Farms Open Doors to Tourists
Farms Open Doors to Tourists
Ron Ruiz
There used to be a time when people wanted to get away from the farm. But now, many people want to go back . . . at least for a visit.
Jane says that farmers and departments of tourism were slow to recognize that people will travel many miles to spend time on a farm or ranch–and pay for the privilege. This concept is known as Agritourism. Agritourism not only provides a way to earn extra income but also a way for families to work on the farm and gain additional income.
Jane’s family’s 1910 fruit stand has become one of the largest U-pick operations in the U.S. Visitors ride tractor-pulled wagons to the fields and orchards, where there are strawberries in the spring, pumpkins during the fall and Christmas trees in winter. They’ve also developed a $2 million barn-style country store and garden center, plus a bakery, frozen custard shop, restaurant, children?s play area and seasonal festivals.
Thanks largely to agritourism, Jane’s yearly farm income totals $10 million.
Farm and ranch families who are interested in agritourism should begin by looking at their passions, talents and resources.
This agritourism story is a great example of how a business can bring in extra income by being creative and looking at unique avenues. Jane has taken the family business and developed into a hugely profitable industry, without ever leaving the farm. A great marketing example of thinking outside-of-the-box.
For more details on this story and other business ideas go to:
http://businessfastlane.com
Technorati tags: farm agritourism people jane income business
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