Trunnell's Farm Market(ing)

Tonight, the Chamber held its annual Agri-Business Tour and visited Kentuckiana Livestock near Moseleyville, the Big Independent tobacco warehouse—the last standing tobacco warehouse in Daviess County—and Trunnell's Farm Market near Utica. I enjoyed and learned at all three stops but must admit I enjoyed the Kevin Trunnell and family farm market most of all.

What's not to like at Trunnell's? Fresh vegetables, unique Kentucky-made food items, beautiful mums, pumpkins, gourds, whole milk with cream and friendly people. The Trunnells were long-time tobacco farmers who diversified into fruits and veggies through the years. They grew into their quaint road-side store a few years ago and are open seven days a week. Ironically, Kevin said Sunday is one of their busiest days but—in true family fashion—he doesn't require employees to work Sundays if they'd rather not. Behind the store is a beautiful scene of rolling Daviess County countryside.

Kevin has participated in Kentucky's farm diversification funding program to help build his store. As was explained during the tour, Kentucky is one of the few states that took the large tobacco industry lawsuit and set aside half of it to help farmers across the state diversify and market Kentucky-made products at the same time. If Trunnell's Farm Market is any indication, it's been a good investment on the state's part.

I bought three items at the store. I first picked up a small jar of old fashion peach preserves. After sampling some honey apple salsa, I couldn't resist a 14-ounce jar of it. Finally, I bagged some vidalia onion honey mustard dressing—with only six grams of sugar per serving! I passed on the homemade fudge, pies and breads not to mention the thick cut pepper bacon and countless other items that made my mouth water. Trunnell's Farm Market is just a few miles south of Owensboro on U.S. 431 before you get to Utica. It's worth the drive.