If you own a farm or ranch or are involved in some way in an agriculture operation, there’s a good chance you’re a busy person who wears multiple hats and is forever juggling responsibilities, chores, financial matters, and so forth and so on.
The last thing you need is someone telling you what a great idea it would be to add to your to-do list, but hear me out.
Farming is no walk in the park, we all know that, and the financial side of it isn’t any easier. What you could use is an additional income stream. That’s where agritourism comes in. Whether you hold a u-pick or a farm/ranch tour, you have the potential to create additional revenue … if you do it right. And that’s the catch.
Take it from me: It took a couple runs of the u-picks at my family’s blueberry farm in Lakeland before we were able to figure out some best practices. What we learned would be helpful for anyone looking to start their own farm tour or u-pick.
● Spread the word! Whether through e-newsletter or social media or your local agriculture magazine, make sure the public knows what you have to offer and when.
● Website: Websites that are dedicated solely to the u-pick or farm tour can easily
communicate hours, location, prices, disclaimers, registration, FAQ, what visitors should
wear and bring, and contact information.
● Educate: While entertainment may be the driving force behind a visit, educating your
visitors will leave them with an experience AND a better understanding of the farm.
● Share your enthusiasm: How many times have you gone to a museum and the tour guide’s monotonous droning on about history left you wondering why you should care if they don’t? Share your excitement for farming with your visitors. Answer their questions and make the dad jokes! It will all make for a better experience.
● Range: Include as many areas of your farm as you can. Remember, what may just be another beehive to you could be their introduction to it.
● Signage: People are like cattle sometimes; they will roam wherever they want if they’re not fenced in. Do yourself a favor and clearly mark restrooms, parking, entrances, exits, and any areas that are off-limits.
Last little tidbit…. simply do the following: 1.) Have something for your guest to do or see, 2.) Something for them to learn, and 3.) Something for your guest to buy.
I’m sure there are other tried-and-true tips, but these are the ones we found to be most helpful from my personal experience.Thanks for reading Central Florida Ag News, and God bless you and your families.
