Taking the right steps the first few years into direct farm marketing or agritourism can quickly put you on the path to becoming as thriving destination. If you’ve started selling products at your farm or ranch…if you’ve started inviting guests to visit the farm for outdoor entertainment or an overnight’s stay…or if you are just starting to consider a fall season, this full-day workshop is for you!

Whether this is your first or your third year, learn how to evaluate where you are and where you want to be. Agritourism expert Jane Eckert has visited hundreds of farms and has seen first-hand why certain owners succeed at growing their businesses and others do not. This workshop gives you a detailed perspective of the successful components of an agritourism destination, from the economics to the enterprises. Jane will share why certain approaches work, and she will teach you the proven, logical steps to take in order for your farm to become a successful destination for customers and tourists.

This workshop will provide you the information to:

• Analyze your family’s commitment to growth
• Evaluate the financial implications of growing your operation
• Consider some of the initial options for farm properties, such as:
• Fall Seasons
• Pick Your Own
• Retail Markets
• Bed and Breakfast experiences
• Sportsmen activities (hunting, fishing, lodging)
• Group events (chuck wagons, weddings, corporate outings)
• Tours and education
• Understand the basics needed to get started
• Determine your next steps, and decision points for expansion
• Understand why the record keeping is so important to grow your business
• Evaluate potential additional enterprises, such as adding a bakery, an ice cream stand, a garden center, etc.
• Decide if outdoor recreation is a good addition to your activity mix
• Capitalize on the increasing demand for a family fall experience
• Gain a good overview of what is being done by farms and ranches across North America.
  

If you are about to launch an agritourism business, or your business is still in its first few formative years, this workshop may be the best investment you can make in your farm’s future.

Jane Eckert's Bio 

Return to Workshops page