Agritourism

Agritourism

David Sparks Ph.D.
David Sparks Ph.D.

 Ominous signs in the news have shown that farm and ranch land values have declined significantly in the last few years, leaving agricultural producers looking for additional ways to generate revenue. One potential cash cow, no pun intended, is agri-tourism and farmers and ranchers across the nation have been participating in this growing trend. Some time ago I asked Lacey Menasco, who at the time was the Idaho Department of Agriculture marketing specialist to define this exciting new economic opportunity:  "Agritourism involves any agricultural-based operation or activity that brings visitors to a farm or ranch. This trend is evidenced in Idaho with the growing number of u-picks, corn mazes, pumpkin patches, winery tours, and even on-farm events such as dinners and concerts. 

 

 Studies show that farmers and ranchers who are involved in direct marketing and/or agritourism have greater revenue than operations of similar size that are not." I know of an entrepreneurial corn farmer in Illinois who built a maze that is a perfect representation of the Chicago Blackhawks logo.

Previous ReportHydroponic Heaven
Next ReportAnimal Activists