Are You Telling Your Story?

How Sharing Your Farm’s Unique Story Brings Guests Back Again and Again

When guests visit your farm, they’re not just coming for pumpkins, fresh produce, or a day in the country—they’re coming for an experience. And at the heart of every unforgettable experience is a story.


So here’s the question: Are you telling yours?


Every farm has one. Maybe it’s been passed down for generations. Maybe it started with a dream, a leap of faith, or a desire to create something meaningful for your family and your community. Whatever your journey looks like, it’s your greatest asset—and one of the most powerful tools you have to connect with your guests.


Your Story Is What Sets You Apart

In a world full of options, your story is what makes your farm different.


Guests can buy produce anywhere. They can find entertainment in countless places. But they can only experience your farm in one place—because no one else has your history, your values, or your passion.


When you share your story, you give people a reason to choose you—and more importantly, a reason to remember you.


Turn Visitors into Loyal Guests

People don’t just return to places—they return to how those places made them feel.


When guests hear your story, meet your family, and understand the “why” behind what you do, something shifts. Your farm becomes more than a destination; it becomes personal.


They start to feel connected. Invested. Like they’re part of something bigger. And that’s what keeps them coming back year after year.


Weave Your Story Into Every Experience

Telling your story isn’t about one sign at the entrance or a paragraph on your website—it’s about weaving it into everything you do.


  • Share how your farm began on your signage or in your welcome area
  • Talk about your traditions during hayrides or tours
  • Highlight your family, your team, and your values on social media
  • Create spaces where guests can see, feel, and experience your story firsthand


Even small touches—photos from the past, handwritten notes, or stories shared by staff—can make a lasting impact.


Make It Authentic

Your story doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be real.


Guests are drawn to authenticity. They want to know the challenges you’ve overcome, the lessons you’ve learned, and the passion that drives you forward.


Don’t be afraid to show the human side of your farm. That’s where the connection happens.


Give Them a Story to Take Home

When guests leave your farm, what will they tell their friends?


Will they talk about the activities—or will they talk about the experience? The people they met? The story they felt a part of?


When you intentionally share your story, you’re not just creating memories—you’re creating something worth sharing. And that kind of word-of-mouth is powerful.


Start Telling Your Story Today

If you haven’t been intentional about sharing your story, now is the time. Start small. Start simple. But start.

Because the farms that stand out—the ones guests return to again and again—aren’t just offering products or attractions.

They’re offering a story. And it’s one their guests want to be part of.


So, are you telling yours?

RECENT ARTICLES

By John Stanley • October 12, 2026
Of course, visitors know you’re the local farmer growing their food for them and providing agritourism experiences. If you believe that, you’re probably fooling yourself. At Chestnut Brae, visitors are surrounded by over 1000 chestnut trees, but we are often asked where we source our chestnuts. In fact, most locals can name the local school teacher and doctor, but not a local farmer. We need to do a better job of promoting that we are local in order to gain customer trust. When I (John), was in Hong Kong in June this year, the China News newspaper was promoting that municipalities that month were promoting “local” markets around the country. To have a stall at the market, the stall holder had to have made or grown the product in the municipality. You may argue that farmers markets do this in many countries, but some markets can be questionable and tarnish the image for all. The UK this month has a promotion, “Meet a farmer for a day,” where the public are invited onto participating farms to learn how a farm works. In the Agritourism Training Academy, there are a number of lessons focused on how to increase your “local” marketing potential and increase your revenue as a result. Promoting being local is now big business and restaurants, cafes, grocery stores, and trades people are joining the bandwagon. It is getting to be a crowded “local” marketplace and your business needs to stand out. To discuss your training needs contact Lara by scanning the QR code to organize a chat. Connect with Agritourism Training Academy
By John Stanley • October 2, 2026
On a recent tour, my wife and I searched out an independent family restaurant for a meal. We selected a “white tablecloth” Italian restaurant. The meal looked inviting and the outside image of the building looked like they were going to delight their guests. Everything looked right for an enjoyable evening experience. The first person we met, their ambassador, was dressed in clothing that seemed out of context for the restaurant’s setting. She escorted us to our table that was decorated with fresh flowers and a candle. When the waitress came, she was dressed the part, suitable for a white tablecloth restaurant, the meal was excellent. But, our conversation, once we had ordered our meal revolved around doubt on whether we’d selected the right location for a meal and would the meal be of the quality that we expected. Mixed Messages The greeter and host’s clothing did not match the experience the restaurant’s surroundings suggested. That inconsistency cast doubt on the whole dining experience. Compare this to the next day when we visited Mark Twain’s house in Hartford, Connecticut. Again we were greeted by one person. This time they were dressed in 1870's clothing and acted the part of Mark Twain’s wife showing us around the house. The host was an integral part of the customer experience and made the visit memorable. Credibility is part of the game rules What is the lesson for us in agritourism? We don’t need to dress up in costume, although some of us do. But, we do need a minimum dress code standard that the customer expects. As an owner you have to set the standard and explain why this standard has been set, especially to the younger team members. Some businesses will overcome this credibility failure by providing a staff uniform. This may or may not be appropriate for you. What is important is that the visitor has confidence in your team members, and is not distracted by the amazing service and experience you provide.
By Christine Hawks • September 28, 2026
Yes, 💩happens…literally! Petting zoos, riding stables, restroom trailers, porta-potties, and did you just say corn maze?!? Eww! But, remember you, yes YOU, make the good 💩happen!