
Liz Maynard and Emily DeaKyne participated in the Vermillion County Diverse Farm tours on August 4, 2026. The group learned about grazing and marketing sheep, goats, chickens, and cattle at Royer Farm Fresh meats in Clinton on a morning tour. Over lunch Emily presented results from the Diverse Corn Belt project. After lunch the group visited Tarquini’s in Perrysville to learn how they continue the family tradition of growing tomatoes right in town and operating a seasonal market to supply fresh produce to the community. The tour was organized by Extension educator Phil Cox from Vermillion County in collaboration with Extension educator Jamie Reed in NW Indiana, and Liz Maynard, as part of the educational efforts of the USDA-funded Diverse Corn Belt project.

Nikki Royer explains fencing for rotational grazing to tour participants at Royer Farm Fresh, Clinton, IN.

Emily DeaKyne presents policy opportunities identified by the Diverse Corn Belt project to participants in the Vermillion County Diverse Farm Tour, August 4, 2026.

Extension educator Phil Cox introduces Andi and Rob, farmers/owners at Tarquini’s, Perrysville.

One of Tarquini’s tomato fields in Perrysville.

On the tour wagon to see Tarquini’s tomato fields in Perrysville.