Agritourism Selling the Farm Experience

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Agri-tourismSelling the Farm Experience

• Dora Ann Hatch
• Community Economic Development
• LSU AgCenter Extension Agent
• North Central Region
• May 19, 2004

www.lsuagcenter.com
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What is Agri-tourism?

• 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 Californias Small
  Farm Center

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What Does Agri-tourism Include?
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Problems

• Struggling dairy farm
• Insufficient cash flow
• High dairy production costs
• Concern over making monthly notes

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Solution

• Diversify the farm
• Find a niche
• Surround yourself with those who care

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State of Louisiana
Location of PaPa Simpsons Farm
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PaPa Simpsons Farm, LLCWhere Learning Comes to
Life

• Tour the farm via slide show

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Brainstorming

• 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?

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If I build it, will they come?

• How many students grades pre-K sixth grade are
  within an hours drive of the farm?
• How many will come?
• How much can I charge?

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Who are My Resources?

• Cooperative Extension Service
• Chamber of Commerce
• Tourism associations
• Dairy Board
• Other local universities
• Small Business Development Center
• Local schools/teachers
• Family/friends
• Media/Internet

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Whats Next?

• Develop a mission statement.
• Create a business plan.
• Look for financing.
• Utilize the expertise of specialist with the
• Cooperative Extension Service.

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Some Things to Think About

• 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?

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Whats Feasible?

• 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

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Selling the Experience

• Talk to teachers/principals
• Brochures
• Website
• TV
• Radio
• Newspaper
• Word of mouth

• Make sure the price is right
• Give a fantastic field trip!
• KNOW your audience
• Be HOSPITABLE

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Audiences

• School Children
• Elderly/nursing home
• Inner city children
• Summer programs
• Day cares
• Home School Children
• Birthday Parties
• Family Reunions

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The Key to Success

• Start small
• Continuously add new attractions
• Develop partnerships
• Know your talents
• WORK HARD . . . It pays off
• Be enthusiastic about what you do

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Video

• PaPa Simpsons Farm, LLC
• Where Learning Comes to Life!
• 576 Nicholson Road
• Arcadia, LA 71001
• 318-263-2383
• dairyman4family_at_yahoo.com

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Dora Ann Hatch Community Economic
Development dhatch_at_agctr.lsu.edu 318.927.9654
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Agri-tourism Ideas

• Horseback riding
• Wildlife viewing photography
• Fee fishing
• Camping/picnicking
• Fee hunting
• Wagon/sleigh rides
• Cross-country skiing

• School tours
• Garden/nursery tours
• Winery tours
• Agricultural exhibits
• Agricultural Research Stations
• Game preserve
• Skeet shooting

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More Agri-tourism Ideas

• Exotic farm animals
• On farm sales
• Roadside stand
• Agriculture related crafts
• U-pick operations
• Festivals/fairs
• Petting zoo

• Hunting/working dog trials/training
• Farm/ranch vacations
• B Bs
• Guest ranch
• Youth camp
• Farmers market