Agri-tourism
Selling the Farm Experience
Dora Ann Hatch
Community Economic Development
LSU AgCenter Extension Agent
North Central Region
May 19, 2004
www.lsuagcenter.com
What is Agri-tourism?
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It is “a commercial enterprise at a working
farm, ranch, or agricultural plant
conducted for the enjoyment of visitors
that generates supplemental income for
the owner.”
A quote from University of California’s Small Farm Center
What Does Agri-tourism Include?
Outdoor Recreation
Farm Sales
Entertainment
Educational Experiences
Problems
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Struggling dairy farm
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Insufficient cash flow
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High dairy production costs
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Concern over making monthly notes
Solution
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Diversify the farm
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Find a niche
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Surround yourself with those who care
State of Louisiana
Claiborne
Morehouse
Union
Lincoln
Ouachita
Bienville
Red
River
DeSoto
Richland
Madison
Jackson
Franklin
Caldwell
Tensas
Winn
Location of PaPa
Simpson’s Farm
La Salle
Sabine
Grant
Rapides
Vernon
Avoyelles
West
Feliciana
Beauregard
Allen
St. Landry
Jefferson
Davis
Pointe
Coupee
Washington
x
E. Baton
Rouge
Livingston
Acadia
St. Martin
St.
James
Iberia
Cameron
St.
Helena
Evangeline
WBR
Calcasieu
East
Feliciana
Vermilion
St. Bernard
St. Mary
Terrebonne
PaPa Simpson’s Farm, LLC
“Where Learning Comes to Life”
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Tour the farm via slide show
Brainstorming
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What does the farm have to offer visitors?
Is the location good?
Is there a need for an agri-tourism business?
Will it be possible to open this operation and
run the dairy too?
Will there by family support?
Will neighbors support the idea?
If I build it, will they come?
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How many students grades pre-K – sixth
grade are within an hour’s drive of the
farm?
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How many will come?
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How much can I charge?
Who are My
Resources?
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Cooperative Extension Service
Chamber of Commerce
Tourism associations
Dairy Board
Other local universities
Small Business Development Center
Local schools/teachers
Family/friends
Media/Internet
What’s Next?
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Develop a mission statement.
Create a business plan.
Look for financing.
Utilize the expertise of specialist with the
Cooperative Extension Service.
Some Things to Think About
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What does the perfect field trip include?
– Ask for teacher input and LISTEN
– Conduct pilot field trips
How many people can the farm host?
– How large a group can one person handle?
Will your family participate and provide support?
– Will my family help or will I hire others?
Am I comfortable speaking in front of others?
Do I like people?
What’s Feasible?
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How much time and personnel will the
new operation require?
Will there be additional costs?
What changes will I need to make to the
farm?
–
–
Infrastructure
ADA compliance
Selling the Experience
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Talk to
teachers/principals
Brochures
Website
TV
Radio
Newspaper
Word of mouth
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Make sure the price is
right
Give a fantastic field
trip!
KNOW your audience
Be HOSPITABLE
Audiences
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School Children
Elderly/nursing home
Inner city children
Summer programs
Day cares
Home School Children
Birthday Parties
Family Reunions
The Key to
Success:
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Start small
Continuously add new attractions
Develop partnerships
Know your talents
WORK HARD . . . It pays off
Be enthusiastic about what you do
Video
PaPa Simpson’s Farm, LLC
“Where Learning Comes to
Life!”
576 Nicholson Road
Arcadia, LA 71001
318-263-2383
dairyman4family@yahoo.com
Dora Ann Hatch
Community Economic Development
dhatch@agctr.lsu.edu
318.927.9654
www.lsuagcenter.com
Agri-tourism Ideas
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Horseback riding
Wildlife viewing &
photography
Fee fishing
Camping/picnicking
Fee hunting
Wagon/sleigh rides
Cross-country skiing
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School tours
Garden/nursery tours
Winery tours
Agricultural exhibits
Agricultural Research
Stations
Game preserve
Skeet shooting
More Agri-tourism Ideas
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Exotic farm animals
On farm sales
Roadside stand
Agriculture related
crafts
U-pick operations
Festivals/fairs
Petting zoo
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Hunting/working dog
trials/training
Farm/ranch vacations
B & B’s
Guest ranch
Youth camp
Farmer’s market