07/17/08 Agri-Tourism

The newest vacation attraction destination could be as close as the local farm down the road. As more people live in urban areas Agritourism is starting to become a lucrative business offering farmers a way to increase revenue during hard times. First started as on- site produce sales, u-picks and hay rides, Agritourism has branched out to include farm and ranch tours, land leasing during hunting seasons, horse riding and cow or goat milking. If a farmer chooses to add a tourism component they need to make certain that doing so would be an improvement for their overall business and that they can offer an experience people would enjoy. Also, opening a farm to the public involves more than just putting a sign up one day and charging admission the next. Public restrooms, refreshment facilities and shaded seating are all necessities. And although people want "reality", large unfriendly dogs and a cow patty covered landscape will definitely put a kink in the Agritourist experience. The main goal is to get 'em down to the farm.