Gourmet News

Farmland Bacon Helps Luke Bryan Kick Off Tour

Published September 23, 2022

Luke Bryan’s country music and Farmland bacon– what’s not to like? Luke Bryan discovered a new, tasty way to help kick off his 2022 Farm Tour!

The country music star was surprised at his second tour stop in Mechanicsburg, Ohio, with a fun way to celebrate … a bacon-themed bar where everything served – from cocktails to snacks – was brimming full of Farmland bacon.

With eccentric drink options like Farmland Bacon-Infused Bourbon Manhattans and Farmland Bacon-Popcorn Bourbon Sours, made with the singer’s Two Lane Beer, it’s fair to say Luke Bryan was intrigued by the savory display. The bar even offered an array of delicious bacon-themed snacks ready to curb any pre-show appetite, including Bacon Swizzle Sticks, Bacon-Wrapped Hush Puppies, and Bacon On-The-Ranch Pinwheels.

As an official partner of Luke Bryan’s Farm Tour, Farmland presented its Bacon Bar to commemorate the annual concert series that gives back by awarding college scholarships to students from farming families who are attending a local college or university near the tour stops. To date, more than 60 scholarships have been granted.

In the brand’s continued efforts to support agriculture and farming communities, Farmland is proud to launch year two of its Honoring the Heartland Tour and be an official partner of country superstar Luke Bryan’s Farm Tour for a second consecutive year.

Throughout the 12-week mission, Farmland has been making two or three trips per week across the Midwest to deliver grab-n-go meals to those working in the agriculture industry, farming communities, and grocery/retail, and provide monetary donations to support the next generation of farmers.

To further invest in the future of the agricultural industry, Farmland is also excited to introduce its Farmland FFA Heartland Grant Program, which will be providing $20,000 in financial support to eligible members of the FFA to improve students’ work experience and to help with their development in the agriculture industry.

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Tractor Supply to Hold Nationwide Farmers Market

Published September 23, 2022

On Saturday, Oct. 1, Tractor Supply, the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the United States, will host a nationwide Farmers Market to showcase the talent and products of local farmers, growers, craft makers, artisans and other producers within the community. The community is invited to shop and explore homemade and homegrown goods from local vendors and enjoy fun, family-friendly activities.

The free event will be hosted outside of all 2,000+ Tractor Supply stores nationwide, featuring vendors who sell a variety of goods such as fresh fruit and vegetables, arts and crafts, accessories, specialty food and drink and more.

Many of the vendors look forward to this event and return year after year. This is the third year Andrea Nixon from Best Friends Farms will be at the Tractor Supply store in Pahrump, Nev., selling fresh vegetables, plants and local hemp products. She also likes to offer advice to her neighbors looking to start a garden.

“I really love this event because I get to meet lots of great people,” Nixon said. “I enjoy being able to help them with growing tips because gardening in the desert is tough.”

For Jennifer Ewald, the Tractor Supply Farmers Market gives her an opportunity to share the good works of The Farmette donkey rescue in Pipersville, Pa. This year, The Farmette will be selling homemade wreaths, jewelry and other items featuring donkeys to raise money and awareness for the non-profit rescue.

“I enjoy seeing all of the other vendors and talking with all those who come out from the community,” said Ewald.

“The Tractor Supply Farmers Market event provides a platform for growing family farms and makers and gives the community an opportunity to showcase their skills and creativity,” said Kimberley Gardiner, chief marketing officer of Tractor Supply. “We take pride in the communities that we serve and look forward to giving our customers the space to enjoy the hard work of their neighbors with their friends, families and neighbors.”

The Farmers Market event at Tractor Supply will offer a wide range of vendors whose specialty ranges from plants and herbs to soaps and candles. Go online to learn more about Tractor Supply’s Farmers Market and Tractor Supply Company.

Although registration for vendors is closed, customers can reach out to their local store for additional information regarding vendors and activities.

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Bronco Wine Company Board Appoints Leonard as President/CEO

Published September 22, 2022

Fred Franzia (Photo: Bronco Wine Company)

Following the recent death of founder and longtime CEO Fred Franzia, Bronco Wine Company’s board of directors has appointed Daniel J. Leonard as Bronco’s new president/CEO.

Leonard was the clear choice to helm the family-owned business given his long-standing relationship with Fred Franzia and the Franzia family, according to the company.

“As we look to the future, we’re confident Dan is the right person to lead Bronco Wine Company and carry on the long legacy that Fred built,” said Mark Couchman, vice chairman of the board of directors.

Leonard has been part of the Bronco family for the past 35 years, most recently in the role of senior vice president, chief financial officer. He and his wife, Bonnie, have lived in the San Joaquin Valley for 35 years and have six children, nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren. In addition, he has served on the board of directors for the Wine Institute, a voice for the California wine industry, for the past 30 years, and the boards of directors of Oak Valley Bancorp and its wholly owned subsidiary, Oak Valley Community Bank, for 10 years . Dan holds a bachelor’s degree of business administration from the University of Wisconsin.

Leonard ’s connection to the Franzia family, decision-making experience and strong leadership will add to Bronco’s storied success, according to the company. Specifically, Leonard will oversee the development of multiple business units that comprise the Franzia Family Enterprises to allow the Enterprise to leverage its agricultural, wine production, transportation and distribution assets to drive growth. Leonard also will be tasked with implementing the 2023 strategic plan announced earlier this year by the Enterprise Leadership Team.

“I humbly accept the position as President/CEO and my focus will be to ensure Bronco will continue to be a leader in the wine industry,” Leonard said. “During the past 50 years, a solid foundation has been built by Fred T., his brother Joseph S. and Cousin John, and I intend to continue the growth of the company with the help of the exceptional management team we have in place today.”

Leonard assumed the role of president/CEO immediately.

Founded in 1973 by Franzia brothers Fred T. and Joseph S., along with their cousin, John F, Bronco Wine Company has grown to become a force in the US wine industry while remaining family-owned. Although producing a diverse range of wines over 100 unique brands, neither Bronco Wine Company nor the Franzia family are affiliated with the Franzia bag-in-a-box wine product.

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