonies taking place at Rainbow Run at noon.
The event is free and open to the public, and a food booth will be available for lunch.
Rainbow Hill Farm is located at 86 Rainbow Hill Road in Hillsborough. More information on our host farm, including driving directions, can be found online at www.rainbowrunfarm.com/.
More information on the Laine Farm’s collaboration with the NJ Audubon Society’s Support Agricultural Viability and the Environment birdseed, please visit www.njaudubon.org/SectionConservation/FocusontheFarmers.aspx.
“Ag in Action” Day will be held rain or shine.
For more information, phone 908-526-6293 or visit www.somerset.njaes.rutgers.edu.