I just saw a recent Facebook post/question asking about how best to manage guests who do not treat your farm with care and gratitude. The overwhelming answer given to the individual asking the question was to charge admission.

Anyone who has navigated the transition from guests enjoying farm resources for free to charging admission for those same experiences knows the backlash, public comments, and frustration that comes with making the change. How do you navigate this tricky road? 

Some suggest starting at a low price point for your area and ensuring a great marketing plan to explain the clean up costs, property upkeep, and guest amenity costs in having a farm experience. Others suggest adding several new things when transitioning to paid attendance for guests to enjoy so they see the overall value in paying extra. Either way, it is a stressful transition which can make you feel alone and hurt from public sentiment.

For a human perspective, and ideas from those who have made the switch, check out the audio and presentation from a convention recording from a few years ago by Jeff Probst and Hugh McPherson.  Just visit the EDUCATION CENTER and select the Admissions Pricing button to access the materials.  As a reminder, the EDUCATION CENTER is for members only, but you can access it at any time if you are not a member by joining NAFDMA.