The Pollinator

What Is Agritourism? (And How Do You Know If You’re Already Doing It?)

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 21:57:31 GMT

Most people think they know what agritourism is.

A farm.
A pumpkin patch.
Maybe a seasonal festival.

And while those are agritourism… they’re only a small part of it.

The bigger truth?

A lot of destinations—and businesses—are already doing agritourism. They just don’t realize it yet.

Let’s Start With the Definition

At its core, agritourism is simple: Agritourism is an agricultural enterprise attracting visitors to a farm or ranch to experience a connection with agriculture production and/or processing through entertainment, education, and/or the purchase of farm products.

That definition—commonly used by NAFDMA International Agritourism Association—is intentionally broad.

Because agritourism isn’t about where you are.

It’s about how people experience agriculture.

So… How Do You Know If You’re Agritourism?

Here’s the easiest way to think about it:

If a visitor can engage with agriculture at your business or in your destination— you’re in the agritourism space.

That engagement might look like:

Having fun
Learning something
Eating or drinking something
Buying something connected to agriculture

If one (or more) of those is happening… you’re not adjacent to agritourism.

You’re in it.

All the Ways You Might Already Be Doing Agritourism

You’re Agritourism If You…

…Invite people onto a farm

U-pick orchards
Animal encounters
Farm tours

…Host events tied to agriculture

Harvest festivals
Bloom seasons (lavender, sunflowers, tulips)
Pollinator or nature-based events

…Serve food or drinks connected to agriculture

Farm-to-table meals
Wineries, cideries, breweries
Tastings and culinary experiences

…Sell products grown or made from agriculture

Farm markets
Value-added goods (jams, baked goods, honey)
Branded farm products

…Create experiences designed for fun on agricultural land

Corn mazes
Hayrides
Playgrounds and attractions

…Teach people something about agriculture

Workshops
Classes
Demonstrations

…Offer a place to stay connected to agriculture

Farm stays
Glamping
Cabins on agricultural land

…Connect multiple experiences across a destination

Farm trails
Local food routes
Partnerships between farms, restaurants, and lodging

If you checked even one of these…

You’re not “considering” agritourism.

You’re already doing it.

The Real Question Isn’t If—It’s How Well

Most destinations don’t need to “add” agritourism.

They need to:

Recognize what they already have
Connect the pieces
Design the experience more intentionally

Because the real opportunity is in building an ecosystem where:

Visitors stay longer
Spend more
And leave with a stronger connection

Final Thought

Agritourism isn’t a label you earn. It’s a lens you apply.

And once you start looking through it, you realize:

You were closer to it than you thought.

Are You Telling Your Story?

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 16:06:13 GMT

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?

Why Custom Stickers Are Retail Gold

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 17:09:53 GMT

Why Custom Stickers Are a Must-Have Retail Item for Farm Stores & Gift Shops

If you’re looking for a small product with big impact, custom stickers might be one of the smartest additions to your retail mix. Affordable, eye-catching, and incredibly versatile, stickers continue to be a go-to impulse purchase—and when done right, they can significantly boost your average transaction value.

Local Pride Sells

One of the biggest drivers behind sticker sales is personalization. Shoppers love items that reflect where they live, visit, or feel connected to. That’s where Stickers Northwest stands out.

With thousands of designs available, every sticker can be customized with your city, neighborhood, or local flair—at no extra cost. This means your store can offer products that feel uniquely yours without the added expense or hassle of custom production.

Variety = More Sales

Customers rarely stop at just one sticker. In fact, stickers are one of the most common “add-on” purchases at checkout. The key to maximizing sales? Offering a wide assortment.

A balanced mix of:

Local, name-dropped designs
Proven best sellers
Seasonal or themed options

…ensures there’s something for everyone walking through your doors. The more variety you offer, the more likely customers are to grab multiple designs.

Meet the New Favorite: Mini Trios

New this year, Mini Trios are quickly becoming a standout product. These adorable sets include three mini stickers on a compact card—perfect for gifting, collecting, or trying multiple designs at once.

They’re:

Easy to display
Affordable for customers
Ideal for impulse buys

And because they take up minimal space, they fit seamlessly into any existing display setup.

Small Product, Big Profit Potential

Stickers check all the boxes for retailers:

Compact and easy to merchandise
Visually engaging
High-margin items
Low risk, high turnover

Even better, Stickers Northwest offers free displays (with product orders) and free freight, making it simple to get started without upfront investment in fixtures or shipping costs.

Supporting Small Business, Made in the USA

When you stock stickers from Stickers Northwest, you’re also supporting a small business based in Tacoma. Every sticker is proudly printed in the USA, giving your customers another reason to feel good about their purchase.

The Bottom Line

Stickers may be small, but their impact on retail sales is anything but. With customization options, strong margins, and proven customer appeal, they’re a simple way to add personality—and profit—to your store.

If you’re not already offering a wide range of stickers, now might be the perfect time to stick with what works.

Telling a Story That Blooms Beyond the Field

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 17:32:34 GMT

An Interview with Vanessa of Tulip Valley Farms

At Tulip Valley Farms , storytelling isn’t just something shared—it’s something lived. In this conversation, Vanessa shares how her family’s unique journey, including her brother Andrew’s experience as a colorblind tulip farmer, has blossomed into a powerful and authentic way to connect with guests. From children’s books to merchandise and meaningful community outreach, their story continues to grow in unexpected and inspiring ways.

A Story Guests Instantly Connect With

One of the most compelling parts of Tulip Valley Farms’ story is also the most unexpected.

Vanessa shares that her brother Andrew—a tulip farmer—is colorblind. It’s a detail that immediately captures attention. Tulip farming is so deeply rooted in color, yet Andrew navigates it differently. That contrast sparks curiosity and relatability.

Many guests either experience colorblindness themselves or know someone who does. What might seem counterintuitive at first quickly becomes meaningful: a reminder that limitations don’t always define outcomes.

Creative Storytelling in Action

Tulip Valley Farms has found thoughtful and creative ways to bring their story to life:

Children’s Book – Vanessa wrote a book inspired by Andrew’s journey, creating a new way for families to engage with their story.
“See the World Differently” Merchandise – Stickers and shirts extend the message beyond the farm.
Media Appearances – Vanessa, Andrew, and the illustrator appeared live on a weekend news program, sharing their story with a broader audience.
Community Engagement – From a public reading and book signing event to visiting a 4th-grade classroom, they’ve brought the story directly to children.

Each of these efforts reinforces their message in a tangible, memorable way.

Why Their Story Resonates

At its core, the story isn’t just about tulips—it’s about perspective.

Vanessa explains that guests connect deeply with the idea that:

Being “different” doesn’t mean being limited
Challenges can be navigated with support
Seeing the world differently isn’t wrong—it’s simply different

That authenticity has turned casual visitors into something more meaningful: true fans of the farm.

Gaining Attention Through Authentic PR

Tulip Valley Farms has seen strong success with storytelling-driven media coverage.

The story of a colorblind tulip farmer gained widespread traction, being syndicated across 70 regions .
The children’s book provided a fresh angle, helping reignite media interest and expand their reach.

By evolving the narrative rather than repeating it, they’ve kept their story relevant and engaging.

Evolving the Story Year After Year

Vanessa and her family continue to build on their story in meaningful ways:

Year One: The colorblind tulip farmer story emerges
Year Two: A children’s book brings it to life
What’s Next? Possibly a series—or new stories altogether

One new direction already taking shape is Holly’s journey (Andrew’s wife), focusing on mental health and how farming has supported healing.

Their approach is simple but powerful: stay real, stay honest, and let the story grow naturally.

Advice for Other Farms

Vanessa’s advice is refreshingly straightforward: "Be authentic. Lean into what makes you unique—even if it feels a little quirky."

What may seem unusual at first can become the very thing that resonates most deeply with the right audience.

Behind the Scenes: Bringing a Book to Life

Vanessa also shared a practical look at her publishing journey:

She self-published the book
Carefully selected a professional illustrator (emphasizing the value of real artistry)
Found a reliable printer with good turnaround time
Timed production so books would be ready for peak season—the tulip festival
Expanded reach by selling through their website

It’s a great example of how intentional planning can turn a creative idea into both a storytelling and revenue opportunity.

Final Thoughts

Tulip Valley Farms shows that the most powerful stories aren’t manufactured—they’re discovered, embraced, and shared with honesty.

By leaning into what makes them different, they’ve created something more than a visitor experience. They’ve built a connection. And in doing so, they’ve proven that sometimes the most beautiful stories are the ones seen a little differently.

More Than a Discount: How NAFDMA’s Partners Help You Build a Better Farm

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 16:46:25 GMT

Every agritourism operation relies on partners.

From the tools you use to run your business, to the products you sell, to the experiences you create for your guests—behind every decision is a vendor, a supplier, or a service provider.

But finding the right partners? That’s not always easy.

That’s why NAFDMA has built something incredibly valuable for its members: a curated network of trusted partners —paired with exclusive savings.

A Network You Can Trust

Not all vendors understand agritourism. And that matters.

NAFDMA partners are not random listings—they’re businesses that have chosen to invest in this industry and support farms like yours. Many are already working with agritourism operations, which means they understand:

Seasonal demands and peak traffic
Guest experience expectations
Operational challenges unique to farms
The importance of safety, durability, and efficiency

Instead of starting from zero, you’re starting with vendors who already understand your world.

Savings That Go Beyond the Surface

Yes—there are discounts. But this benefit is about more than just a lower price.

Through NAFDMA’s partner network and savings programs, members can access reduced pricing on a wide range of business needs—and even personal expenses.

It can include things like:

Business supplies and equipment
Marketing tools and services
Travel and lodging
Fuel and everyday operational costs

In fact, collective buying programs connected to NAFDMA have helped members save significantly on everyday purchases—sometimes averaging notable cost reductions across multiple vendors. It’s not just a perk—it’s a strategy for running a more efficient business.

Better Decisions, Less Guesswork

Choosing a vendor can feel like trial and error.

Will they deliver on time?
Will their product hold up?
Will it actually work for your farm?

With NAFDMA partners, you’re not making those decisions alone.

You’re backed by:

A network of members who have worked with these vendors
Industry familiarity that reduces miscommunication
Proven solutions already being used on farms

It turns vendor selection from a gamble into a more confident, informed decision.

Built-In Opportunities You Might Not Expect

Some of the biggest value comes from opportunities for which you might not even be looking.

Through NAFDMA partnerships, members can access things like:

Special deals tied to industry markets and events
Cost-saving opportunities when attending wholesale shows
Connections to new product lines that increase retail revenue

For example, NAFDMA has coordinated benefits like reduced travel costs and perks at wholesale markets—helping farms discover new products while lowering the cost of attending.

It’s not just about saving money—it’s about unlocking new revenue opportunities.

A Smarter Way to Grow

At the end of the day, every dollar you save—and every smart partnership you make—has an impact on your farm.

NAFDMA’s partner network helps you:

Spend more strategically
Find vendors faster
Reduce risk in your decisions
Discover new ideas and products

Because growth isn’t just about what you add. It’s about how wisely you choose what supports your business.

Ready to connect with partners who understand your farm—and help you run it more efficiently?

Explore NAFDMA membership and start taking advantage of exclusive partner benefits . Visit NAFDMA.com to learn more.

Keep Customers Coming Back with Flavor, Variety, and Innovation

Sat, 21 Mar 2026 17:05:46 GMT

At Gardner Pie , we know that great pie programs start with the classics—but real growth comes from keeping things fresh, exciting, and impossible to resist.

A strong daily lineup should always include customer favorites like Apple, Cherry, Blueberry, Peach, and Strawberry Rhubarb. These tried-and-true flavors build consistency and trust with your customers.

As the seasons change, so should your offerings. Adding fall favorites like Pumpkin, Pecan, and Sweet Potato creates timely excitement and taps into seasonal cravings that drive sales.

But if you really want to boost repeat visits and increase impulse purchases, consider introducing a Pie of the Week or Month .

This strategy gives your customers a reason to return again and again—eager to see what’s new.

At Gardner Pie, we’re known for our commitment to Quality, Variety, and Innovation , and our unique flavor combinations help set retailers apart. Specialty options like:

Churro Apple
Dark Chocolate Cherry
Blueberry Lemon Buckle
Pineapple Upside Down
Very Berry

…add a sense of discovery to your display and turn everyday shoppers into loyal fans.

Rotating these specialty pies keeps your bakery case dynamic and engaging—encouraging customers to try something new each visit.

Built on Tradition, Crafted for Today

Gardner Pie is a third-generation, family-owned company dedicated to producing high-quality fruit pies with a true homemade feel.

We use only whole fruit and fresh apples, combined with tapioca starch, sugar, and carefully selected spices. Our signature crust is made in small batches to ensure the perfect flaky texture and rich, homemade flavor.

From classic lattice to unique top crust designs, every pie is crafted to look just as good as it tastes.

Ready to Refresh Your Pie Program?

Bring more variety, excitement, and repeat traffic to your store with Gardner Pie.

Visit: www.gardnerpie.com to learn more.

Rooted in the Land: Why Sharing Your Farm’s Story Matters

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 13:41:27 GMT

Across agritourism, farms are discovering that one of the most powerful experiences they can offer guests isn’t just pumpkins, corn mazes, or fall treats — it’s story .

The story of how a farm began.
The generations who worked the land.
The traditions that shaped what visitors experience today.

When guests understand the why behind a farm, their visit becomes more than entertainment — it becomes connection.

To explore why sharing farm history matters, we spoke with Robby Rutledge of Rutledge Family Farm. In 2025, the farm celebrated 25 years of corn mazes with a design that honored the generations who helped build the farm’s legacy.

A Farm Story That Began Generations Ago

The Rutledge family’s roots in the Olympia area stretch all the way back to the 1850s , when the family first settled and began farming in the region. The modern operation began when Robby’s grandfather worked as the foreman of the cellars at the Olympia Brewery. Looking for extra income, he began raising beef cattle on the side, feeding them grain from the brewery along with corn.

Eventually, he realized sweet corn could be more profitable than raising cattle. So he made a shift that would shape the future of the farm — transitioning to growing sweet corn, a crop he continued producing for the next 30 years.

Then a new idea began appearing across agriculture.

Corn mazes.

In 2000, while attending a farm conference, Robby’s grandfather picked up flyers from maze design companies. Robby’s uncle saw them and encouraged him to give it a try. That same year, working with MazePlay, Rutledge Family Farm carved its very first corn maze. It was the beginning of what would become a defining tradition for the farm.

Building the Experiences Guests Enjoy Today

The farm visitors see today didn’t happen overnight.

Robby shared that both his grandfather and uncle played key roles in shaping the experiences guests now enjoy.

“They worked very hard to create the farm we have today,” he explained. From creating the haunted maze to building gathering spaces like the gazebo with a fire pit — still used by guests today — their vision helped turn the farm into a place where families could gather and create lasting memories.

Their values also continue guiding the farm today.

“We are still very much a corn farm,” Robby said. “I don’t know if we will ever stop doing that. It’s part of who we are and what we are known for.”

He also remembers one philosophy that still shapes how the farm is cared for.

“My uncle always said, ‘If it don’t grow, it’s got to go.’”

That mindset continues to guide how the farm is maintained today.

Honoring 25 Years of the Corn Maze

In 2025, the farm reached a major milestone: 25 years of corn mazes.

To celebrate, Robby designed a maze that honored the two people who made it possible — his grandfather and uncle.

Their faces were carved directly into the maze design. “They probably would have never wanted their faces in the maze,” Robby said. “But we couldn’t celebrate 25 years without honoring them.”

The design was kept completely secret — even from family members. Only the maze designers knew what it would look like.

Robby planned a special unveiling during the farm’s anniversary celebration.

When guests and family members saw the maze for the first time, emotions ran high. “Many people were very surprised,” he shared. “I even got a few tears from my cousin when she saw her dad in the maze.”

Moments like that remind us that farms are more than businesses — they are family legacies .

From a Simple Maze to a Full Farm Experience

The first corn maze season looked very different from what visitors see today.

Back then, the farm had very little infrastructure.

“We had a corn maze and a haunted maze. That was it for activities,” Robby said.

An old corn stand building served as the farm’s first concession stand, where guests could buy cocoa, apple cider, soda, chips, and candy bars.

Today, like many agritourism farms, Rutledge Family Farm offers many more attractions and experiences , creating a full fall outing for families. But those early seasons remain an important part of the farm’s story.

Why Farm History Helps Guests Connect

When guests first saw the anniversary maze, many didn’t immediately know who the faces represented. But once the story was shared, something changed. Visitors became more engaged and interested in the farm’s history.

“I think it’s important to share our history with guests,” Robby explained. “We’re not just a business in the community — we are a working farm.”

Agritourism farms grow food, care for the land, and create places where families return year after year to make memories.

Sharing that story helps visitors understand the deeper purpose behind the experience.

How Farms Share Their Stories

At Rutledge Family Farm, storytelling often happens in simple ways.

Two of the most common ways they share their story are:

• Conversations with guests while they visit the farm
• Social media posts that highlight the farm’s history and traditions

These everyday interactions help visitors better understand the farm and the people behind it.

Why Storytelling Matters for Agritourism

Storytelling has become an essential part of agritourism.

Across agriculture, many farms face economic challenges. Agritourism helps generate additional income that allows farms to continue operating.

At the same time, many people today are disconnected from where their food comes from. Agritourism bridges that gap.

“Many people don’t even know where their food comes from,” Robby said. “Agritourism farms help show what farmers go through and how people can connect with them.”

When farms share their stories, they invite guests to become part of that connection.

Continuing the Legacy

For Robby, continuing the legacy started by earlier generations carries deep meaning. Generational farms create a connection to the land that runs far deeper than business.

“Memories are made, traditions are passed down, and you learn from the previous generation,” he said.

Working the same land that family members worked before you — sweating and sometimes even bleeding on it — creates a bond that is difficult to replicate anywhere else.

Looking ahead, Robby is excited about continuing to grow the farm and improve the experience for future visitors.

“The chance to continue to grow and improve the farm — whatever it looks like today, tomorrow we can make it even better.”

Advice for Farms Preserving Their Story

When it comes to protecting farm legacies, Robby offered one important piece of advice for other farms.

Start planning now.

Succession planning can be difficult, but delaying those conversations can create unnecessary challenges for families.

“If you want your farm to continue, do it now,” he said. “Don’t wait.”

By preserving their stories and planning for the future, farms can ensure their legacy continues for generations to come.

Every farm has a story worth telling.

Whether it’s carved into a corn maze, shared in a conversation with guests, or passed down from generation to generation, those stories help visitors understand the heart behind the farm.

And often, that story is what keeps them coming back year after year.

Work-Life Balance on the Farm

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 12:56:12 GMT

Supporting the People Behind the Produce

Running a farm is deeply rewarding — but it can also be demanding, exhausting, and emotionally heavy. Long hours, seasonal pressure, family responsibilities, and the unpredictability of agriculture can make it difficult to maintain balance between work and personal well-being.

At NAFDMA, we believe supporting farms means supporting the people behind them . That’s why our Education Center includes resources focused on mental health, wellness, and work-life balance for farm operators and their teams.

These sessions from NAFDMA speakers and members offer practical strategies, honest conversations, and encouragement for navigating the realities of farm life while protecting your physical and emotional well-being. Below are a few examples of what awaits you in NAFDMA's Education Center !

To access these resources:

Visit NAFDMA.com
Click on Education Center
Log in to your account
Scroll to the bottom of the page and select Work-Life Balance

Mental Health on the Farm

This powerful session opens the door to an important conversation happening across agriculture: mental health.

As the stigma surrounding mental health begins to fade, more farmers are sharing their experiences and supporting one another. In this session, Christy Heimstra of Clovermead Adventure Farm, Phil Quinn of Quinn Farm, and Colleen McKay of Your Farm Market share personal stories of navigating mental health crises that impacted their families and businesses. Their experiences remind us that no one in the NAFDMA community has to face these challenges alone.

Yesterday’s Gone: Thriving in Your Business Today

Presented by Bob Phibbs

This session focuses on practical strategies for resetting your mindset and creating positive momentum in your daily routine. Bob Phibbs shares tips for starting and ending each day with intention , along with an interactive exercise designed to build a “positive energy shield” to help you stay focused and energized in your work and leadership.

Staying Emotionally and Physically Healthy on the Farm

Presented by Deanna Black

Balancing health and business during a busy farm season is no easy task. In this workshop, Deanna Black explores how farms can support both financial wellness and personal wellness .

Topics include:

Developing pricing systems and programs that support both profitability and personal balance
Reframing the “J.O.B.” mindset — Justifying Others’ Business vs. Joy of Being
Maintaining physical wellness during the busiest parts of the farm season

Keep Calm and Farm On

Presented by Deanna Black

Stress is inevitable in farm life — but managing it effectively is a skill that can be learned.

This session helps participants:

Recognize stress triggers and behavioral tendencies
Identify activities that restore energy and focus
Utilize tools and resources that support healthier stress management both at home and on the farm

Wellness vs. Fitness Within Farm Life

Presented by Deanna Black

Wellness and fitness are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same. This session explores how farmers can understand the difference and create realistic strategies for maintaining both.

Participants will:

Learn the benefits of both wellness and physical fitness
Identify areas of life that support — or hinder — health
Develop two practical wellness programs: one for peak season and one for the off-season

Positive Farm Fitness

Presented by Deanna Black

Being healthy on the farm doesn’t require gym memberships or complicated routines. This session focuses on simple, sustainable ways to maintain energy, happiness, and productivity throughout the season.

Participants will discover how small moments of movement, laughter, and intentional care can make a significant difference in both personal well-being and farm performance.

A Healthier Farm Starts with a Healthier Farmer

Agritourism is built on passion, hospitality, and community. But none of those things can thrive if the people running the farm are burned out or overwhelmed.

Taking time to care for your mental, emotional, and physical health isn’t a luxury — it’s an investment in your farm, your family, and your future. The NAFDMA community is here to support you every step of the way.

The Power of the Bounce: How a Jumping Pillow® Turns Play Into Profit

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 19:24:39 GMT

You can hear it before you see it.

That squeal.
That belly laugh.
That unmistakable thud-bounce-thud rhythm of kids launching themselves into pure joy.

Walk into any thriving agritourism destination and you’ll spot it fast — a sea of flying hair, flailing arms, and parents pretending they’re “just supervising” while secretly wishing it was their turn.

A Jumping Pillow® isn’t just an attraction.

It’s energy.
It’s connection.
It’s family time disguised as fun.

It’s revenue wrapped in laughter.

And when placed intentionally?
It becomes one of the hardest-working assets on your property.

What Is a Jumping Pillow® — and Why It Works

The Jumping Pillow® is a patented inflatable play surface designed to bring hours of fun to guests of all ages. With more than 30 years of experience and thousands of installations worldwide, Original Jumping Pillows has perfected not just the product — but how it performs as a business booster for farms, attractions, camps, resorts, and parks.

Unlike standard inflatables, Jumping Pillows® are:

Engineered for safety and durability with certified materials built to withstand heavy, daily use
Customizable in size and color to match your layout and branding
Fully insurable and compliant , something experienced operators deeply value

This isn’t a temporary attraction.

It’s infrastructure for engagement.

The Business Opportunity: Engagement That Pays

Attraction elements are only as valuable as the memories they help create — and the revenue they help sustain.

Jumping Pillows® do both.

1. They Draw Foot Traffic — and Keep Families Longer

Kids can’t resist them. And when kids stay longer, adults stay longer too.

More time on your property means:

More meals purchased
More merchandise sold
More add-on experiences booked

Length of stay is one of the strongest revenue indicators in agritourism. A jumping pillow naturally extends it.

2. They Boost On-Site Revenue

Whether included in admission or offered as a premium experience, a Jumping Pillow® creates a clear reason for guests to say “yes.”

It’s visible.
It’s tangible.
It feels like value.

And it often becomes the reason families return next season.

3. They Enhance Social Share-ability

In today’s digital world, joy is marketing.

A vibrant jumping pillow setup becomes a photo magnet — bright colors, mid-air laughter, wind-blown hair. Guests capture it. Tag it. Share it.

Free promotion. Real families. Authentic excitement.

Actionable Ways to Feature a Jumping Pillow®

Smart placement and programming amplify impact. Here’s how operators maximize theirs:

Gateway Placement
Position it near your entrance or main lawn so guests see it immediately. First impressions matter.

Seasonal Events
Pair bounce sessions with themed days — fall festivals, summer splash events, even holiday light nights.

Tiered Pricing
Offer structured play times:

First 30 minutes included with admission
Extended time available for a small fee

It creates natural up-sell opportunities without feeling forced.

Package Play With Merchandise

The pillow experience opens doors for retail — just like successful farms pair play with products.

Consider:

“I Bounced Here” kids’ tees
Branded water bottles for warm days
Jumping Pillow® keychains or stickers

Small purchases. Big emotional payoff.

The Takeaway

A Jumping Pillow® isn’t just another play structure.

It’s an engagement engine.
A photo magnet.
A revenue driver.

When placed intentionally and marketed creatively, it becomes more than a feature — it becomes part of your farm’s identity.

And in agritourism, identity drives loyalty.
Loyalty drives return visits.
And return visits drive sustainable growth.

Stronger Together: Why Showing Up to NAFDMA Changes More Than Your Farm

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 17:41:32 GMT

What if the biggest return on investment you’ll ever see isn’t a new attraction, a better marketing plan, or even higher attendance…What if it’s the people?

Because this life we’ve chosen — agritourism, and inviting the public onto our land — is beautiful and demanding in equal measure. It’s early mornings and late nights. It’s risk and reward. It’s weather reports, staffing puzzles, insurance questions, and the constant hum of “What’s next?”

It is deeply fulfilling.
And sometimes, deeply isolating.

That’s why NAFDMA is more than a membership. It’s a gathering place for people who understand that tension — the grit and the glory — because they’re living it too.

Membership Is More Than a Benefit List

It’s easy to think of membership as access: roundtables, webinars, directories, discounts. And yes, those tools matter. They are practical. Strategic. Helpful.

But what makes NAFDMA different is what happens inside those spaces.

It’s the moment you log into a webinar or join a roundtable and realize the question you’ve been carrying quietly is one five other farms are asking too.

It’s the Facebook thread that turns into shared spreadsheets, signage ideas, or honest conversations about what didn’t work.

It’s knowing that when you say, “We’re trying to figure this out,” someone responds with, “We’ve been there.”

Membership gives you resources while giving you reassurance. And that changes how you lead.

Convention: Where Conversations Turn Into Catalysts

If membership is connection online, Convention is connection in motion.

There is something powerful about standing in a room full of people who understand why you care about parking flow, ticket timing, crop diversification, and guest experience details.

At Convention, the learning is strong — the speakers, the EXPO floor, the education sessions. But the magic often happens in the margins. The breakfast table conversation that sparks a new pricing idea. The hallway exchange that reshapes your marketing plan.
The farm tour insight that becomes next season’s attraction. You arrive for education and you leave with relationships.

And those relationships are not surface-level networking. They are the kind that turn into late-season texts, shared policies, and “Can I run this by you?” phone calls months later.

AFT: Learning With Your Boots On

Agritourism Farm Tours take connection one step further.

You aren’t just hearing about another operation — you’re walking through it. Seeing the signage. Watching guest flow. Asking real-time questions while standing in the middle of the action. There’s something about traveling together, riding a bus, eating meals side by side, and exploring farms as a group that accelerates trust.

You go from What farm are you from?” to “Let’s stay in touch.” — and this time, you truly mean it. Because when you’ve walked someone’s fields and seen their operation up close, you’ve also witnessed their heart for this industry.

ALT: Growing the Leader Behind the Farm

NAFDMA’s Agritourism Learning Retreat (ALR) isn’t a sit-in-your-chair-and-take-notes kind of experience.

It’s boots on gravel. Clipboards in barns. Real conversations beside real cash registers.

This multi-day intensive connects you with some of North America’s premier agritourism operations — not from a distance, but up close. You step out of the classroom and onto the farm itself, walking the paths guests walk, standing where decisions get made, asking the questions you don’t always get to ask.

Typically spanning two full days, host farms open their books and their stories. They share their history, their management structure, their protocols, operations, marketing strategies, finances — the wins, the pivots, and the “we learned this the hard way” moments in between.

ALR is immersive. It’s hands-on. It’s honest.

Because growth doesn’t just happen when someone tells you what worked.
It happens when you see it.
When you feel it.
When you stand in the middle of it and think, “We could do this… but in our own way.”

And suddenly, you’re not just running a farm.

You’re refining a vision.

Why Showing Up Matters

You can be a member and stay on the sidelines. You can try to solve every challenge internally. You can operate in survival mode year after year. Or you can lean in and......you can show up to the roundtable. Register for the tour. Book the Convention flight. You can invest in the relationships that strengthen your operation long after the event ends. Because the strongest farms aren’t the ones that do everything alone. They’re the ones that build community around their courage.

When staffing feels overwhelming. When weather disrupts your plans. When you’re evaluating risk, growth, or change. It helps to have someone who understands — not theoretically, but practically.

That is what NAFDMA offers.

Not just education. Not just events. Belonging. And belonging fuels resilience. Resilience fuels innovation. Innovation fuels growth. So if you’ve been wondering whether to lean in more — to utilize your membership , to attend that event, to start that conversation — consider this your invitation!

Your farm doesn’t just grow crops. It grows impact.

And when we grow together, we grow stronger!

Thank You for an Unforgettable 2026 Convention & Expo

Sat, 14 Feb 2026 01:11:31 GMT

There’s something truly special that happens when passionate people gather with a shared purpose — and that magic was on full display at the 2026 NAFDMA Convention & Expo in Orlando.

From the moment everyone arrived, the energy, connection, learning, laughter, and heartfelt conversations reminded us why this community is so powerful. On behalf of the entire NAFDMA team, THANK YOU for showing up, leaning in, sharing openly, and making this year’s convention one of our most meaningful yet.

Merchandise Food’s Retail Tip: Spotlight Your "Sleeper" Products

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 11:17:02 GMT

Too often, unique, high-value seasonal items remain lost on shelves, unable to compete with the sheer volume of surrounding jars and packages in a sea of monotony.

Identify one " sleeper product " each season—a special jam, a gourmet baking mix, a heritage squash variety—and give it the dedicated display it deserves.

The Opportunity: When you isolate a single item and present it powerfully, you create exclusivity, rarity, and urgency . This strategy focuses the customer's buying energy on a high-margin, seasonally relevant star .

Actionable Tip: Create a monumental feature display for that one product, ideally placed at the store entrance or in a highly trafficked area. Use dramatic height, premium signage that tells the product’s unique story (e.g., "The Forgotten Heirloom: Our Great-Grandmother's Winter Squash"), and focused lighting . On a smaller scale, highlighting a niche item on a dedicated, small table can raise awareness and encourage impulse buying.

By giving a single product this "shout-out" moment, you transform it from a commodity on a shelf into a must-have seasonal treasure .

The Importance of Inclusive Play – A real life perspective

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 20:30:24 GMT

Creating the design for the Cove Playground at the National Maritime Museum was a different experience for us. We are no strangers to inclusive play with Windsor , Boundless and Blenheim under our belt already.

In this project, we were given the opportunity to work with some local stakeholders to fully understand what would make a new adventure play area properly accessible.

By the time the design was finished, we had spent more than 100 hours in consultation with over 200 individual stakeholders from local SEND schools and groups, to help design the play they had always dreamed of being able to enjoy.

The stakeholder engagement touched every part of the design on the micro and macro scale. Wide design themes such as number, characteristics and location of access points to site, right down to the smallest finishing touches. We baked their thinking into the fabric of the playground from the get go, making the SEN features coherent and part of the narrative of the play, rather than adding it as a second thought.

At the recent opening event, some of the children from Willow Dene School were tasked with cutting the ribbon to declare the play open, as a thank you for their invaluable input.

There were speeches too, but the one that stood out was by Lisa Parascandolo from Willow Dene, which we reprint here in full.

"Willow Dene school is a special needs school with students ranging from 2-19, with cohorts of children and young people with complex needs and autism. We are so used to being unseen. Or if we are seen, it is in a “less than” capacity. That our children and young people do not have opinions or cannot express what they want or need.

To be included in this whole process, not just as a tick box exercise, add an accessible swing here, an inclusive roundabout there…an afterthought, but to be asked what we wanted, what would we like to have in a play space, how do our children play. It was truly remarkable.

We often do not get to talk about our children in this way, for the families, children and staff to openly discuss what we need to help assist with play. We were able to raise wanting to use all our senses within play, to be able to discover our vestibular sense and develop our proprioceptive sense.

And the wonderful experience of being heard. We discussed the wheelchair accessible ramp having ‘passing places’ and the architects getting to understand why that was important and then putting that into the design.

When the only people that usually take the time to understand what you need are your family and your teachers, it’s almost a euphoric experience to have these conversations.

I was fortunate to have a walk around the site yesterday and it is truly amazing to see something come to life from all the drawings and concepts we have been involved with.

Initially for our families, it was that feeling of being included and not as an afterthought. For them to talk about their child and to feel heard. To discuss how important it is to have inclusive and accessible play spaces.

Families come in all shapes and sizes. Being part of a disabled family and being able to take the whole family to one play space and interact with others is quite remarkable, as it is not able to happen very often. With this play space, our families can feel like part of the community, meet up with friends and feel a sense of belonging.

A short walk from the play space is the museum café. There is also a changing places hygiene unit with a hoist, which any parent of a child who uses a wheelchair will tell you, is absolutely essential in planning any day out.

We can fight prejudices about disability by being out in the community and by being seen. Though we might look and sound different we are still children, who love to play. And now they have a place in our community that they helped create and it is beautiful."

Lisa Parascandolo
Physical Development and MOVE Lead
Cultural Capital Lead
Willow Dene School

Sarah Lockwood, Head of Engagement at Royal Museums Greenwich initiated the consultation process and we worked with Ruth Boley, Senior Manager; Learning, Ros Croker-Ahmed, Senior Manager; Partnerships and Engagement and Katie Cassel; Families and Young People Manager to engage and facilitate working with stakeholders, which for us delivered incredible results we can all be proud of.

Speaking about it, Sarah said - "At Royal Museums Greenwich we take play seriously and wanted the opportunity of creating a new outdoor play space, at the National Maritime Museum, to support every child’s right to play. Working collaboratively is at the heart of what we do, and we thank CAP.Co for undertaking the journey of consultation with our stakeholders, listening and responding to their needs, to make a truly unique and memorable space for children and their families."

Lisa's speech at the opening of the Cove was the most incredibly moving speech for all of our team. What we learned during the process of co-creating the design will change the way we work on every project we look at going forwards.

We have always believed that play is better together. In fact it's only really fun if you're playing and interacting with others. Working with a client as forward-thinking as Royal Museums Greenwich enabled this process to be genuinely useful and between us, we have created something amazing.

Inclusive play is incredible. Children don't see disabilities, they see that we have created the ability to play together with everyone, whatever their ability. To be truly inclusive, everyone must come away with the same play experience, which means a playground should offer a level of challenge to ALL abilities including SEN users.

The full list of Royal Museums Greenwich stakeholders who were consulted to create the play at the National Maritime Museum is as follows:

- Action For Refugees Lewisham
- Museum Participants/Groups: Discover Sundays, LGBTQ+ Family Forum, Play Outdoors, SENsory Sailors
- Primary Schools: Halstow, James Wolfe, Mulgrave, Meridian, Myatt Garden
- The Anchor SEND friendly Center and Willow Dene Special School

And Thank you to Lucy MacDonald who supported the consultation process across the groups.

Royal Museums Greenwich have created a Play Manifesto to reinforce the commitment to actively supporting play. You can see that here .

Show, Slice, Sell: How Live Demos Drive Rada Cutlery Sales

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 17:01:22 GMT

Retail Tricks!

One retail trick which is frequently overlooked is the benefit of having complementary items for your produce/products on hand and easy for customers to purchase. If customers can get everything they need to use what you grow on the farm, they are more likely to purchase more of it.

Examples include Rada Cutlery, as detailed more below. But it can also include pumpkin carving tools, spice or dip mixes to cook meals, vases for the flowers which are picked, and/or reusable bags to carry it all home.

Boosting Sales

One of the easiest ways to boost Rada Cutlery sales is to use it where your visitors can see it in action. Whether you’re slicing fresh apples, cutting cheese, or spreading homemade jam, make sure you’re using Rada knives, peelers, or spreaders — and point it out!

“We use Rada Cutlery here — it’s 100% made in the USA since 1948. You can grab one right over there!”

When guests watch you easily peel produce or slice cleanly with a Rada knife, it builds trust and interest. Demonstrating the product in real-time not only increases interest but also drives impulse purchases.

For this reason, we recommend keeping the featured products close to the sampling area. And placing additional products in several complimentary locations throughout the store, such as a clip strip of peelers and paring knives next to the apples. Another recommendation would be to place items in the impulse areas and near the checkout with clear signage and pricing.

Pura Vida & Farm-Powered Inspiration: Highlights from the 2026 Costa Rica Agritourism Tour

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 15:04:20 GMT

There’s something magical about discovering agritourism in a new landscape — where lush rainforests meet rich farmland, and local traditions blend with innovative visitor-ready experiences. That’s exactly what happened when NAFDMA members and friends embarked on our Costa Rica Agritourism Tour , January 2–8, 2026. This immersive journey combined agricultural exploration, cultural insights, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow agritourism professionals.

A Trip Rooted in Learning, Adventure & Connection

This tour wasn’t just a vacation — it was a chance to see how agritourism thrives beyond North America. From coffee estates tucked into misty mountains to wildlife-rich estuaries on the Pacific Coast, every day offered something new to inform, inspire, and invigorate our agritourism minds.

Day by Day: Inspiration Across Costa Rica

Day One — Welcome to San José
After arriving in San José, attendees checked in and enjoyed an afternoon of leisure — the perfect welcome to Costa Rican warmth and rhythm.

Day Two — Hacienda Doka Coffee Farm & La Paz Waterfall Gardens
Our first full day began at Hacienda Doka, where we traced coffee from seed to cup, stepped inside the oldest wet mill in Costa Rica, and savored local coffee and chocolates — an unforgettable look at agricultural heritage meeting agritourism. From there, we wandered through the La Paz Waterfall Gardens, home to hummingbirds, butterflies, and cascading tropical waterfalls.

Day Three — Arenal Hanging Bridges & Thermal Retreat
Exploring the Arenal Hanging Bridges brought us up close with rainforest wildlife — over 50 bird species, lush flora, and the vibrant pulse of nature. Later, we relaxed in the mineral-rich EcoTermales Hot Springs, capturing the restorative side of Costa Rican ecosystems.

Day Four — A Leisure Day in Arenal
With a day to unwind, tour participants picked their own adventure — from strolling La Fortuna town to booking optional ziplining, kayaking, or fishing. Sometimes, inspiration comes from simply observing local life at your own pace.

Day Five — Mangroves, Crocs & Coastal Biodiversity
As we moved toward Jaco, the Tarcoles River estuary showcased one of the country’s richest ecological treasures — mangroves teeming with birds like kingfishers and herons, and the famous American crocodile. Our boat ride through this biodiverse ecosystem was a highlight of wildlife watching and conservation learning.

Day Six — Jaco Beach & Leisure
A full day on the Pacific Coast offered sun, surf, and reeled-in inspiration. You could stroll along renowned Jaco Beach, embark on a catamaran tour, or simply soak in the relaxed beach culture that makes agritourism destinations memorable.

Day Seven — Farewell, Pura Vida!
With hearts full and minds buzzing with ideas, the group headed back to San José for flights home — wrapping up a trip that reaffirmed what agritourism is all about: place, people, and purpose.

Why This Tour Mattered

This isn’t just a travel story — it’s a series of real lessons that agritourism operators can carry home:

Seeing agriculture through a tourism lens — from coffee culture to mangrove ecosystems.
Local experience meets global insight — discovering how destination experiences can be shaped by culture, community, and environment.
Connections made along the way — conversations on buses, shared meals, and evenings watching sunsets together created friendships that will outlast the itinerary.

What’s Next?

Whether you were on this tour or simply dreaming about joining next time, keep your calendar open for upcoming NAFDMA experiences that blend education, exploration, and connection. Check out our events lineup — including the Agritourism Convention & Expo and other immersive learning opportunities — and find your next chance to grow, together.

Thank You

A big thanks to every person who joined this journey — for bringing your curiosity, camaraderie, and passion for agritourism. It’s these shared experiences that help our industry flourish across borders and ecosystems alike.

Grit and the Pause That Keeps Us Going

Fri, 02 Jan 2026 21:34:37 GMT

Finding Balance in the Everyday Work of Agritourism

When the Work Begins

Agritourism is built on grit — the early mornings, long days, and boots-on-the-ground problem-solving that come with loving the land and welcoming guests. It’s the willingness to adapt, to fix what breaks, and to show up even when the to-do list keeps growing.

That determination moves us forward. It keeps operations running strong, gates open, and experiences meaningful. Grit is the backbone of this work, and it deserves to be honored.

But There’s Another Side

Pausing isn’t falling behind.
It isn’t giving up.

The pause is the breath between tasks, the quiet before the next decision, and the moment we step back to see the bigger picture instead of only the next problem. It’s choosing to slow down long enough to notice what’s working — and what needs care.

Taking a pause allows clarity to return, creativity to spark, and energy to rebuild — just as fields rest between seasons. Without it, even the strongest systems begin to wear thin.

The Balance We Need

The work demands grit.
Sustaining that work demands balance.

When we blend effort with care, we lead with purpose and remain present — for our teams, our guests, and ourselves. Balance isn’t about doing less; it’s about doing what matters with intention.

Work with intention.
Pause without guilt.
Keep going — in a way that lasts.

Stick It to Ordinary: How Stickers Show Personality, Spark Connection, and Boost Farm Sales

Fri, 26 Dec 2025 21:35:37 GMT

Walk through any farm market, gift shop, or agritourism checkout line and you’ll spot them instantly — stickers. Bright, bold, funny, sentimental, local, seasonal. Stickers may be small, but they speak volumes.

From water bottles and laptops to tractors and toolboxes, stickers have become tiny billboards of personality. They tell a story, signal belonging, and give customers a way to take a piece of your farm (and their experience) home with them.

Stickers as Self-Expression

Today’s customers aren’t just shopping — they’re curating their identity. A sticker that says “Farm Girl,” “Berry Lover,” or proudly displays their name isn’t just décor; it’s a statement. Stickers offer instant emotional connection at a low price point, making them an easy “yes” at checkout.

For families, stickers are an affordable souvenir. For teens and young adults, they’re a way to personalize everyday items. And for adults? Stickers are nostalgia, humor, and local pride wrapped into one peel-and-stick moment.

Why Stickers Work So Well at Retail

Stickers thrive in impulse zones — near registers, exits, and high-traffic areas. They’re quick to browse, easy to display, and don’t require sizing, fitting, or decision fatigue.

Even better? Customers rarely buy just one. A name. A joke. A seasonal favorite. A local shout-out. Suddenly, a single sticker turns into a small stack — and a stronger sale.

From the Source: Sticker Success, Straight from the Printer

The team at Stickers Northwest has spent a decade watching what works — and what sells — across farm markets, gift shops, and attractions nationwide. Here’s what they share with retailers:

Stickers Northwest offers thousands of designs that can be name dropped at no extra cost. To help maximize sales, we recommend stocking a mix of name-dropped designs along with our proven top sellers. Since customers rarely stop at just one sticker, having a wide assortment ensures there’s something for everyone.

Stickers are compact, eye-catching, and deliver excellent profit margins. Plus, we provide a variety of display options—always free when filled with stickers—and free freight on every order.

We’re proud to have celebrated our 10-year anniversary in 2024! As a small business based in Tacoma, WA, all of our stickers are printed right here in the USA.

Why This Matters for Agritourism

For agritourism operations, stickers hit the sweet spot:

✔ Low cost, high margin

✔ Easy to rotate seasonally

✔ Perfect for name-dropping your town, farm, or region

✔ Ideal for kids, teens, and adults alike

They complement other branded merchandise without competing for space or budget. And when paired with the right display and variety, they quietly become one of the hardest-working items in your shop.

The Takeaway

Stickers may be small, but their impact is anything but. They invite customers to express who they are, where they’ve been, and what they love — all while boosting your bottom line.

When you give guests a sticker they connect with, you’re not just selling a product — you’re sending a piece of your farm out into the world, one water bottle at a time.

A recent phone call...

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 16:03:04 GMT

The phone call that everyone needs.

The Phone Rang

I was recently going about my day, working on various NAFDMA plans for the upcoming convention, other events, industry awareness, and general day-to-day membership needs, when my phone rang. It was the work line (your calls to our main number are forwarded to individual staff cell phones), so I was expecting either a sales call for a different computer program or a member having difficulties logging into their account.

Instead, it was a member reaching out for help in knowing they are not alone . Not alone in the disappointment, financial difficulties, and mental load of running an agritourism farm.

The Farm "Stiff Upper Lip"

As many of you know, I (Suzi) grew up on a family farm. I saw first hand the many blessings of that life - and there are many! I also saw the incredible stress of putting your heart and soul into the hope that the seeds you plant, the animal you birth, or the tree you tend will grow and thrive; just to watch the rain fall too little (or too much), disease hit the herd, or a fungus kill young seedlings. You watch all your hard work go up in a puff due to something you could not control. The money you spent to get started and the hours you devoted to care of the farm are simply gone with nothing to show in the end.

And how do we respond? With statements like: "you can't control the weather" and "maybe next year will be better." And while this is all very true, it doesn't hit to the heart of the stress, emotional toll, and physical let down these situations cause within our human selves.

Normalizing that we need others

Owning and working an agritourism farm can be additionally lonely - when gathering with other local farm owners, you don't hear stories of customer service issues and social media reviews. But here's the thing - YOU ARE NOT ALONE . You may feel isolated and stuck facing these issues, but you are not the only one. When I am with NAFDMA members, one of the things that makes me the happiest is hearing the stories of one farm owner randomly calling another - just to check in on them. Or sending a text just to say - I am thinking of you during this busy season. Sometimes, a simple act of connection can lift everyone's spirits and remind them that there are people out there who care.

Back to my phone call

While I was on the phone with the farm owner who called me, she expressed issues with the weather, guest expectations, lack of hope, and stress in passing the farm to the next generation. As I listened, I heard echoes of the many, many others who have expressed these same issues in our board meetings, roundtables, social media posts, etc. I think I helped this caller, not only by listening and reassuring her that I have heard this story many times before, but I was also able to ask other farm owners to connect with her and share their similar struggles.

What about those who don't call?

Not everyone is able to make that call. Or they don't know who to call. So first - let me say it loudly - if you are struggling, I can offer a listening ear and connections to others who feel the same way. Don't struggle alone. As a staff, any one of us is very happy to do the same for anyone who makes that call. But we want to do more. We want to make it easier for you to talk about these struggles, and the ways to make your life a little better.

PAUSE

Christine, our Membership and Events Manager, has spearheaded a new mental health and wellness effort with an initial focus at our upcoming convention in Orlando. We invite you to take time for you and PAUSE with us: using the acronym of P riority, A wareness, U nplug, S upport, and E xhale.

During the Expo hours, we will have a Community Wellness Lounge in a space adjacent to the Expo, with a variety of options to help you prioritize rest, while resetting both mentally and physically.

Write a short gratitude letter to a friend or colleague
PAUSE with Paws (puppy cuddling!) in the FareHarbor Community Wellness Lounge
Introverts - Unplug when you tuck into the Calm lounge for a quiet respite
Take a deep break with a relaxing end of day meditation or chair yoga session in the Exhale lounge
Leave a comment on the Affirmation Wall
Experience something new with an interactive learning demo in the Self-Care lounge
Ask a question of the community on the Question Board
Obtain resources for mental health and connectivity

PAUSE on Your Own

Even if you can't attend the convention, hopefully you can PAUSE in your own way. Take a few moments to enjoy a hobby, bask in some sunlight after a rainy day, or spend a moment in gratitude for something in your life. Or do the thing that started this column: call someone. There are lots of listening ears out there.

December Focus: Strengthening Agritourism Through Risk Reduction

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 17:55:39 GMT

At NAFDMA, safety isn’t a seasonal checkbox — it’s a year-round commitment.

But this December, we’re turning the spotlight squarely on Risk Reduction , reinforcing our ongoing work to help agritourism operators protect their farms, their guests, and their future.

As many of you know, NAFDMA continues to move forward with a long-term focus on risk reduction through education, awareness, and practical, farm-ready tools. From workshops and expert guidance to peer-to-peer learning and legal insight, our goal is simple: to help operators feel more confident, prepared, and supported when it comes to managing risk.

December is our opportunity to elevate that conversation — and we invite the entire agritourism community to engage with it.

Why Risk Reduction Matters — Now More Than Ever

Welcoming guests onto your farm is both a privilege and a responsibility. As agritourism continues to grow, so does the need for clear safety practices, proactive planning, and a deeper understanding of liability and risk exposure.

Risk reduction isn’t about fear — it’s about prevention over panic, clarity over confusion, and confidence over uncertainty . When farms take steps to reduce risk, they don’t just protect themselves legally — they create safer, more welcoming experiences for every guest who walks through their gates.

That’s why this month’s focus isn’t theoretical. It’s practical, farm-ready, and designed to meet you where you are.

Your Questions. Expert Context. Real-World Answers.

One of the key initiatives we’re exploring this December is creating space for your real, everyday risk-reduction questions.

Throughout the month, NAFDMA will be inviting members to submit legal and risk-related questions — the kind you’ve probably asked yourself or discussed behind the scenes:

“Is this signage enough?”
“How do I handle public vs. non-public areas?”
“What happens if…?”

Our plan is to collect, curate, and group these questions, then work with trusted legal experts to provide helpful context and insight. Those responses will be shared in the future as a practical, community-driven resource grounded in real farm scenarios.

This approach allows us to:

Address common concerns many farms share
Reduce confusion around risk and liability
Provide clarity without judgment
Learn together as an industry

Your questions help shape the conversation — and ultimately help fellow operators navigate similar challenges. Send your questions to suzi@nafdma.com .

Free Risk Reduction Gifts — Built for Real Farms

Education is powerful, but tools you can use right away are even better.

As part of Risk Reduction Month, NAFDMA has created two free, downloadable resources designed to help farms take immediate, meaningful action — and we’re just getting started. Additional free Risk Reduction gifts will be rolling out throughout December, so be sure to keep an eye on your inbox and NAFDMA channels.

Farm Risk Reduction Gifts So Far:

First Aid Kit Checklist

Public Access Basic Question List

Moving Forward — Together

Risk reduction isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s about staying proactive, asking good questions, and using the resources available to you.

This December, we invite you to:

Engage with Risk Reduction Month
Submit your questions
Download and use the free tools
Start conversations with your team
Take one step — then another — toward a safer operation

Stay proactive.
Stay protected.
Stay welcoming.

We’re grateful to walk this path with you — and we look forward to continuing the conversation in the months ahead.

Authenticity + Connection Matters

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 22:47:07 GMT

Authenticity + Connection Matters

Thanks to our guest author this week: My Farm Marketing by Miller Davis. Lots to share about creating connection!

Storytelling About Your Farm
Telling your story is one of the most powerful marketing tools you have. People want to feel connected to the businesses they support, and social media gives you the perfect way to share that connection. Posting glimpses of life on the farm—your family, your animals, your crops, even the challenges—helps your audience see the real people and passion behind your business. Yes, you need sales-focused posts to drive ticket sales, but storytelling and authentic behind-the-scenes moments “sell” your farm in a different way. They build trust, loyalty, and a deeper bond that keeps people coming back season after season.

Want Help Telling Your Story?

My Farm Marketing, powered by Miller Davis Agency, is dedicated to helping farms and agritourism businesses thrive. With a team of over 20 professionals and over 20 years of experience in the industry, they understand the unique challenges and opportunities that
come with farm marketing. As a full-service marketing firm, My Farm Marketing offers customized solutions, including branding, social media management, email marketing, website development, video production, printing, and more. Each client benefits from an individual account manager who ensures every project is handled with care and expertise.

Their mission is simple: grow your presence, flourish your brand, and nurture meaningful connections within your community.
Website: https://myfarmmarketing.com/
Socials: Facebook | Instagram | TikTok

Opening the Gate in Big Sky Country: A Look Back at the 2025 Montana Agritourism Conference

Fri, 28 Nov 2025 19:49:24 GMT

Under the wide Montana sky, something powerful happened. Farmers, ranchers, educators, and tourism leaders gathered in Bozeman not just to attend a conference — but to build a stronger bridge between agriculture and community. The 2025 Montana Agritourism Conference delivered two days of learning, connection, and boots-on-the-ground inspiration that left attendees energized and ready to take their next steps in agritourism.

If you missed it, or simply want to relive the highlights, here’s a look back at everything this year’s event had to offer.

A Gathering of Visionaries & Doers

From the moment participants checked in at Montana State University, the energy was unmistakable. Newcomers asked questions. Seasoned operators compared notes. Tourism professionals shared what travelers are craving.

It didn’t matter if someone operated a cattle ranch, a pumpkin patch, a lavender field, or was just beginning to explore agritourism — everyone arrived with the same goal: to learn how to open their gates with confidence, creativity, and sustainability.

Farm Tour: Inspiration on the Ground

The optional pre-conference farm tour set the tone perfectly. Attendees visited Montana agritourism sites actively welcoming visitors — from hands-on farm experiences to value-added operations to ranches building future-ready programming.

Walking the fields with operators who have “been there, done that” brought the ideas to life. You could see the potential, imagine new visitor experiences, and ask real-time questions that only farmers can answer.

One attendee summed it up perfectly: “It’s one thing to talk about agritourism in a classroom — it’s another to stand on a working farm and watch it in action.”

Education That Met You Where You Are

The conference offered three track options so attendees could build the learning journey that fit their stage of development:

�� Planting the Seed

Perfect for those exploring agritourism for the first time — packed with foundational info, startup essentials, and the big “what to expect” conversations that every new operator needs.

�� Out in the Field

For those already welcoming visitors. Sessions tackled guest experience, programming, operations, event planning, and practical hosting ideas.

�� The Long View

Designed for established operators ready to think bigger: succession planning, pricing strategy, growth, partnerships, sustainability, and the long-term health of the farm.

Across every track, participants heard directly from experts, ranchers, and entrepreneurs who have weathered the dust, the doubts, and the triumphs. These weren’t theoretical presentations — they were real stories, real numbers, and real lessons learned.

Key Takeaways Everyone Was Talking About

★ Agritourism is most successful when it serves both land & community.

Attendees left with new ideas on how to tell their story, protect their land, and strengthen their local and regional economies.

★ The visitor experience is shifting.

Travelers want authenticity, meaningful interaction, fresh-air escapes, and opportunities to connect with people — not just products.

★ Safety & liability aren’t hurdles — they’re foundations.

Operators learned practical steps to build safer, clearer, better-protected experiences from day one.

★ Partnerships are the secret ingredient.

Tourism offices, educators, county agents, and neighboring farms all play a role in successful, sustainable agritourism growth.

Connections That Will Last Long After the Conference

One of the most celebrated parts of the event? The relationships.

From hallway conversations to the evening social featuring Montana-grown flavors, attendees found themselves surrounded by people who understand the unique challenges — and joys — of operating a visitor-ready farm or ranch. New friendships formed. Business collaborations sparked. And more than one operator walked away with a renewed sense of purpose.

Looking Ahead

If this year’s event proved anything, it’s that agritourism thrives when we learn from each other. And for many attendees, the biggest takeaway was simple: You don’t have to build this alone. There is a community here — and it’s growing.

Want this experience for yourself, but don't want to wait a year to make it happen? Register for the upcoming NAFDMA Convention and Expo in Orlando, Florida this coming February. You'll experience the same things - farm tours, conversations, expert-led sessions, and relationships to sustain you through your busy season. Join us today!

Scarcity and Authenticity

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 22:36:12 GMT

Guest author this week - Johnny Lyle from Cap.co . They are based out of the UK and now doing work in the US and Canada. Read more into his insights about scarcity and authenticity.

Where there’s scarcity there’s a premium

When you go on holiday to Spain, Greece or Turkey, most of the restaurants along the front cater for their international audience by using menus with photos of the food on them, so that even if you don’t speak their language, you’ll see something to point at instead.

Over recent years we’ve noticed that many of these menus have collided.

Pizza, pasta, steak, seafood and the local interpretation of Paella is on every menu and even the prices are similar. One restaurateur saw that another had gained a small competitive advantage and added the exact same differentiator to their own menu too. Within a season or two, all of the restaurants were offering the same choices with very little to differentiate themselves, other than different colour furniture and a very slightly different view of the boardwalk and the beach beyond.

We’ve seen the same happen with playgrounds. They have all collided and now many feel the same.

In the main, central buying by Local Authorities has driven this, but so has the perfect information available online. Everyone can see what everyone else is doing and with a perfect example of FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) they can get themselves one too.

So what?

So, the reason for all of this preamble is to explain why customers generally don’t book more than 36 hours in advance any more.

It’s because they don’t have to.

If they don’t book today, tickets will more than likely still be available tomorrow and they can be much more certain to know what the weather will be doing, if they leave it until the last minute. Even a discount for early booking isn’t enough of an incentive, as they value the certainty of good weather at an outside attraction, more highly than just a few dollar’s discount.

And, if for some reason they can’t visit you, they can visit someone else down the road with a very similar offer.

So, there’s no real incentive to book early, as there’s no scarcity and very little chance of missing out.

So what’s the answer?

It’s simple, create scarcity.

Make your attraction one of one.

It’s own unique proposition.

Create something that no one else has, or can possibly have, and be different and brilliant enough for people to notice and care.

Do better food, build better play, open at weird hours and create events that are mind blowingly good and nothing like those they can create at home themselves for pennies.

Whatever you do, do it consistently brilliantly. Consistency, consistently is the key.

We know a few different attractions who sell out almost all of their Christmas tickets on the day they release them, as their events are brilliant and a pre-christmas visit has become a family tradition for many, many families for many, many years.

They are not only different, they are beautifully executed.

Good is no longer good enough.

In Jeff Bezos’s own words, advertising is the price you pay for being mediocre and we all know that people don’t pay a premium for mediocre products, service or experiences. They may do once, but they will more than likely tell your potential future guests in the reviews they leave and will not revisit or re-buy.

Creating customer delight is far easier when people have low expectations. But, second time around they will be expecting great. If you fail to deliver exceptional, they are very unlikely to tell you themselves, as the opposite of love isn’t hate, it’s apathy. They will just walk away, grumbling to friends and family.

Creating different

When we approach a project, we look hard at the history of the place we’re building. We look at the people, the history of the place, the flora and fauna, all of which could hold the key to the story we’re going to tell, through the play we create.

What this means in practice is that no-one else can have what you have. Your play will be created around your place and be truly unique.

We’re perhaps not the most sophisticated business people in the world but we do understand how customers think as we’re customers too. We all believe that doing things better will keep us happy and customers delighted into the long term.

We’re celebrating the different and championing the brilliant. Believe us, it’s the only way to build long term sustainable attractions, that thrive for generations.

Festival Pro Tips: Make Your Farm Festival Unforgettable

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 06:23:35 GMT

Every farm festival has hayrides, food, and animals to pet. But the events that families remember—and return to year after year—always offer something unique. One of the simplest ways to add that unforgettable “WOW” factor is with the Giant Bubble Festival Experience from South Beach Bubbles.

Pro Tip #1: Create a Signature Photo Moment
Families love to capture and share their experiences. With the WOWmazing® Tri-String Wand, the same two-handle design used in every Guinness World Record bubble for the last 30 years, you can create bubbles taller than kids and wider than tractors. Paired with the WOWmazing® Giant Bubble Powder Jug, you will have enough solution to keep bubbles flying for hours, ensuring your festival is shared all over social media.

Pro Tip #2: Draw and Hold Crowds
Giant bubbles are natural magnets. A single WOWmazing® Powder Jug makes up to 148 gallons of bubble solution, enough to fuel a full day of non stop excitement and steady foot traffic.

Pro Tip #3: Build Memories that Bring Them Back
When kids go home talking about bubbles bigger than themselves, parents take note. By delivering that magical moment, your farm festival stands out—and becomes a tradition families look forward to every year.

Order your Giant Bubble Festival Experience essentials today in the South Beach Bubbles Catalog .

Rooted in Nebraska: Connection, Creativity, and Courage at the 2025 Agritourism & Adventure Travel Workshop

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 19:53:15 GMT

When you gather a room full of farmers, dreamers, and doers, something special happens. Ideas flow like craft beer, laughter fills the air, and you can feel the heartbeat of rural America getting just a little stronger. That’s exactly what unfolded October 27–29 in North Platte, Nebraska, at the 2025 Agritourism & Adventure Travel Workshop (A&ATW) — three days of inspiration, collaboration, and authentic Nebraska hospitality, proudly supported by NAFDMA Agritourism Association .

A Warm Welcome and a Toast to Local Flavor

The workshop kicked off at Pals Brewing Company , where wood-fired pizza met locally crafted brews and genuine conversation. Attendees were welcomed by community leaders, including Lisa Burke from Visit North Platte and David Fudge of the Nebraska Tourism Commission, before diving into Fudge’s keynote on “Creating a Festival in Celebration of Nebraska.”

It set the tone for what this gathering is all about — turning local pride into experiences that invite the world into the farm. With sponsors like NAFDMA , Nebraska Land Bank, and Prairie Friends & Flowers, it was a true team effort in showcasing how agritourism thrives when collaboration takes center stage.

Stories That Spark Ideas

Tuesday brought a lineup of sessions that blended passion with practicality. From Travis Byers’ “Turning Your Passion into Profit” to Stephanie Anderson’s story behind Our Lavender Co. , every speaker shared a simple truth: success in agritourism grows from a mix of creativity, grit, and heart.

Breakout sessions like “Pedaling Potters Pasture” and the Gravel Biking Nebraska Panel showed how adventure travel and outdoor recreation can complement traditional farm experiences. Attendees didn’t just listen — they swapped stories, shared lessons learned, and left with notebooks full of fresh ideas.

Field to Field Learning

Site visits took participants across the heart of western Nebraska — from Buffalo Bill Ranch to Dusty Trails LLC , Homestead Pumpkin Patch , and Feather River Vineyards — where they explored the art of creating memorable experiences, from family-friendly pumpkin patches to wine tastings under the stars.

Dinner among the vines, followed by an astronomy program reminded everyone that agritourism isn’t just about what visitors see — it’s about what they feel.

Bloom Where You’re Planted

The final day’s stops at Dahlia Valley Ranch Flower Farm and The Milk House wrapped things up with color, creativity, and community. Between the scent of fresh flowers and the taste of Nebraska-made cheese paired with local wine, participants were reminded that agritourism is as much about connection as it is about commerce.

Why It Matters

Workshops like this one strengthen more than business plans — they strengthen bonds. Whether you’re brainstorming new attractions, navigating challenges, or celebrating wins, being surrounded by people who “get it” can make all the difference.

As one attendee put it while boarding the bus home, “It’s not just about learning new things — it’s about remembering why we started.”

NAFDMA was proud to sponsor this year’s Agritourism & Adventure Travel Workshop , joining in the mission to inspire growth, collaboration, and community across farms and rural destinations everywhere.

Learn more about upcoming NAFDMA events and educational opportunities at NAFDMA.com — where farms, friendships, and fresh ideas grow together.

From Staff to Side-by-Side: A Fall at Rutledge Family Farm

Sun, 26 Oct 2025 21:35:46 GMT

I left exhilarated, exhausted, and inspired—all at once!

I arrived at Rutledge Family Farm just as the air turned crisp and the leaves began to whisper autumn.

As a NAFDMA staff member, I’ve experienced agritourism through many lenses—webinars, conventions, farm tours, and case studies. But this fall, I traded spreadsheets for wagon rides and email threads for pumpkin rows. I wasn’t just documenting the experience—I was part of it. Boots on, cider in hand, side-by-side with the team bringing the magic of fall to life.

Morning Light & Big-Field Promise

One early morning, I drove the gator past rows of pumpkins as the sun climbed over the horizon, corn stalks rustling softly in the breeze.

It was picture-perfect—what people imagine when they dream of fall on the farm. But behind that postcard moment lies months of planning, planting, and preparation. Long lists. Late nights. Early mornings. Every detail—from the layout of the maze to the flow of the parking lot—is carefully orchestrated so that when guests arrive, everything feels effortless.

By the time marshmallows are roasting and cider is steaming, the behind-the-scenes magic is already in full swing.

Behind the Scenes, Beyond the Smile

From the outside, it’s all pumpkins, photo ops, and family fun—and it is! But behind every smiling guest is a flurry of movement: refilling bins of produce, rerouting traffic when a cloudburst rolls through, restocking the farm market, and keeping the cider slushies coming.

I watched a team that truly loves what they do—greeting guests by name, answering questions, and keeping everything flowing with contagious enthusiasm. Their teamwork wasn’t luck; it was the result of leadership, communication, and a shared passion for creating memorable experiences.

Guests, Moments & Memories

Throughout the day, laughter echoed across the fields. Toddlers toddled toward their first pumpkins, teens navigated the maze in friendly competition, and grandparents smiled from benches, warm cider in hand.

That’s when it hit me: this is what we mean at NAFDMA when we talk about “the agritourism experience.” It’s not just about pumpkins or wagon rides—it’s about connection. It’s about joy. It’s about moments that turn into family traditions and memories that last far beyond the farm gate.

Reflections: What I Learned

Preparation is everything. From parking lines to wagon ride safety to twinkle lights around the farm to fire pits—every detail matters.
Guest experience is the heartbeat. Friendly greeters, clean restrooms, clear signage, and well-lit paths make a lasting impact.
Teamwork drives success. Owners and seasonal staff worked together like clockwork. One teammate said it best: “When we all show up ready, the guests feel it.”
Fall is a sprint, not a stroll. The energy builds fast once peak weekends hit. I left exhilarated, exhausted, and inspired—all at once.

Why It Matters to Our NAFDMA Community

My week at Rutledge Family Farm reminded me why we share stories in The Pollinator and gather at Convention each year. Every farm looks different, but the heartbeat is the same—dedicated people creating spaces where families connect, laugh, and learn.

Whether your operation features a corn maze, pick-your-own orchard, pumpkin patch, or all of the above, the guest experience, team culture, and behind-the-scenes systems all work together to create that signature agritourism magic.

A Thank You & A Renewed Commitment

Thank you to the Rutledge Family Farm team for letting me step into your world this fall. I left smelling like cider, covered in pumpkin dust, full of kettle corn—and gratitude.

Agritourism is more than an industry; it’s a calling. It’s joy, community, and hard work wrapped in one muddy-booted, heart-filled season.

Here’s to many more weekends of laughter by the fire, sticky caramel apples, and that perfect pumpkin moment captured for years to come.

Orlando 2026: Unlocking Opportunity at the NAFDMA Agritourism Convention & Expo

Sun, 26 Oct 2025 21:28:52 GMT

In the ever-evolving world of agritourism, planning ahead gives you the competitive edge. From February 5-9, 2026 , the agritourism community will gather in Orlando for the next NAFDMA Agritourism Convention & Expo — an event designed to equip you, your team, and your business with new ideas, strategies, and connections.

The Purpose Behind the Event

Agritourism isn’t just about attracting visitors — it’s about creating meaningful experiences, extending your season, optimizing your operations, and generating sustainable growth. This convention is built for those who want more than just inspiration; it’s for those ready to act. Whether you’re refining guest experiences, scaling up retail operations, or transforming your farm into a destination, this event gives you the framework and tools to move forward.

What You’ll Get Out of It

Attendees will benefit in multiple ways:

Real-world learning through tours. Visit live operations, see how fellow agritourism businesses are executed, get actionable take-aways.
High-impact educational sessions. From marketing and staffing to logistics and guest experience — the sessions are built around what agritourism professionals need today.
A dynamic expo floor. Engage with vendors offering tools, services, and technologies tailored for visitor-based farms and agritourism operations.
Connections that last. It’s not just the content — it’s the network. Building relationships with peers, mentors, and vendors creates long-term value.

Key Event Details

Date: February 5-9, 2026
Location: Orlando, Florida
Who should attend: Farm owners, agritourism managers, event-venue operators, team members who handle guest experience, marketing, operations.
Highlights to plan for now:
Pre-select your sessions based on your current biggest opportunities (for example: enhancing your event-venue layout, boosting per-guest spend, improving seasonal extension).
Map out your vendor visits in the expo hall ahead of time.
Schedule a team debrief after returning — capture key insights and assign actionable next steps.

Why It’s Worth Your Investment

Running an agritourism business today means juggling operations, budgeting, guest services, marketing, liability, staffing, and more. Events like this give you concentrated time away from the daily grind — a space to refocus, refresh, and return with a plan. For someone who tracks every detail (budgets, vendor counts, sponsorship tiers, etc.), the return on investment isn’t just measurable—it’s transformative.

Make the Most of It

Bring a colleague or team member who handles a different area (e.g., one for operations, one for marketing) so you cover more ground.
Make a photo book of various spaces, highlights, and trouble areas on your farm. Show the photo book with people you meet to share new ideas and get input to areas you are looking to enhance.
Before you go, define 2-3 measurable goals you want to achieve post-event.
Take notes during sessions and tours with implementation in mind.
Use networking breaks not just to chat, but to ask: “What challenge did you just solve that I’m still working through?”
Once you’re back, host a team meeting to share what you learned, delegate follow-up tasks, and set timelines for acting on new ideas.

Ready to Register?

Visit the official event website to explore full registration options, check out tour and session details, and lock in your spot. This is more than a conference — it’s a stepping-stone for your agritourism business to level up. Ready to lean in?

Adding the Cuddle: How Branded Plushies Build Farm Loyalty & Boost Sales

Sun, 19 Oct 2025 22:57:30 GMT

If there’s one thing farm guests love to take home—besides memories and maybe a jar of jam—it’s a keepsake that reminds them of the fun they had. Enter branded plushies : the soft, snuggly marketing tool that’s warming hearts and helping farms boost their bottom line.

A Hug-Sized Branding Opportunity

Branded plushies are more than adorable souvenirs—they’re a creative and profitable way to extend your farm’s reach. By customizing plushies to reflect your farm’s personality—whether it’s your star goat, favorite tractor, pumpkin mascot, or sunflower smiley—you create a tangible connection that guests can carry home. These plushies instantly transform into beloved reminders of your farm experience, keeping your name front and center long after their visit.

From Shelf Appeal to Sales Power

Farm stores have discovered that plushies aren’t just impulse buys—they’re sales multipliers. Pair them with your own jams, honey, or gift baskets for an easy bundle that raises your per-sale value. Plushies also shine as part of seasonal displays or themed promotions —imagine a “Pick-Your-Pumpkin Pal” or “Berry Best Buddy” during harvest season.

They’re equally effective at events: maze admissions, farm tours, u-pick patches, and holiday light shows are all perfect occasions to offer a plush mascot as part of a premium package.

Seasonal Excitement & Repeat Visits

Limited-edition designs tied to seasonal events—think spring lambs, summer bees, or Christmas calves—create anticipation year after year. When guests know there’s a new plush to collect, they’re more likely to return, increasing your repeat-visit rate and social buzz.

Turning Guests into Brand Ambassadors

The marketing magic doesn’t stop at the checkout counter. High quality plushies naturally find their way into photos, travel bags, and social media posts. Encourage guests to tag your farm with a branded hashtag for a chance to be featured—free, authentic promotion powered by pure joy.

The Takeaway

Branded plushies do more than delight—they tell your farm’s story in the sweetest, most huggable way possible. Whether snuggled on a child’s bed or shared online, these customized keepsakes turn happy customers into long-term fans who carry your farm’s spirit wherever they go.

Want to learn more or create plushies for your farm?

Find out more from The RGU Group on Faire: https://www.faire.com/direct/thergugroup?signUp=direct

Playing with Your Food: How Vaughn’s Teaching Farm Turns Zucchinis into Race Cars and Sunflowers into Smiles

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 15:12:08 GMT

At Vaughn’s Teaching Farm and Kitchen, sunflowers bloom, zucchinis roll, and families laugh together while discovering the joy of food and farming—one race at a time.

When summer bursts into full bloom at Vaughn’s Teaching Farm and Kitchen in Bremerton, Washington, it’s not just the sunflowers that shine—it’s the zucchinis that steal the show. What started as a playful nod to a hometown county fair has become one of the farm’s most anticipated summer traditions: The Sunflower & Zucchini Festival.

This same spirit of creativity and connection earned Vaughn’s Teaching Farm and Kitchen national recognition, when Rachel Vaughn received the Agritourism Innovation Award at NAFDMA’s 2022 Convention & Expo in Georgia . Her imaginative approach to hands-on education continues to inspire farms across the country.

Beauty and Bounty

For farm owner Rachel Vaughn , the idea was simple: celebrate the bounty of summer in a way that’s both beautiful and hands-on.

“There’s so much bounty in the summer to choose from,” Rachel shared. “We landed on both visual beauty and a hands-on play experience—something for everyone!”

The festival’s dual focus on sunflowers and zucchinis perfectly captures what Vaughn’s Teaching Farm stands for—fun, learning, and connection with food.

Zucchini Races: Let the Games Begin!

Rachel’s inspiration came from her childhood on a small island where a zucchini decorating contest evolved into full-blown races. That spark of creativity—and a love for learning through play—found new life on her farm.

Kids begin by heading to the field to harvest their own zucchini , then transform their veggies into personalized racecars with axles, wheels, and decorations. Cupcake toppers are a crowd favorite—flames, flags, and everything in between.

“They can even carve into their zucchini for a more personal touch,” Rachel said. “Then they test, tweak, and race!”

The excitement builds on a custom-built plywood track with four lanes and a suspense-filled starting gate. Each heat narrows the field until a final winner zooms down the ramp—though half the fun is watching racers fall apart mid-race.

“It happens all the time,” Rachel laughed. “Once they eliminate drag, they hit the barricade, do a hop, and flip on their side. The crowd groans every time!”

Medals are awarded to top racers, but most participants are just thrilled to take their racecar home—sometimes keeping it a little too long.

Farm Family & Community Connection

As an urban teaching farm , Vaughn’s Teaching Farm thrives on connection and creativity.

“We’ve found the best way to learn is through play,” Rachel said. “Using a bumper crop makes it easy and fun.”

Parents join in enthusiastically—offering tips, cheering loudly, or building right alongside their kids. The teamwork and laughter create a family memory rooted in joy and discovery.

“Our farm exists to connect people with their food,” she explained. “When they’re hands-on, it creates a positive connection. It even makes introducing things like kale much easier!”

The event’s popularity has grown beyond the summer festival. Families now request zucchini races for birthday parties and corporate events —proof that the joy of playing with your food never goes out of style.

Behind the Scenes

For Rachel, the most rewarding part of hosting the festival is when it feels authentically “farm-born.”

“When an event feels true to who your farm is—and represents the joy and discovery you want to share—it hits the mark.”

Of course, every event has its challenges—like finding enough zucchinis of the right size at the right time.

“I’ve been known to ‘plant’ store-bought zucchinis among my plants,” Rachel confessed. “Only the grandmas notice—and they just give me a sly look and carry on!”

Preparation begins in May, when leftover plant starts fill the fields. Sunflower planting is carefully timed (“we do the sunflower math,” she said), while any overgrown zucchinis get repurposed for the pounding station , where kids use wooden hammers and golf tees to pound into them. The farm even sells zucchini pounding kits so families can continue the fun at home.

One of Rachel’s favorite stories comes from their farm-to-table dinners , where adults race zucchinis between dinner and dessert.

“They take slow-motion videos, review the footage to see who actually won, and brag about it the next time they visit,” Rachel said. “It’s the best.”

Her advice for other farms looking to start something similar?

“Have your goofiest, most outgoing staff man it. It’s so much more fun with a hype squad. Make it authentic to your farm, and have fun!”

Memories That Stick

For Rachel, the magic moment comes when she sees guests get it—when they dive in with joy and curiosity.

“When they take their fun seriously and jump in enthusiastically, it makes it fun for everyone.”

Her closing thought sums up the festival’s heart: “Don’t be afraid to do something outside the box. If it reflects your farm’s values, you’re on the right track.”

Stronger Together: Why Farmer Friendships Matter in the Hard Seasons

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 21:12:21 GMT

Farming is more than a livelihood—it’s a calling, a legacy, and at times, a heavy burden to carry.

Those of us in agritourism know the rhythm well: the joy of welcoming thousands of guests, the pride in carrying on traditions, and the exhaustion of long harvest days that stretch into sleepless nights. What makes it possible to keep going when the weight feels overwhelming? Often, it’s not just grit—it’s community.

The Hidden Struggles of Farm Life

Behind every smiling guest photo and every perfect pumpkin patch lies the reality most farmers carry quietly. Staff shortages, weather swings, delivery delays, guest expectations, and the sheer responsibility of managing land and legacy can leave even the strongest among us stretched thin. Yet, in this industry, asking for help doesn’t always come easy. Farmers are known for their independence, and reaching out can feel like weakness. That’s where friendship changes everything.

A Village That Understands

Fellow farmers understand in a way no one else can—the pressure of managing a team, the fear of falling short, the gratitude for loyal staff, and the deep fatigue that comes with “harvest brain.” Sometimes, it just takes a friend to check in and say, “Are you feeling this too?” to remind you that you’re not alone.

Friendship as a Form of Resilience

Farmer-to-farmer friendships don’t make the challenges disappear, but they give them a softer edge. A quick text exchange, a phone call while you’re on the tractor, or a laugh shared across state lines can make the load feel lighter. Knowing you have a “village” that sees you, celebrates your victories, and helps you strategize after setbacks is part of what sustains this community.

NAFDMA exists for exactly this reason: to connect farmers with farmers, to create a network of encouragement and practical support. Beyond the education, beyond the best practices, it’s the relationships that give us the courage to face another season.

You’re Not Alone

Whether you’re running on adrenaline in the peak of fall, struggling with staff challenges, or worried about the future, know this: others are right there with you. Within NAFDMA’s community, you’ll find people who understand, who will pray with you, brainstorm with you, and remind you of your “why.”

Farming is tough. Friendship makes it bearable. And together? Together we thrive.

From Memories to New Traditions: A Family’s Return to Quinn Farm

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 20:29:39 GMT

At La Ferme Quinn (Quinn Farm), every season brings something fresh and exciting—apple picking in the fall, baby animals in the spring, pumpkins and hayrides that make memories last a lifetime. But sometimes, the most meaningful harvest is not found in a basket, but in the stories and traditions that families carry with them.

Recently, Phil and Stephanie Quinn received a heartfelt message from a family who has been visiting the farm for over a decade. Along with their note, they shared two photos—one taken 12 years ago, and one recreated this year in the very same spot.

“We really enjoyed visiting your farm, meeting your animals and picking apples. Thank you for all that you do! I’m from a rural area and grew up around farms, and really miss the farm life. So it was lovely to visit your farm again (we haven’t gone in over a decade as a family—our kids have gone with their elementary schools). Our 4 kids recreated a photo we took of them 12 years ago at your farm, I thought you might like to see! We can’t wait to come back and go pumpkin picking!”

The Power of Farm Experiences

This simple act—recreating a photo—reminds us why agritourism is so much more than a fun day out. Farms like Quinn’s provide a place where families can reconnect not only with each other, but also with the land, the animals, and traditions that anchor them.

When children return to a farm they visited years ago, they’re not just seeing fields of pumpkins or rows of apple trees. They’re stepping back into moments of laughter, learning, and togetherness. The familiar barn, the tractor rides, and even the scent of fresh apples create a bridge between past and present.

Memories that Grow with Us

As this family shared, visiting Quinn Farm wasn’t just about picking apples—it was about reliving a piece of their own story. For parents who grew up in rural areas, farms can feel like homecoming. For kids, it’s a chance to build their own library of memories, ones they’ll carry into adulthood.

And for Phil and Stephanie, these stories are the heart of their work. Every pumpkin picked, every animal petted, every photo snapped represents another thread woven into the fabric of family tradition.

Looking Ahead

As autumn arrives, Quinn Farm welcomes thousands of visitors eager to make memories of their own. For some, it will be their first taste of farm life. For others, it’s the continuation of a tradition that has spanned years—or even generations.

And for one family, the story continues this fall, as they return once more—this time to pick pumpkins, pose for photos, and keep building a tradition that is uniquely theirs.

At Quinn Farm, it’s not just about what you harvest in the fields—it’s about the memories that last long after the season ends.

From Connections to Growth: Why Networking at NAFDMA Convention & Expo Matters

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 15:52:59 GMT

At NAFDMA Convention & Expo, something special happens the moment you arrive. Yes, you’ll find world-class educational sessions, inspiring keynotes, and plenty of innovative ideas to bring home. But ask any past attendee what really sticks with them, and you’ll hear the same thing again and again: the relationships.

Networking at Convention isn’t just small talk over coffee—it’s conversations that can change the trajectory of your farm, your business, and your future. Here's some thoughts from current board members about the power of NAFDMA Networking.

The Power of Peers

Farming and agritourism can be lonely work. Few people truly understand the challenges of balancing crops, customers, and community. At NAFDMA, you’re surrounded by peers who not only understand but respect the unique path you’re walking.

“Your peers at NAFDMA are the only people in the world who never call in sick! They respect your business as much as they respect theirs.”
— Olivia Telschow, Helene’s Hilltop Orchard, Merrill, WI

That mutual respect is the foundation for lasting connections. It’s what turns a quick introduction into a trusted friendship—and sometimes, into a future business breakthrough.

Conversations that Open Doors

Networking here isn’t about swapping business cards—it’s about discovering solutions you didn’t even know you needed. Every workshop, farm tour, and Expo booth creates space for conversations that spark ideas and build confidence.

“Convention networking has been a tremendous asset in building our business. The knowledge we’ve gained from our peers has opened opportunities we never knew existed. Success becomes easier when we invest in the relationships we build through NAFDMA—these relationships will continue to open new doors!!”
— Scott DeBuck, DeBuck’s Family Farms, Belleville, MI

From Ideas to Inspiration

The best part? Those conversations don’t stop when the Convention ends. They travel home with you, fueling creativity, problem-solving, and inspiration long after the event.

“Networking at Convention has been invaluable for us. The chance to connect with peers who truly understand our industry has not only sparked new ideas but also created lasting relationships. Every conversation opens a door to fresh opportunities, and those connections continue to support and inspire long after Convention ends.”
— Andrea DeJesus, A&H Farms, Manhattan, KS

Every Handshake Matters

Whether it’s a quick hallway chat, a roundtable discussion, or a shared meal, every moment is an opportunity to learn from someone who has walked the same rows you do.

“At NAFDMA, every handshake carries the potential to change your farm, your business, and your future—the power of networking here is unmatched, and it isn’t just about sharing experiences; it’s about discovering solutions you never knew you needed from people who’ve walked the same rows you do.”
— Alma Galloway, Galloway Farm, Hallsboro, NC

Why NAFDMA Convention & Expo?

Because in addition to the educational sessions, the Expo floor, and the farm tours—you gain something you can’t put a price on: a community. A network of peers who will answer the phone when you’re stuck, celebrate with you when you succeed, and inspire you to keep going when times are tough.

That’s the heart of NAFDMA Convention & Expo. And it’s why year after year, attendees come back—not just for the content, but for the connections.

✨ Ready to open new doors for your farm and your future? Join us at the next NAFDMA Convention & Expo and experience firsthand the power of networking with peers who truly get it.

Planting for Tomorrow: Pots of Tulips, Pops of Color

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 20:35:35 GMT

Adding Pops of Color to Your Spring Festival

Great ideas from our Industry Partner, Ruigrok Flower Bulbs !
Fall is the perfect time to think about spring! While the tractors are rolling and you’re busy planting tulip bulbs this November, here’s a small idea that can make a big impact at your next spring festival: set a few bulbs aside for pots and containers.

Why Pots?

Tulips planted in different-sized pots and containers are one of the easiest ways to brighten up your farm’s spaces. Picture them lining your entrance, clustered around your farm shop, or scattered across a terrace or parking lot. These bursts of color create a warm, cheerful welcome for guests the moment they arrive—and instantly make your festival feel even more inviting.

A Souvenir That Blooms Again

Beyond décor, potted tulips make a thoughtful (and profitable!) souvenir. Visitors love the chance to take home a little piece of the festival, and pots make it simple for them to enjoy spring blooms right on their own doorstep. It’s a memory of their visit that keeps growing—literally.

A Little Extra Effort, a Lot of Extra Charm

It doesn’t take much. Just a few extra minutes this fall to tuck bulbs into containers, and you’ll reap the rewards come festival time. The result? More color. More charm. More delighted visitors who can’t help but share photos and stories of their beautiful spring day on the farm.

So while you’re planting fields of tulips this November, set some aside for pots, too. It’s a small step now that can bloom into something truly special later.

Want to dive deeper into the world of tulips and flowers? Check out our friends at Ruigrok Flower Bulbs for inspiration and ideas that will keep your farm in full bloom!

Adding the Yum to Your Farm!

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 21:47:54 GMT

As we head into the busiest time for many agritourism farms, owners and managers start to look at quick and easy ways to add new offerings to their customers. One way to increase the per-person spend? Add snacks!

Biting Off the Next Bite of Consumer Attention?

Food & Beverage may seem daunting, but there are many ways to simplify it. If you are just getting started, you may want to check out our Concessions 101 webinar. This gives you the most important things you need to know to start adding food, snacks, and drinks. If you are wanting to "level up" the experience for your guests, avoid some pitfalls by viewing the webinar titled Food & Beverage: 8 Things I Wouldn't Do .

How to Get Started

One of the easiest ways to get started is by using a pre-made snack that just needs heating up. The Amish Pretzel Company/Ben's Pretzels has just worked with Gordon Food Service to add both their 5.5 ounce pretzel and their pretzel bites to the GFS line of products. Who doesn't love a warm, tasty pretzel?!

New Partnership from a NAFDMA Industry Member

In the words of Tiffany from The Amish Pretzel Company:

You may not remember me from the NAFDMA Expo but hopefully you remember sampling the world's best frozen pretzel.

I am happy to let you know, you can now find our products the 5.5 ounce pretzel and the pretzel bites at your local Gordan Food Service (GFS) (NOTE: They do not stock in Florida or Texas)

96 ct - 5.5 ounce pretzel $124.99

Pretzel bites - $109.99

If you choose to use GFS for your ordering just let your GFS know that you will be ordering so they can plan to stock plenty for your farm.

If this option does not work, you can always reach me to ship directly to you. Tiffany 574-215-8470.

Fueling Tradition: How Long Acre Farms Brought Mustang Magic to the Corn Maze

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 20:40:59 GMT

When a family farm in rural New York sent a cold email to Ford, they never expected to hear back. What started as a hopeful note to a generic inbox evolved into one of the biggest collaborations in Long Acre Farms’ history—an iconic sponsorship that brought “Fast Never Fades: 60 Years of Mustang” roaring to life in their 2025 Amazing Maze.

The Big Reveal

Months of planning and secrecy culminated in a spring announcement that had the community buzzing.

“We were so excited! The whole process started back in February, so being able to finally announce the theme was a relief,” shares Audrey of Long Acre Farms . “We’d been holding onto the secret for so long, so seeing the amazing reaction on socials and enthusiasm from the community was very reassuring.”

The family was stunned when Ford replied to their initial outreach.

“I sent a cold email to a random Ford address meant for shareholders. They actually replied and connected me to their marketing team. I was in Australia for a farm tour when I got the response—I about fell off my chair. When I got home, Sarah and I had a few Zoom calls, and somehow, we landed a major sponsorship!”

Building the Partnership

What followed was a process of sharing the farm’s story and demonstrating its value to a global brand. Ford’s corporate team reviewed the sponsorship package, and a PR group coordinating partnerships for regional dealerships in Rochester, Buffalo, and Erie ultimately moved the project forward.

“We learned so much along the way,” Audrey reflects. “Always start high and negotiate. Don’t undervalue yourself. And don’t be afraid to say no. For example, Ford wanted to rebrand our Music Nights as ‘Ford Fridays.’ That wasn’t in the original package, so we politely declined. It’s important to know your worth.”

For Ford, the appeal was clear: a unique opportunity to connect with a rural audience. For Long Acre Farms, it was validation of years of community building.

“They wanted to reach a rural audience—there are nine local dealerships, and the market has been sluggish. We welcome 15,000 visitors every fall, and trucks are king out here. It just clicks.”

Designing the Mustang Maze

Each year, Long Acre Farms’ maze tells a story, and this year’s pays tribute to one of America’s most iconic cars.

“We’ve never done a car-themed maze before, but the Mustang is iconic,” Audrey says. “The details in the design are super crisp—you can absolutely tell it’s a Mustang.”

Crafting such precision takes careful planning.

“We treat the field like giant graph paper. We stake posts, run twine, and grid out coordinates. Then we enlarge the design, flag the paths, and kill the corn in those areas while it’s just a few inches tall. It’s three days of work with 2-3 people, but the result is amazing.”

Ford’s involvement added an extra layer of branding to the project, but their efficiency made the process smooth.

“They were incredibly organized and worked directly with Amazing Maize Maze to provide all the files and ensure everything was on-brand. It really couldn’t have been easier.”

Overcoming Challenges

The 2025 growing season brought no shortage of hurdles. After a wet spring delayed planting, summer droughts threatened the crop.

“It was a huge obstacle. With such a wet May, the field was planted later than normal. Then the rain stopped, and the corn started struggling. For the first time ever, we had to irrigate.”

Neighbors pitched in, lending equipment and support as the farm rigged a manual irrigation system.

“We borrowed a pump, bought 1,000 feet of high-velocity hose, and manually moved water through the maze section by section. When the corn finally perked up, you could almost feel the field sigh in relief. It was so rewarding to see all that hard work pay off.”

Now, with a decommissioned fire truck ready to handle future dry spells, the farm is prepared for whatever Mother Nature brings next.

Community Excitement

The Mustang theme has captured imaginations far beyond the farm.

“We had no idea there were so many Mustang fans!” Audrey says with a laugh. “People have shared stories about their first Mustang or the one they’ve always dreamed of owning. The excitement around the car show has been amazing. There’s so much nostalgia wrapped up in this theme.”

That sense of connection is exactly why Long Acre Farms continues to invest in creating memorable experiences.

“We’ve always chosen themes that bring people together. This one adds a layer of nostalgia that resonates with so many. It’s brought new visitors to our farm, and that’s what we love—welcoming people into our family tradition.”

Looking Ahead

The success of this partnership has sparked renewed confidence for the Long Acre team.

“I never thought one email could lead to something this big,” Audrey reflects. “It just proves it never hurts to try. The worst that can happen is no response—the best? We’re living it. And now, I’m excited to explore more collaborations in the future. We’re always dreaming of new events, and with the momentum from this year, who knows what’s next?”

The Throne Room: How Stuckey Farm Built Bathroom Trailers Worth Talking About

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 23:10:03 GMT

When guests rave about your… bathrooms, you know you’re onto something. At Stuckey Farm, what started as one dad’s firm “no” to porta-potties has grown into Agritourism Solutions—a build shop that designs and customizes luxury bathroom trailers purpose-built for farms. We caught up with Jordan Pierce to talk origin story, design choices, build timelines, guest reactions, and what’s next.

“My dad said, ‘Build me a bathroom trailer—and make it nice enough that guests leave surprised they just had a great bathroom experience… on a farm.’” — Jordan Pierce

Origin Story & Inspiration

What inspired you to build bathroom trailers on the farm?
Like many farms, we felt stuck with porta-potties—and my dad hated them. One day he came to me and said, “Build me a bathroom trailer and make it nice so guests are pleasantly surprised they had a good bathroom experience at a farm.” That was the spark.

Any unusual inspirations that shaped the concept?
Our family has some background in remodeling and house flipping, so we asked, what would a bathroom feel like if it were in your home? That residential mindset drives our choices.

Design & Functionality

Walk us through the designs.
We currently offer three base layouts for 32' trailers and two for 18' , and then we customize from there. Recently we built a trailer with 8 women’s stalls and 2 men’s stalls plus a removable wall so it can convert to women-only in the future. Beyond layout, clients chose flooring, light fixtures, vanities, sink styles, and colors —down to the details. These are truly built to order.

Standard features you won’t compromise on?
All trailers are fully insulated with luxury vinyl plank flooring , and we spec extended tongues (so if someone jackknifes the trailer, they won’t slam into the fresh corner you just paid for). We only use high-quality materials. These are luxury bathroom trailers —we want buyers to feel a touch of the same luxury their guests will feel.

How do you decide on finishes—lighting, sinks, stalls?
We sit down with each farm and pick everything together so the trailer matches their brand. Exterior colors can be customized too—and if nothing fits, we can vinyl wrap the trailer.

These are basically made to exact order for other farms.

Building & Logistics

What does the build process look like—from concept to completion?
Once the deposit lands, it’s about 9 weeks for the shell and 3 weeks for our interior build-out .

Any challenges—weather, budget, permitting, technical issues?
Our workshop fits two 32-footers side-by-side , so weather’s not a problem. Permitting hasn’t been an issue because the units are portable .

How long did the very first build take—and how about now?
Our first farm trailer took about 5 weeks to finish out. Now that we’ve got our rhythm, it’s about 3 weeks to complete interiors once the shell arrives.

Function & Farm Fit

How do the trailers change the flow at events?
Porta-potties can feel like a “negative” guests tolerate. With our trailers, people come out smiling —and talking about how nice the bathroom was. Five years ago I wouldn’t have believed I’d hear guests discussing bathrooms at Stuckey Farm… yet here we are.

Permanent or mobile?

Best case, you tie into an existing septic field . But there are options: we can pump into fertilizer tanks that your septic service empties, and we can build onboard tanks when needed.

Capacity & maintenance?
An optimized 32' trailer with 8 women’s stalls, 3 urinals, and 1 men’s stall can comfortably move ~6,500 people in a weekend with little to no wait. Maintenance is surprisingly light— sweep occasionally, restock TP . Because the space feels upscale, guests tend to keep it clean . We also include toiletry containers to cut down on clogs.

Guest Experience & Reactions

What are you hearing from guests and staff?
Our staff bathrooms are permanent… and staff still choose the trailer . Guests tell friends in line they have to “go in there and try it.”

Any surprises?
We overbuild and oversize the plumbing , and maintenance has stayed much lower than expected .

Design Philosophy & Vision

What principles guide your design?
Luxury. A luxury buying experience for the farm and a luxury using experience for the guest. We want to help farms elevate the standard and finally say goodbye to the—pardon me— “green plastic poop saunas.”

How do you want guests to feel inside?
As close to home as possible. Going to the bathroom away from home is vulnerable; we design to reduce that discomfort.

Does this align with your broader brand?
Yes—my dad and I built out a larger offering called Agritourism Solutions to provide practical, guest-experience-forward solutions for farms.

We want to help farms elevate their guest experience and set a new standard for bathrooms on farms.

Special Features & Storie s

Any special touches to highlight?
Lots. Every door and divider are hand-built , and most elements are custom. The craftsmanship is a point of pride.

Memorable build moments?
We run a tight ship in the shop—fun happens out on the farm. Check our Facebook for the lighter side.

Future Plans & Reflections

What’s next on the product roadmap?
We’re designing three modular trailers :

Baby-changing / nursing-mom trailer
Mobile office
Bride or groom getting-ready suite

What did you learn that you’ll carry forward?
Every trailer sparks new ideas. I wish I could turn my brain off, but I'm always coming up with better ways to do things and new features to add.

What’s next for Stuckey Farm itself?
We’ll refine existing offerings and keep improving.

Practical Advice for Other Farms

Advice for farms considering something similar?
Even if you’re staying with porta-potties, mitigate the experience —dress them up, increase cleaning on busy weekends. But if you get a bathroom trailer , there’s no going back —your guests will thank you.

Anything you wish you’d known earlier?
Rental demand. Off-season rentals can generate real revenue. I talked with a farm that rented a bathroom trailer for two months for $30,000 .

At-a-Glance Specs (example 32' build)

Layouts: 3 base (fully customizable)
Example capacity: 8 women’s stalls + 3 urinals + 1 men’s stall
Throughput: ~6,500 guests/weekend with minimal waits
Materials: Fully insulated; LVP flooring ; high-quality fixtures
Extras: Extended tongue; custom finishes; exterior color or vinyl wrap options
Plumbing: Oversized lines; onsite tanks or tie-in; pump-to-tank options

Connect with Agritourism Solutions

Contact: Jordan Pierce
Phone: 317-371-4047
Email: jordanpierce@stuckeyfarm.com

“When 20-year-old me joined Stuckey Farm, I never imagined I’d be talking luxury bathroom trailers—but here we are, and I’m loving it.” — Jordan

From Gate to Great: Small Touches That Turn First-Time Guests into Lifelong Fans

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 19:00:19 GMT

Step onto any farm during peak season, and you’ll see it—that sparkle in a first-time guest’s eyes. They’ve just stepped out of the parking lot and into a world that smells like kettle corn, sounds like laughter, and feels a little like stepping back in time.

But here’s the secret: it’s not always the big attractions that win them over. More often, it’s the little touches—the ones so natural to you that you might not even notice—that transform a casual visit into a cherished memory. And those memories? They’re the seeds of loyalty that keep guests coming back year after year.

The Art of First Impressions

Your front gate is more than an entry—it’s your handshake, your “Welcome home,” your first chapter.

Whether it’s a friendly greeter handing out maps with a smile, a hand-painted sign that reads “We’re so glad you’re here”, or music drifting from a nearby porch, that very first interaction sets the tone for the day.

Pro Tip: Guests want to feel expected, not just admitted. Make sure your check-in process is warm, efficient, and sprinkled with personality. That first moment can be the difference between “just visiting” and “we’re coming back.”

Moments of Delight

Every farm has its main attractions—the corn maze, the hayride, the pumpkin patch—but what about the tiny sparks of joy in between?

A wildflower tucked in each cider cup
A “selfie station” with your farm cat napping in the background
A staff member who says, “If you take the trail to the right, you’ll catch the best sunset view”

These are the details that make guests feel seen, cared for, and part of something special. They might not make your marketing brochure, but they will make it into your guests’ stories, photos, and lifelong memories.

The Goodbye That Brings Them Back

A great farewell can be just as important as the welcome.

Whether it’s a heartfelt “See you next time!” at the exit, a small sample to take home, or a quick tip about what’s blooming or ripening next season—you’re planting the idea of their return before they’ve even left the driveway.

One NAFDMA member shared that they give each departing family a postcard of the farm with a handwritten note: “Come visit us again in the fall!” Guests pin them to fridges and bulletin boards—a tiny, tangible reminder to return. Another member gives specialized stickers to all kids during their school field trips, sending them home with a colorful keepsake that sparks excitement to share their farm adventure and come back for more.

These actions may seem small, but they bring joy and leave a big, lasting impression.

Why It Matters

In agritourism, it’s not just about the attractions—it’s about connection.

It’s the laughter between friends over kettle corn.
It’s the way a child hugs their pumpkin like it’s treasure.
It’s the comfort of a familiar farm dog greeting you at the gate.

When we focus on the small touches, we’re not just creating customers—we’re creating a community of guests who feel like family. And family always comes back.

Your Turn

What’s one small touch you’ve added to your guest experience that’s made a big impact? Share it with us—we’d love to feature member ideas in an upcoming post! Contact Angie: Angie@nafdma.com

A Blooming Summer: Behind the Magic of FestiFleurs

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 00:07:16 GMT

If you think sunflowers are the ultimate summer flower, you might want to think again. FestiFleurs at La Belle de Coteau-du-Lac is flipping the script—and the field—with more than 200 varieties of stunning blooms, creative photo ops, and immersive flower experiences that go far beyond your typical upick. We sat down with the visionary behind the festival, Marc-André Isabelle, to hear how this blooming dream came to life at La Belle de Coteau-du-Lac.

What inspired the creation of FestiFleurs, and how has it evolved over the years?

FestiFleurs started blooming in my brain after our 2020 sunflower festival. The flower picking frenzy got so wild, people were parading through town with their bouquets on the way to restaurants! That year also showed me just how risky it is to count on perfect weather for just three weekends—especially when it made up a big chunk of our income.

So the wheels started turning. I imagined something longer-lasting, with more variety, and that same joy of picking flowers. The first spark? Those bold, colorful bands of tulips in the Netherlands—but with annuals that bloom in July and August.

After year one, attendance wasn’t quite sunflower-level, but the people who came? They really picked flowers—and that showed me the potential. Over the next few years, I leaned into creative photo ops: the big swing, the staircase, and then the hearts!

Fun fact: the staircase idea came from the glamour of red carpets—Oscar night, Cannes, the Met Gala. Why not La Belle? But I didn’t want a boring square staircase. I wanted curves. Flow. Intrigue. Then my girlfriend showed me a floral heart arch... and I said, “Yup. I can make that.” Turns out, that photo was from the Dubai Miracle Garden. Let’s just say… different budget!

Still, even with some flower growing struggles, we pulled off 3.5 out of 5 hearts in 2024, and it was a massive hit—attendance jumped 50%. The remnants of Hurricane Debbie even gave me the idea for 2025’s inspiration. I get a lot of ideas from the world around me… and then twist them a little to make them my own.

With over 200 varieties of flowers, how do you decide which blooms to showcase each year?

For the upick area, I focus on giving guests a wide variety—colors, shapes, textures. I pay close attention to what people love picking and tweak the selection each season.

When it comes to the photo scenes, though, flower choices are all about design strategy:

I fill space completely—no blank spots.
I layer heights, using shorter plants near people and taller ones in the background.
I define the edges of the scene clearly.
I vary backdrops: tall sunflowers, corn, climbers, you name it.
And for intense color coverage—especially for something like the hearts—petunias are unbeatable.

What sets FestiFleurs apart from other floral festivals or summer events?

I design each scenic photo space from the ground up, not just toss props into whatever flower patch looks good. Take 2024’s "piano alley" as an example: Three pianos, three distinct vibes.

One was wild and prairie-inspired—rudbeckia, gomphrenas, ornamental grass.
Another was romantic, with dreamy pink blooms and a landscape backdrop.
The last was a baby grand floating in a sea of blue and white, cloudlike flowers.

Because we use annuals, I can redesign the entire scene each year with completely different blooms. It keeps things fresh—and way more exciting than a sunflower-only field.

What do you hope visitors feel or take away after attending FestiFleurs?

One comment from the early days still sticks with me:
“We sit in the flowers and feel like we’re on vacation.”

That’s the goal. A peaceful pause. An escape. People walk through the festival, discovering it piece by piece. Sometimes they even lose track of where they are. Even our own staff sees it fully for the first time once it’s all in bloom—it’s that transformative.

How did the Sunset and Bonfire evenings come about, and why are they so loved?

Sunset lighting = magic. The skies, the softer glow—it all makes for better pictures. Add in music, bonfires, and now this year… we finally got our alcohol license! That festive vibe really brought in a new crowd.

We also added tons of lights to the photo scenes, thanks to a grant. It transforms the flower field as the sun goes down, making it feel almost like a dream. The photo ops during that transition? Absolutely stunning.

What are some of your favorite photo spots or hidden gems?

This year? The hearts—no question. What started as 3.5/5 in bloom became a full 7/5. Unreal.

Close second? The stairway. I added more flowers this year and the curves pop. Bonus: the fountain beside it makes for an awesome backdrop.

Hidden gem? There’s a tucked-away mini stairway with a French door balcony overlooking a patch of sunflowers, the main stairway, and the pond. Pure magic.

Do you have any special moments or stories from past festivals that have stayed with you?

Honestly, it’s the little experiments that end up becoming big wins. Like growing flowers in raspberry fertigation substrate bags and seeing how lush they got for photo scenes. Now we’ve got an underground system to distribute that raspberry “juice”—it’s flower fuel!

Or the first pond I made—just a sump pump and plastic tubing—but people loved it! That’s when I realized: people love water in their photos. Hurricane Debbie flooded our field one year and the reflections were so stunning, it inspired me to build a real pond in front of the hearts for 2025.

What’s one tip you'd give to first-time visitors?

Forget the clock. Seriously.

One guest said:
"I'll swing by quickly to check it out."
Three hours later… they were on their knees between rows, chasing the perfect shot.

If you love flowers, flower photos, or just strolling with no agenda—this is your kind of place. Warning: You may leave with a sudden urge to garden… or change your phone wallpaper.

Anything else you'd like people to know?

People always say, “Wow, this is way more than I expected.” We try to show it all in pictures, videos, reels, drone shots—even bring in influencers—but still, folks are blown away. That’s a good thing (under-promise, over-deliver), but if anyone has tips for how we can better capture the feeling of FestiFleurs in our marketing, I’m all ears.

And to those who are curious—don’t be afraid to step outside the sunflower box. Flowers are deeply satisfying. It’s taken a lot of dedication, teamwork, and perseverance to grow FestiFleurs to what it is today. But in the last two seasons, we’ve really started to see the seeds we planted take root. This might just be the year we outpace sunflower attendance—and I’m ready for it.

Why Branding Matters: How Nine Pin Cider Builds Trust, One Bottle at a Time

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 17:26:34 GMT

When you think of a business you love, chances are you don’t just remember the product—you remember the feeling. That feeling comes from branding.

At Nine Pin Cider , branding is more than a label or logo. It’s the personality of the company, the story behind every bottle, and the consistent experience that keeps customers coming back.

What Makes a Brand Stand Out?

Great branding takes what makes a business unique and turns it into something memorable—through thoughtful messaging, visual design, and meaningful customer touchpoints. For Nine Pin, that means honoring their mission: crafting exceptional cider with 100% New York apples and supporting local agriculture every step of the way.

If you’ve ever held a can of Nine Pin Sparkling Cider , you’ve felt that mission come to life. The bold colors, clean design, and attention to detail all work together to reflect the care inside the can.
See the lineup here →

Consistency Builds Trust

The key to effective branding? Consistency .

From the can designs to event signage and social media posts, Nine Pin keeps its brand voice clear and cohesive. This consistency means customers instantly recognize the product—whether they’re at a local market, a tasting room, or browsing online.

And over time, that recognition leads to something even more valuable: trust . Customers know what to expect from Nine Pin—quality, local pride, and a refreshing cider experience.

Creative Branding = Customer Connection

Nine Pin also finds fun, creative ways to bring their brand to life. From seasonal cider releases with playful names and eye-catching labels to signage that makes finding your favorite flavor easy and exciting—everything is crafted with purpose.

This kind of intentional design draws people in and invites them to connect with the brand story. It’s more than marketing—it’s making the customer feel like part of the Nine Pin community.

Final Thoughts

Your brand is your identity—and Nine Pin Cider shows what’s possible when you build that identity with purpose, passion, and consistency.

Looking for a taste of branding done right?
Check out the Nine Pin Sparkling Cider collection and see how a strong, consistent brand can turn first-time sippers into lifelong fans.

Sweet & Salty Success

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 17:16:04 GMT

Sweet & Salty Success: How Kettle Corn Can Pop Your Profits

An irresistible blend of sweetness and saltiness, kettle corn is both a crowd pleaser and profit maker for agritourism venues. Here are some tips to make it a best-seller:

Start with the right corn. For big, fluffy kernels that hold up and coat beautifully, Monster Mushroom popcorn is your go-to.
Mix up the flavors. Add variety with Glaze Pop® flavors like caramel, chocolate, red cinnamon, cherry pink, blue raspberry, grape, and caramel apple. Ideal for seasonal or themed events.
Offer multiple sizes. From individual grab-and-go bags to jumbo family-sized options, variety in portion sizes means more sales opportunities.
Use strategic placement. Create eye-catching displays near checkout to encourage impulse purchases.
Let them taste it. Sampling is a powerful tool. Just one bite is often all it takes to turn a browser into a buyer.

Want to dig deeper into the benefits of kettle corn? Visit Gold Medal’s Kettle Corn 101 blog to explore more tips and insights.

From Farm Gates to Fresh Ideas: Highlights from NAFDMA’s 2025 Agritourism Farm Tour in Ontario

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 23:48:08 GMT

There’s something powerful about stepping foot on another farmer’s land—walking their rows, hearing their stories, and seeing firsthand the creativity they’ve poured into every guest experience. That’s exactly what happened when NAFDMA brought together over 100 passionate agritourism professionals for a two-day, seven-farm tour across the Toronto region , July 15–16, 2025.

The 2025 Agritourism Farm Tour wasn't just a bus ride through beautiful countryside—it was a deep dive into agritourism at its best, hosted by some of Ontario’s most respected and innovative farm businesses.

A Journey Through Ontario's Agritourism Gems

The tour kicked off with warm welcomes and big ideas. Each stop brought new perspectives—from diversified product offerings to hospitality-driven guest experiences.

Farms We Visited:

Brooks Farms – A family-run operation offering immersive experiences, seasonal festivals, and heartfelt storytelling.
Chudleigh’s Entertainment Farm – Known for its scenic charm, extensive food service, and a guest-focused brand that’s been delighting families for generations.
Downey’s Farm Market – A masterclass in balancing large-scale agritourism with operational excellence.
Pingle’s Farm Market – With a modern farm market and dynamic events, they offered lessons in atmosphere, branding, and retail flow.
Snyder’s Family Farm – Where spooky season meets sweet farm fun—an inspiring example of dual-season innovation.
Springridge Farm – Celebrating its 65th season, this family farm brought stories of resilience, legacy, and continually evolving with purpose.
Willowtree Farm – A full-circle operation that marries local food production, on-farm dining, and transparent farming practices.

Why This Tour Mattered

These weren't just farm visits—they were live case studies in what’s possible. Attendees explored:

Efficient market layouts that enhance retail sales
Seasonal programming that extends the guest experience
Diversification strategies that help farms thrive year-round
Family legacy transitions and leadership succession insights
Innovative food service models that keep guests on-farm longer

And just as important: conversations on the bus, shared meals, and fireside chats—where the real magic often happens.

It’s About More Than Ideas—It’s About Connection

At NAFDMA, we know that the most lasting insights often come not just from speakers or sessions, but from connection. This tour reminded us that the agritourism community is not only creative, it’s collaborative. Attendees didn’t just walk away with notes—they left with renewed energy , new friends , and actionable steps for their own farms.

What’s Next?

If you loved this experience or missed out and want in on the next one, mark your calendars for the Agritourism Learning Retreat in Minnesota – August 18–20, 2025 . Registration is open now, but space is limited. Learn more here.

A Huge Thank You

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our host farms who opened their gates, shared their successes (and challenges), and offered a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to grow strong in agritourism.

If you’re not yet a NAFDMA member, consider joining today . Our tours, resources, and peer network are designed to equip and inspire you for every season of your agritourism journey.

Stepping Onto the Plant Bus with Renata: Cultivating Joy, One Mile at a Time. A Q&A with Renata of Renata’s Garden

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 22:42:13 GMT

Welcome to Renata’s Garden — Where Plants Cultivate Peace and Connection

If you’ve ever felt a sense of calm while tending a plant or joy at seeing a flower bloom, then you’ve already experienced a glimpse of what Renata’s Garden is all about. Founded with a deep-rooted belief in the healing and unifying power of plants, Renata’s Garden is more than a garden—it’s a mission to make nature accessible and meaningful to everyone, no matter where they are.

Through hands-on experiences, thoughtful education, and a passion for horticulture, Renata’s Garden is on a journey to inspire personal peace, foster vibrant community connections, and spark a lifelong love of learning—all through the beauty and simplicity of plants. Grab a cup of coffee or tea and join us for a Q&A with Renata about her vision and passion for Renata's Plant Bus.

Let’s start with the star of the show—The Plant Bus! What sparked the idea to turn a bus into a rolling garden experience?

I was an avid 4-H’er from the first moment I was old enough to participate. By the time I was in junior high, I was hooked on judging teams, particularly horticulture judging and FACS judging (family and consumer sciences). Our local extension agents doubled as judging team coaches, giving me ample time on the road enroute to judging events and practices to pick their brains. Both agents had an irrefutable impact on my future. My horticulture agent helped me to see that a career in horticulture was possible, and my FACS agent showed me creative business models in our area that were geared towards supporting rural and hard-to-reach areas. Thus, the two concepts of a career in horticulture and a unique business model that could create community impact joined together and never left my brain. The first time I experienced a skoolie renovation was a hot afternoon in El Dorado, Kansas, with my FACS agent. A local non-profit was feeding kids over the summer who would normally receive nourishment from their school district lunch program. And get this! They were operating out of a tricked-out skoolie! Complete with dinettes, the bus was a place for kids who lived in food deserts. That little idea tucked itself away in the back of my brain, because at the time, I had no plan to return to small business ownership after college.

Was there a moment when you thought, “Yes, this is what I’m meant to do”—bringing the garden to people instead of waiting for them to come to you?
As I became more educated and experienced in the horticulture industry at large—locally, nationally & internationally—a common problem became more clear and a vision was sparked. Horticulture was becoming more and more commercial, and I knew that I could not function in that world long-term. Large greenhouse operations were losing touch with their customers, and customers were losing touch with horticulture. Rural and inner-urban areas were becoming more isolated; misinformation about horticulture was starting to spread in the next generation of gardeners; and the world needed a reinvigorated hobby that could create a little joy. By the time I started my senior year in college, I knew that a mobile garden shop was in my future so that I could exist in between worlds—the big company and the small-time gardener — educating and breathing new life into the oldest hobby, gardening. While I’m not taking food to hard-to-reach areas, I am supplying a need and a skillset.

What was the process like renovating and transforming the bus? Did you run into any surprises or creative challenges along the way?
Every step of the Plant Bus renovation was a problem in search of a solution. I am not kidding. It worked out though because I’m addicted to problem solving, so it was right up my alley!

Your bus is so much more than a vehicle—it’s a mobile experience. What do you hope people feel when they step onto it for the first time?
I want to inspire people from all walks of life and generations to give gardening a go. The feeling of awe and imagination that my business creates for visitors can inspire confidence in those who may have been intimidated by horticulture in the past. My aim is to make success in the garden attainable for everyone.

How does your personal story and background in gardening shape the mission behind Renata’s Garden?
The youth education I received in horticulture, specifically from 4-H, impacted my life tremendously in all sorts of ways. My journey to a career in horticulture started when I was nine and I accidentally landed myself on our county horticulture judging team. I happened to be bored one afternoon at the county fair, and my dad made me participate in the contest. You should have seen my face at the Wednesday night livestock auction when they announced I was one of the contest winners. It was a big laugh to my family at the time, but it spurred me on to where I am today. I was so impacted by seemingly menial experiences in my childhood. The knowledge that small experiences can create the biggest impacts in someone’s life, influences how I create experiences for each visitor to the Plant Bus.

You’ve said you’re passionate about community, connection, and nature. How do those values influence the way you run your business?
Because I grew up in the Flint Hills prairie, I have a deep respect for the land and for agriculture. As such, sustainability is at the forefront of my practices. I am a detail-oriented gal, and at the end of the day, it makes me feel amazing to know that I don’t waste many resources, whether that’s time, space or materials. Through my business, I also aim to connect humankind with the land in which we live and farm. An educated consumer makes for a less wasteful consumer.

How do you decide where the Plant Bus will go next? Are there any locations or types of events that feel especially meaningful to you?
I travel within a 60-mile bubble in South Central Kansas and try to find local small businesses that the Plant Bus’s presence can complement. I am usually partial to businesses whose missions and values overlap with mine, creating joy for customers. However, my favorite stops are in locations where a community is lacking access to a local garden center or where a large proportion of the community might not even think to go to a garden center.

What role do education and inspiration play in your work? What do you hope people learn or take away after meeting you or visiting the bus?
I want to empower others to be life-long learners, instilling curiosity in an unexpected way. Because of the element of surprise created by my business, it provides a great amount of happiness for visitors. I hope that never changes.

Your Facebook and website reflect a deep appreciation for beauty and growth. Where do you find your inspiration for plant displays, workshops, and seasonal offerings?
All of my creativity and inspiration behind my business comes from my life experience whether that’s a book or a podcast, a friend or a customer, a childhood lesson or a recent lesson. I just hope what I enjoy and imagine, other people will like too.

What's one of the most memorable or heartwarming reactions you’ve received from a visitor to the Plant Bus?
I can’t pick just one. The impact that I see in young minds is always a heartwarming experience for me. Once a kid hops on board, they see the world differently, and in an excellent way. The bus provides scope for the imagination.

What advice would you give to someone dreaming up a creative agritourism project of their own?
Dreaming is one thing. Actually doing the project, start to finish, and then powering it forward into the future is another thing entirely. Buckle up. The best projects take you along for the ride.

And finally—what’s next for Renata’s Garden? Any dreams, plans, or plant-powered adventures on the horizon that you can share with us?
Without a doubt, I have many projects on the horizon. I would tell you what they are, but I feel like when I share my plans publicly, it limits me. You’ll just have to wait and see!

Creating WOW Moments

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 13:59:54 GMT

At South Beach Bubbles , our mission is simple:

to spark joy and wonder through the power of giant bubbles. Whether you're planning a family-friendly farm festival, an agritourism open house, or a community day on the field, our Giant Bubble Festival Program is a crowd-pleasing, value-added attraction that elevates the entire guest experience.

Great Insights from Co-Founder Ron Weizman

Turning Simple Moments Into Spectacular Memories

In the world of agritourism, guest engagement is everything. That's why we created the WOWmazing Giant Bubble Festival—an interactive program that transforms outdoor spaces into arenas of awe and delight. Featuring our WOWmazing Giant Bubble Powder, this program helps farms and event hosts create massive, mesmerizing bubbles that fascinate guests of all ages.

We’ve seen firsthand how one bubble can spark dozens of smiles, photo ops, and magical moments that live on in family albums and social media feeds. When visitors remember your event, they remember the fun they felt—and that’s where we come in.

A Simple Recipe for Big Success

Creating show-stopping bubbles is easier than you think. To get the most from our WOWmazing Powder, follow this trusted formula:

1 scoop of WOWmazing Giant Bubble Powder
1 cup of Dawn® Dish Detergent (blue original recommended)
Distilled water

For best results, mix your solution thoroughly and use within one week of your event. We also highly recommend pairing the solution with our WOWmazing Tri-String Bubble Wand —the same wand used in every Guinness World Record bubble achievement over the past 30 years!

Add Giant Value to Your Festival Lineup

In a market where experiential add-ons can set your farm or venue apart, offering a Giant Bubble activation can boost both your value and visibility. It’s a flexible, scalable activity that works for large crowds or small gatherings, and it’s fully customizable based on your theme or brand.

From birthday parties at the barn to large-scale harvest festivals, bubbles are a universally loved activity that never fails to deliver. They’re also an ideal partnership opportunity for agritourism operators looking to expand their event offerings without heavy infrastructure or investment.

Let’s Make Magic Together

We’d love to help bring a little “WOW” to your next event. If you're looking for a creative way to add color, joy, and engagement to your space, the WOWmazing Giant Bubble Festival might be the perfect fit.

Visit us at southbeachbubbles.com to learn more about our program and see how giant bubbles can add unforgettable value to your agritourism experience.

Why We’re Steppin’ into Line Dancing at Knutson Farms: A New Agritourism Tradition in the Making With Bri Seston

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 21:06:02 GMT

Kick Up Your Heels!
When you think of Knutson Farms in the summer, your mind might jump to bright sunflowers, fresh farm air, and a big red barn that feels like it came straight from a country fairy tale. But this year, there’s something new brewing under those barn rafters—and it’s got boots, music, and a whole lot of rhythm.

Chatting with Bri Seston of Knutson Farms to hear all about their brand-new Line Dancing at the Farm event coming this August, and how it ties into their growing agritourism vision.

What inspired Line Dancing at the Farm?

Our iconic Dome Barn was built in the 1940s, and it’s truly one-of-a-kind. With 11,000 square feet of open-air space, high exposed beams, and now five stunning chandeliers strung down the middle—it’s simply dreamy. Anytime we host something in there, it’s a total showstopper. We realized: why not create an event that truly celebrates the magic of the space and the community? Line dancing just felt like the perfect fit.

Is this your first time hosting this kind of event?

Yes! This is our very first year doing Line Dancing at the Farm. It’s been a dream of ours since we first opened to the public, but other events always seemed to take priority. Funny enough, a local company— Scuffed Boots Dance —reached out at just the right time. The name alone won us over, and once we learned about their mission, we were all in.

What can guests expect on August 16th?

Everything you’d hope for in a fun, summer farm night out! We’ll have:

A live DJ
Line dancing lessons with Scuffed Boots
Walks through our blooming sunflower field
A themed photo booth with printed strips
Yard games
Farm-fresh food and drinks available for purchase

Who’s this event designed for?

This will be our very first 21+ only event! We’re expecting couples on date night, girls’ night crews, and of course, line dancing enthusiasts ready to hit the floor.

What kind of planning goes into something like this?

It always starts around the table with our managers. We've learned that every detail matters, and the best way to ensure a smooth event is collaboration. From pricing and flow to budgeting and goals, we map it all out as a team.

Tell us more about Scuffed Boots Dance!

They’re a husband-and-wife duo who are passionate about getting people moving and having fun. They’ll be right there on the dance floor all night—cheering people on, teaching steps, and high-fiving guests. They bring the energy!

How are you promoting the event?

Social media is our biggest driver. We’ve built a really strong and engaged audience over the years, so that’s our main focus. We also send out monthly newsletters to our email subscribers.

How does this event support your agritourism goals?

For us, it’s all about building community. We want to be more than just a place people visit once a year—we want to be a space where they connect, celebrate, and make memories. As we continue to grow in our fifth year of agritourism, events like this help us welcome new farm friends and create deeper ties with our community.

What’s been the most fun part of planning?

Definitely the theme and design! We’re going all in with an Americana vibe, tying it right into our Sunflower Days Festival . It’s been so fun to bring it all together visually and create a night that feels as magical as it sounds.

What are you most excited for on event night?

Dancing! Our whole management team will be there—and we’re hoping to enjoy the evening with our spouses and friends, too. It’s a celebration, and we want to be out there dancing right alongside our guests.

Could this become a tradition?

Absolutely. We’re already dreaming of doing it twice a year , including a fall version to kick off our Pumpkin Patch season—maybe even a family-friendly twist!

Just for fun: any favorite line dance songs?

Oh, we just want all the good country music! And we’re especially excited to see Brian’s signature dance move —it’s already a running joke on the team!

Why I Joined NAFDMA: A Member’s Perspective on Growth and Support: NAFDMA member Becky Walters of Walters Pumpkin Patch

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 16:45:03 GMT

Becky Walters’ story shows the heart of NAFDMA—where support, connection, and inspiration are always in season.

A Simple Visit That Changed Everything

When Becky Walters of Walters Pumpkin Patch first discovered NAFDMA, it wasn’t through a brochure or a website—it was through a conversation.

“We had gone to visit Steve and Cindy Fry at the Weston Red Barn in Missouri to see their operation. Steve told us about NAFDMA; we went—and we’ve been going back ever since.”

The results were almost immediate.
“Every year after we started with NAFDMA, we doubled our gross income. That was certainly our original incentive! Money! Hahaha!”

Support That Grows With You

Becky quickly learned that NAFDMA offered more than financial success. It became a trusted source of solutions and support for every stage of their business journey.

“I really don't have a specific example of how NAFDMA helped solve a challenge,” she shared. “Because everything about NAFDMA has helped—whether it was something we were already struggling with or something that popped up as we grew.”

One early memory stands out:
“I remember one bus trip where a member was talking about making pies in their bakery. I thought to myself, ‘We’ll never have to worry about a bakery...’ Hahaha! That was a long time ago!”

(Ask Becky if she sells pies at the farm now—we're guessing the answer is a sweet and flaky yes!)

The Power of Community

For Becky, the most valuable part of NAFDMA has always been the people. “I find the friendships and sharing of ideas and information to be the most amazing part of NAFDMA. It’s all one big family helping one another.” From casual conversations on the bus to deep bonds built over years, the spirit of collaboration runs strong in the NAFDMA community.

Giving Back Through Experience

Over the years, Becky’s role in the organization has shifted from student to mentor.

“As I’ve aged, I have more of the grandma wisdom that sometimes helps the younger members. I’ve done my time in NAFDMA—serving on the board, hosting Agritourism Learning Retreats , and being a bus guide.”

Though she may not be tech-savvy, Becky still brings a wealth of insight.
“I can’t answer the tech questions that come up now, but I can offer a different kind of wisdom that still has value.”

To Anyone Considering Joining…

Becky has a clear message for anyone on the fence about joining NAFDMA:

“Don’t just sit there— join the organization and you’ll never look back! Yes, you’re going to have to spend some money to join and participate, but you’ll get the return on investment in no time at all. Do it!”

When Legacy Becomes Real

One of Becky’s most emotional NAFDMA moments came when her grandson, Dacota, showed interest in continuing what she and her family had built.

“I used to hear a lot about legacy and handing down the farm. I always thought farming and land ownership was just a business. When you’re done, you sell it, divide it up, and move on. Easy enough.”

Then came a moment that changed her thinking. “One day I looked out the back door and saw our grandson Dacota pulling up in the big old grain truck, filling it with gas—and I cried. I cried like a baby thinking, ‘This is what the NAFDMA people were talking about. This is legacy.’ Dacota—if all goes according to plan—will be the next owner of Walters Pumpkin Patch.”

Unforgettable Bus Tours and Lifelong Friendships

Of course, Becky couldn’t reflect on her NAFDMA journey without remembering the legendary bus tours.

“I’m the oldest bus tour guide in the NAFDMA lineup. Oh, the fun that Tammy Peterson and I had on those trips! I wouldn’t have traded a single one of them for anything. They were the best—and Tammy and I have a long-distance friendship that will last for years to come.”

Beyond the Barn: 5 Unexpected Ways Agritourism Builds Stronger Communities

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 05:31:30 GMT

When people think of agritourism, they often picture hayrides, pumpkin patches, and friendly goats. While those are certainly part of the magic, the true impact of agritourism runs deeper—rooted in its ability to connect people, support local economies, and foster community resilience.

At NAFDMA, we know firsthand that agritourism is more than an experience—it’s a movement. Here are five powerful, and sometimes surprising, ways farms are transforming their communities through agritourism.

1. Creating Jobs & Economic Stability

Agritourism provides a lifeline for rural economies by generating seasonal and year-round employment opportunities. From tractor drivers and event staff to bakers, marketers, and tour guides, farms rely on a diverse set of skills to bring experiences to life.

Each fall festival or sunflower season doesn’t just benefit the farm—it injects money directly into the local economy, supporting families, small businesses, and service providers in the surrounding area.

2. Educating the Next Generation

A farm visit can spark curiosity in a way no textbook can. Agritourism offers interactive education for children and adults alike—whether it’s learning how pumpkins grow, understanding soil health, or discovering where milk really comes from.

More farms are partnering with schools and homeschool groups to offer hands-on learning that ties into science, nutrition, and environmental stewardship. These “living classrooms” are creating future consumers and agricultural advocates who respect the land and the people who farm it.

3. Supporting Local Makers & Entrepreneurs

Farm markets and agritourism festivals are increasingly becoming platforms for other small businesses. Many farms host local artisans, bakers, brewers, florists, and crafters who gain exposure and customers through on-farm events.

This creates a ripple effect—helping neighboring businesses thrive while reinforcing the idea that buying local isn't just trendy, it's transformational.

4. Putting Rural Towns on the Map

From corn mazes to lavender fields to holiday light shows, agritourism attractions are drawing thousands of visitors to places they might never have otherwise discovered. That influx benefits hotels, gas stations, restaurants, and retail shops in surrounding areas.

In many cases, agritourism is helping small towns redefine themselves as seasonal destinations, blending hospitality with heritage and tradition.

5. Fostering Wellness and Belonging

Today’s farms are more than production sites—they’re becoming sanctuaries. Guests are looking for meaningful experiences: yoga among sunflowers, glamping by a vineyard, or farm-to-table dinners under the stars.

Farms are embracing this shift, creating space for reconnection—with nature, with others, and with ourselves. These experiences promote physical and emotional well-being while nurturing a sense of community and inclusion.

Let’s Keep Growing—Together

At NAFDMA, we celebrate and support farm businesses that make a difference—whether through U-pick berries, goat cuddling, or school field trips. Agritourism is not just good for business, it’s good for communities.

Are you a farm looking to grow your impact? Become part of our vibrant network of innovative, passionate, community-minded agritourism professionals. Learn more at www.nafdma.com

Let’s build stronger communities, one unforgettable farm visit at a time.

Why Agritourism, and Why NAFDMA?

angie@nafdma.com — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 20:30:02 GMT

Why Agritourism, and Why NAFDMA?

In a time when technology often creates more distance than connection, agritourism stands out as a powerful bridge between people and the land. Across the globe, farms are opening their gates — not just to sell produce, but to invite visitors into authentic, immersive agricultural experiences. Whether it's picking pumpkins, navigating corn mazes, tasting fresh cider, or feeding goats, agritourism creates lasting memories rooted in education, community, and fun.

But for those behind the scenes — the farmers, organizers, and dreamers — agritourism is more than just hayrides and festivals. It’s a complex, evolving business that demands creativity, resilience, and collaboration. That’s where NAFDMA comes in.

The Power of Agritourism

Agritourism is one of the fastest-growing segments of both agriculture and tourism. It’s revitalizing rural economies, preserving farmland, and allowing families to keep their farms operational for future generations. But beyond the business benefits, agritourism plays a vital role in reconnecting people with agriculture. Guests learn where their food comes from, why land stewardship matters, and how farmers are essential to everyday life.

It’s not just about seasonal profit — it’s about purpose.

Farm owners are transforming their properties into multi-faceted experiences: hosting farm-to-table dinners, offering school field trips, creating wedding venues, and selling value-added products. Every event, every visit, builds deeper community ties and contributes to sustainable growth.

Why NAFDMA?

Running a successful agritourism business is rewarding — but it’s also demanding. It involves logistics, legalities, liability, labor, customer service, marketing, and innovation. That’s why so many agritourism professionals turn to NAFDMA – The International Agritourism Association .

Since 1986, NAFDMA has supported farm-based businesses by providing:

Educational Tools – From webinars to downloadable guides and the NAFDMA Education Center, members get access to best practices, trends, and how-to resources on topics like staffing, pricing, and safety.
Connection & Community – Through peer roundtables, farm tours, and retreats, members are surrounded by a nationwide (and international) community that understands the unique challenges of agritourism.
Events That Inspire – The annual Agritourism Convention & Expo , Learning Retreats , and farm tours offer in-depth, hands-on learning with some of the most innovative minds in the industry.
Scholarships & Staff Exchange Programs – Opportunities for growth extend beyond the farm owner, empowering team members with tools and real-world exposure that bring back big ideas.

NAFDMA isn't just a membership — it's a movement. One that celebrates the heart of hospitality, the resilience of rural enterprise, and the power of community.

Growing Together

Agritourism operators are dreamers and doers — planting seeds of joy, knowledge, and connection across every acre. And NAFDMA is right beside them, making sure they have what they need to thrive. Whether you're just starting to explore agritourism or you're expanding your offerings into new territory, NAFDMA offers the guidance, expertise, and camaraderie that help your business not only grow — but flourish.

Why Agritourism? Because it reconnects people to the land.
Why NAFDMA? Because no one should have to do it alone.

Learn more, join the community, and take your next step in agritourism at NAFDMA.com .

The Power of Simplicity: How Country Home Creations Built a Brand Around Homemade Roots

Fri, 23 May 2025 18:04:20 GMT

Homemade isn’t just a flavor, it’s a feeling.

In the ever-evolving landscape of specialty foods, few brands capture the essence of homemade warmth quite like Country Home Creations. Founded in 1980 by Shirley Kautman-Jones in Goodrich, Michigan, what started as a humble basement operation has since become a beloved name in kitchens across America. The key to their enduring success? Staying true to their roots—literally and figuratively.

The Start

Shirley Kautman-Jones was working at a bank when she heard her co-workers discussing how they had a difficult time creating impressive, easy meals. Shirley, being a natural in the kitchen, would send them home with little bags of spices and easy recipes to follow. Her creations were an instant success and she realized it was time to expand outside her comfort zone. She decided to start taking her savings and driving down to the market in Detroit, MI to pick new, different spices for her creations. Her next idea was to sell her bags of spices at a craft bazaar at the church. She priced the bags for 75 cents each and set up her table with samples of her creations. To her surprise, she sold all 100 bags in a matter of minutes. Shirley knew she was on to something, and that people were craving delicious dishes without a lot of hassle. She took her profits back down to that market in Detroit and the process began.

Crafting a Brand with Purpose

Country Home Creations didn’t set out to be trendy. Instead, they built their business on a foundational promise: to bring the flavors of home to every customer, one dip mix at a time. With over four decades of growth, they’ve remained laser-focused on that mission, creating high-quality, easy-to-make dip, soup, dessert, and bread mixes that taste just like something Grandma used to make—because that’s where it all began. The company’s branding is a masterclass in simplicity and authenticity. From their rustic, farmhouse-inspired packaging to their tagline “homemade is our heritage,” every touchpoint reinforces their connection to wholesome, nostalgic comfort. And in an industry where clean eating and transparency are in high demand, Country Home Creations proudly promotes that their mixes are made small batches with no added MSG, preservatives or chemicals.

Building Trust Through Consistency

One of the brand’s greatest strengths is consistency—not just in product quality, but in messaging. Their visual identity hasn’t strayed far from its original aesthetic. The vintage-inspired graphics and warm, earthy tones echo the homemade charm of their products, and their social media and website maintain that same tone: welcoming, family-oriented, and full of inspiration. This consistent, values-driven branding has helped them build deep trust with both retailers and customers. They’ve become a staple at local markets, farm stores, and gift shops, with retail partners appreciating the product's shelf-ready design and proven sales performance.

Growing While Staying Grounded

Despite their growth, Country Home Creations maintains a handcrafted approach. Every product is still blended and packaged by hand in Michigan, ensuring that each item meets the same standard of quality that launched the company more than 40 years ago. This commitment to craft is a key part of the brand's identity—and a major reason why their mixes are as popular now as ever. What’s more, their success story is an inspiring reminder to other agritourism and specialty food businesses: you don’t need to be flashy to be memorable. You just need to be real. By knowing your audience, staying authentic, and delivering a product that speaks for itself, you can create a brand that lasts.

Lessons from Country Home Creations

For agritourism operators, the journey of Country Home Creations offers a valuable blueprint:

Lead with authenticity. Consumers can tell when your story is genuine. Root your brand in your own values and experiences.
Design with intention. Thoughtful, consistent branding helps build recognition and trust—two essentials for growth.
Never lose sight of quality. Staying hands-on and detail-focused ensures your product lives up to the promise your brand makes.
Connect emotionally. Products that tap into nostalgia, comfort, or tradition often have a powerful hold on customers.

In a world filled with fast fads and fleeting trends, Country Home Creations shows us that sometimes, the best way to grow is to stay grounded. Homemade isn’t just a flavor—it’s a feeling. And when your brand delivers that feeling in every jar, pouch, and box, you’re not just selling products. You’re creating lasting connections.

Tuning-In to Growth: The NAFDMA Digging Deeper In Agritourism Podcast!

angie@nafdma.com — Mon, 19 May 2025 19:27:33 GMT

MEMBERS ONLY PODCAST

DIGGING DEEPER IN AGRITOURISM

Why a Podcast?

At NAFDMA, our mission has always been to advance the industry by embracing the power of shared knowledge and experience. For more than three decades we have done that through farm tours, conventions, and round-tables. The Digging Deeper in Agritourism Podcast extends that same spirit to earbuds everywhere, turning drive-time, greenhouse chores, or an evening walk into continuing education.

What You’ll Hear

Operator-to-Operator Conversations – Each episode pairs host Scott & Laura Skelly with a member farm that’s solved a real-world problem: taming October parking lots, pricing U-pick berries, or building a fall-lights walk-through that pays for itself by week two, and many more topics!
Marketing in Motion – From TikTok tractors to geo-fenced corn-maze ads, the show surfaces low-cost tactics tested on working farms.

Listen in as these informative conversations take you behind the scenes of NAFDMA farms to learn from their wealth of knowledge. Digging deeper into who they are, their unique activities and specializations, and the aspects of their operations in which they specifically excel.

How to Listen to Digging Deeper in Agritourism Podcast

Go to NAFDMA.com

Click on Member Connection

Click on Podcast

Start listening today for growth!

Join the Conversation

What topics keep you up at night: field-trip pricing, sunflower-field photography, mobile-ordering apps? Email podcast@nafdma.com and tell us. Your question may shape our next episode. In the meantime, subscribe, leave a review, and—most importantly—share an episode with a fellow farm who could use a boost. The more voices we bring to the table, the stronger agritourism grows. Happy listening, and we’ll see you (or hear you!) down the farm lane.

Setting Aside a Day for Exceptional Children

angie@nafdma.com — Sat, 10 May 2025 22:51:01 GMT

Thoughts from NAFDMA VP Alma of Galloway Farms:
A Day for Every Child: Embracing Inclusion at the Farm

At our farm, field trips have always been a way to connect children with the outdoors, agriculture, and each other. But over the years, as we've welcomed school groups of all sizes, one truth has become increasingly clear: not every child experiences these days in the same way.

For our Exceptional Children (EC)—those with physical, mental, social, or developmental differences—the typical field trip can feel overwhelming rather than exciting. Crowded spaces, fast-paced activities, and sensory overload often make it difficult for them to participate fully. We began to notice that despite our best efforts, the traditional format wasn’t serving every student equally.

That realization sparked a change. And from it, something truly meaningful was born: a dedicated field trip day just for EC students— A Day of Acceptance, Kindness, and Inclusion .

A Different Kind of Day

On these special days, we open the farm just for EC students. It’s a slower, more intentional experience designed specifically around their needs. We work closely with teachers in advance, learning about each student’s IEP and building an itinerary that feels manageable and joyful. The pace is gentle, activities are sensory-friendly, and we create plenty of opportunities for breaks, quiet spaces, and unstructured time.

Without the presence of the entire grade level, there’s less pressure to keep up or fit in. What we’ve seen instead is beautiful: students who feel relaxed, confident, and excited to explore.

Stories That Matter

One of the highlights of our EC Day is sharing a story that’s incredibly close to my heart— Spookley the Square Pumpkin by Joe Troiano. If you know me, you know how much I love Spookley! His story of being different in a pumpkin patch full of round pumpkins speaks directly to what we’re trying to celebrate on our farm.

Spookley is teased for his square shape—until one day, a storm hits and it’s his unique shape that saves the entire patch. We tell this story along a trail of storyboard signs in our maze, where students walk through and reflect at each stop. There are craft stations where they can design their own “unique pumpkins,” and classroom discussions led by teachers help reinforce the message: different is special .

The impact of Spookley’s story never fails to move me. It creates an emotional connection, especially for our EC students, who see themselves reflected in his journey of resilience and value.

Inclusion Done Right

Hosting a day like this has taught us that inclusion isn’t about making everyone do the same thing—it’s about making sure every child gets what they need to succeed. And when we do that, the results are powerful.

Teachers have told us these field trips are among the most joyful days their students experience all year. Many have shared that their students show more confidence and curiosity in this calm, accepting environment than they do in a typical classroom. The difference? They’re not being compared, rushed, or corrected—they’re being celebrated.

And it’s not just about the kids. Educators and staff leave these days feeling encouraged and inspired. It reminds all of us that empathy, patience, and thoughtful planning can go a long way in building a better learning experience for everyone.

Looking Ahead

We’re proud of how far we’ve come in making the farm a place where every child can belong. And we hope our story inspires other agritourism sites, educators, and community partners to think about what inclusion can look like in their own spaces.

Because just like Spookley, every child has the potential to save the day—if we’re willing to make space for them to shine.

The Power of Branding

suzi@nafdma.com (Suzi Spahr) — Fri, 02 May 2025 10:45:43 GMT

The Power of Branding

How do you keep your farm in the eye of your customer? One of the ways is by using effective branding.

Justin Woodruff at Sandy Creek Mining Company (one of our Industry Partner members) provides some great insight on this topic.

Talk about brands! Keeping your brand out there is one of the most important parts of marketing at your farm. as you know. Sandy Creek provides personalized labels for the mining bag and take home collection bags carrying your logo. These take home collection bags with private labels serve as a great keepsake and memory of guests' day on your farm!

Running a bunch of school kids? School kids love to go panning and surely they will be showing this collection bag with your location's name on it to Mom and Dad when they get home! Shameless self promotion at its best and hopefully encourages a future weekend visit by the family too!

Please check out our selection of mining bags here: sandycreekmining.com . Freight is included with quantity and SAME DAY SHIPPING available!

Learn more about our Industry Partners using the Supplier Directory and Supplier Discounts pages on the NAFDMA website.

Agritourism By The Numbers

suzi@nafdma.com (Suzi Spahr) — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 20:31:48 GMT

Agritourism...By The Numbers

Historically, agritourism has not been the subject of much research and quantifying studies. Thankfully, that tide is changing. Our industry is being studied by multiple entities, and they are bringing great information to the forefront.

Case in point - a recent survey by researchers at Penn State, the University of Maine, the University of Vermont, and Oklahoma State University. It is part of a larger effort focused on agritourism, but this part was completed to identify areas to support agritourism development.

Reach and Diversity of Agritourism

This study was focused on the United States, but the content is valuable for all geographies. First, it is incredible to see the overall reach and diversity of agritourism businesses. In the graphic above, you can see that farm sizes truly range from very small to very large. And it's fairly evenly spread across the size spectrum. Agritourism farms exist across all climates and regions, varying in seasonality and offerings. NAFDMA is unique in that our membership matches these statistics - serving members across all geographies and sizes of farms.

Stable Numbers but More Revenue

In comparing Census of Agriculture findings, the number of agritourism farms has remained fairly stable in the past 5 years. In comparison, results found that there was a 33% increase in gross receipts in that same intervening time. This means agritourism entities are using the knowledge they gain to increase guest counts to their farms, increase per person spending on the farm, or both.

What's Next?

One of the fascinating pieces of information I took from this survey is an awareness of what is NOT around agritourism farms. This gives us information on the next areas in which farms can concentrate to continue their growth. The three items most noted for not being in proximity to farms are dining/nightlife, lodging, and retail shopping. Can you farm develop a dining destination to fill the consumer desire? Or maybe an evening activity? Do you have the option for glamping, tiny homes, or AirBnBs on your farm? Should you increase your retail offerings? By focusing on what is not in your area, you can fill that gap; effectively increasing your revenue at the same time.

To Explore More

This content is pulled from the study cited below and available to read in full HERE .
Schmidt, C., Entsminger, J.S., Cornelisse, S. and Schweichler, J. (2025) “Insights on Agritourism Among U.S.
Producers: Evidence from the 2024 National Agritourism Producer Survey.” Data Brief 2025-1. Northeast
Regional Center for Rural Development.

Tulip Time! Interview with NAFDMA President, Scott DeBuck of DeBuck's Family Farm

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 20:31:20 GMT

Let's Talk ALL Things Tulip!

This week is Tulip Time! Talking with NAFDMA Board President from DeBuck's Family Farm, Scott Debuck. DeBuck's Family Farm is hosting Metro Detroit’s largest Tulip Festival starting April 24th!

Why Tulips and how did the idea get started?

We’ve been dreaming about planting tulips for years. About four years ago, Shawn from Mazeplay approached us with an exciting idea: to create a custom tulip field, just like he’s done for our corn maze. The idea was tempting, and there were many times we almost took the leap—but as many of you know, the upfront costs and risks are much higher compared to other flower festivals.

We decided to hold off, focusing instead on completing our food projects and upgrading our infrastructure so that when the time came, we could launch our very first Tulip Festival the way we truly envisioned it—big, beautiful, and memorable.

Well… the wait was worth it. We finally did it—and what a way to kick things off!

When did you start the Tulip festival?

Our first Tulip Festival was held in the spring of 2024. Due to unusually hot weather, the tulips didn’t last as long as we had hoped, and we were only able to run the festival for 10 days. But thanks to solid planning and preparation, we were ready to welcome guests in a big way. Despite the short season, we were thrilled to host over 30,000 visitors—and made the most of every moment!

What is your favorite thing about the tulip festival?

Our favorite part was simply how breathtaking the tulip field turned out to be. We’ve grown many crops over the years, but wow—the tulips were absolutely mesmerizing. I’ve never seen so many of our guests smiling, taking it all in, and just looking genuinely happy. It was truly something special.

What does your tulip festival look like… what is included in the festival – food, picture areas, all the things ?!

This year, we’ve planted just over one million tulips ! We have two stunning show fields where picking is not allowed. One of them, featuring around 400,000 tulips , is designed in the shape of a butterfly . The second, with about 500,000 tulips , takes the shape of a hummingbird . Both are absolutely breathtaking.

We also have a U-pick field with approximately 100,000 tulips , located a short distance from the show fields to help guests easily distinguish between the picking area and the display areas. For convenience, we offer wagon rides out to the U-pick field for those who prefer not to walk the path.

Guests can also enjoy a variety of delicious food options! Our Grill house, Pizzeria, and Donut bakery is open. Our snack shacks and food trailers are set up right in the field, serving everything from specialty coffees to tasty treats . And for families, we open up about 60% of our barnyard area , filled with fun activities and play zones for kids—making it a joyful experience for all ages.

Let's Have a Ball at the Testicle Festival!

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 19:58:57 GMT

Hairiest Man Contest, Best Beard, Best Mullet, Weiner in a Bottle, and Undie 500 OH MY!

What started as an idea in a staff meeting has grown into a beloved Festival at the farm! Meet Ryan and Jessica Welch, owners of Appleberry Orchard.

Where Did the Idea Originate for Testicles Festival?

"We were having a team meeting going over the previous year's information and planning events. We're always on the lookout for something different or new to our area. There used to be "Game Feeds" in our area, where organizations would serve different game foods as a fundraiser. These would include deer, raccoon, squirrel, etc. Somebody mentioned the game feed and then Ryan said what about testicles? I have to admit, I was VERY skeptical at first because we are a family fall farm. Although we do have some adult
events outside of our season, to which Ryan said, "it's no different, just a different food." So, we began looking for the meat and researching other festivals to get ideas and a plan of what we were going to do."
- Jessica Welch.

What is The Testicles Festival?

It's an annual 21+ evening festival where people can enjoy Turkey & Beef testicles, hot dogs, brats & french fries. Cash bar for pop, water & adult beverages.

What Entertainment is Included?

Games & entertainment includes the Hairiest Man Contest, Best Beard, Best Mullet, Weiner in a Bottle, and Undie 500, plus live music. The Undie 500 is a race on the Trike Track, contestants strip down to their undies or shorts and the race is on to see who will win!

The Weiner in a Bottle is a game where a hot dog is tied to a string, while the string is tied around your waist. The winner must move their body to get the Weiner in the Bottle. All winners of each contest are given an award along with drink tickets to use during the event.

What is Your Favorite Part?

"My favorite part about the festival is seeing the people’s reaction to eating testicles and how much they like it. How surprised they are! Once people can get over what they are eating in their minds, they love the flavor. Had they not known what they were eating, they would have easily enjoyed a big plate full before doubting if they would enjoy their dinner."

- Ryan Welch

Get the Ball Rolling!

So now here is the question? What is the craziest and most unique event you have attended or hosted at your farm? It's time to get creative!

Value Added?

suzi@nafdma.com (Suzi Spahr) — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 18:14:49 GMT

More Value from Value-Added Products

Providing Value Added products is a long-standing option for using excess produce AND increasing the value of that produce. Most farms have explored these options and determined what is best for their customer base, but there are many options out there, if you continue to look for new opportunities. The Business Development section of our Members-Only Education Center has expert content to help you find your next great product.

Partnerships

In addition, we have partnerships with vendors who can also assist you on this path. Today, we want to highlight one of them - Hillside Orchard Farms ! In their own words:

What makes Hillside Orchard Farms Cannery different than other private label producers? We are a multi-generational family-owned farm and food manufacturer. We pride ourselves on sourcing right from the farmer locally (in the Southern US) as much as is feasible. We also make all our products in small batches, hand packed, and available for private label.

When Robert Mitcham Sr started the business back in 1983, he wanted farmers to have a way to use their "seconds" or not-for-fresh- market fruit in a way that would be sustainable and bring money instead of costing money. Our first two products were Apple Butter and Bread and Butter Pickles.

Growing Fast

As we grew and added more farms, we added more products. If a farmer asked my father for something, he couldn't tell them no - he figured out a way to make it. This is why our catalog has become so vast. In the early 1990s, we came out with our fruit specific ciders. We know most people have their own Apple, but what about Peach, Strawberry, Blackberry, Blueberry, Muscadine, or Peach?

Hillside's business plan since our beginning focuses on producing top quality products for farm markets, roadside stands, mom & pop places, boutique stores, and small businesses. We, as a family, choose not to pursue grocery stores, big box chains, large online retailers or any similar business. This keeps us farm and family oriented.

Private Label

Hillside helps with private label design; we take your logo and incorporate it into a label that works to promote many jar products and ciders. We are also there if you are "close by" to take your seconds and/or extras and process your fresh products into a value added product to increase shelf life.

Our motto is "We want to be the Farmers Cannery." Reach out to use with any questions or if you want to learn more. We invite you to come see us if you are ever in the Mountains of Northeast Georgia - we will show you around our farm and cannery.

"Everything Begins With An Idea" Earl Nightingale

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 03:41:26 GMT

Find Ideas in the NAFDMA Education Center!

How many ideas have you had in the last month? How about the previous week or day? You never know when one person's idea will spark a new idea for YOU!

Did you know NAFDMA has an Education Center? It is a member benefit for both Standard and Premium Members.

Where:

NAFDMA.com hen click on Education Center at the top of the website.

What's Included:

A wide range of topics in a variety of formats. From one-page resources to multi-video workshops.

What Topics:

Do you need inspiration on donuts and/or where to order supplies? Click HERE ! How about inspiration for displaying retail merchandising and/or where to order items? Click HERE ! Plus, there are so many more topics to get your creative spark started.

What Should You Do:

Set time aside to review ideas from other members of NAFDMA. See what ideas are sparked when you study others' ideas!

Have You Heard the NEWS about Farm to Farm Staff Exchange Scholarship?

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 23:43:02 GMT

Pack a bag with extra room for adventure and knowledge!

NAFDMA values connections and life-long relationships which can guide a farm on its agritourism journey. To that end, the NAFDMA scholarship fund supports staff/internship exchanges between member farms both conceptually and financially. The individual who experiences the new environment of the farm and the farm who accepts a staff person from another farm both have valuable take-aways from the experience.

· The individual is able to experience operations and develop ideas from their extended time on the host farm.

· The individual experiences a variety of management styles.

· The host farm has a short-term employee who understands the farm experience.

· The host farm is able to consider new business case ideas.

· Both entities have a transfer of good ideas and the foundation for starting or continuing a relationship.

Quote from Staff Swap Farm - Judy Valachovic

Keith Quinn got a taste of what we do in the 2022 ALR and was hungry for more so he joined the Wickham Farms Team for two weeks in an internship in July 2024 focused on food service. As a farm intern he went through the full food team training program to become proficient in every food service role we have. Kieth was game for any task, and got real hands-on experience - like making 200 pizzas for a camp in less than an hour! Since he wanted to learn everything food related he also learned and experienced cleaning, maintaining and troubleshooting issues with our equipment. He even got to level to donut machine and learned a few millimeters can make a difference!

In true Quinn fashion not only did he gain some knowledge from us, but he improved our business as well. By bringing a fresh set of eyes to our kitchens we improved some of our layouts and flow. He taught us how to make Poutine, and we added it to our menu where it quickly became a top item for one of our kitchens! Seeing how a farm does things is one thing, but getting real hands-on experience takes learning to another level. We are thankful for Keith's time with us and our NAFDMA network for connecting us!

 Quote from Staff Swap Employee - Keith Quinn

I attended the ALR in 2022, which was located at Wickham’s Farm. Having been raised on our farm, and looking forward to a future in agritourism, I really liked their farm and wanted to learn more. I was debating about a few places to go for a short-term experience, when Bill Wickham greeted me with a hearty handshake at Convention and said “I hear you are working for us this upcoming summer!” With that great invitation, I felt right at home with the Wickhams.

Going into the experience, I wanted to learn everything about how they run their food service. I have been involved in our food service for a few years, and liked it, but I know that Wickham’s food service is next level. Our farm was planning to add our own food trucks to our food offerings, and I wanted to learn more to help with that process at home. That being said, I was open to learning anything!

Some of my learning highlights included experiencing how to make donuts properly (I had experimented on my own, but never knew the right way!), learning to use a fresh grill for volume, and making fries and other food items efficiently and well.

Outside of work hours, the Wickham’s were welcoming and gracious, taking me to a bunch of different restaurants so I could experience various food service options in their area. We also visited several other agritourism farms located nearby.

I was also able to share a little of my experience, teaching them to make poutine – which they have now added to their food menu. I also gave them a new perspective on flow and location setting within their food service, which they say has increased efficiency.

I went into this experience with the mindset of doing whatever they needed, but also asked for a focus on food operations. On slower days, I went into the field with them to help out with whatever they may have needed.

My suggestions for anyone considering a short-term experience on another farm: Don’t be afraid – it isn’t difficult to do. The other farm will welcome you with open arms. And if you have knowledge that can benefit them, you can be a great source of outside perspective. But overall, be sure to have fun!

Ready to pack your bag?!? Click HERE for all the details and forms to fill out!

We’ve Got SPIRIT, Yes We Do. We’ve got SPIRIT, How ‘Bout You?

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 13:12:08 GMT

We’ve Got SPIRIT, Yes We Do.

We’ve got SPIRIT, How ‘Bout You?

How much do you know about your state traditions? How much do you know about your city traditions? How much do you know about your local town/region/district traditions? It is time to research your local area’s history and traditions and showcase them at your farm!

Knowing I was traveling to Oklahoma, I began researching where to stay, what to do, and what to eat. Come to find out, Oklahoma has a state meal! Say WHAT! I will say it again. Oklahoma has a state meal! This state meal, while making my tummy happy, had me thinking, how can we celebrate the traditions and history around us on our farms?

The Restaurant:

Isla's Kitchen located at 404 E Archer St in Tulsa, OK honors the history of the Oklahoma State meal.

Isla’s version of the State Meal from their Menu:

THE OKLAHOMA STATE MEAL
perfect for 2-3 people to share

Did you know that Oklahoma is the only state with a state meal?! We’ve taken all the ingredients on the state meal and made it our own. Two chicken fried steaks, sausage gravy, buttermilk biscuits with strawberry jam & honey butter, cornbread muffins, our famous squash casserole, fried okra, cheesy grits topped with BBQ pulled pork, black-eyed pea & corn succotash, and 2 slices of pecan pie!

Isla’s Okie Challenge — Ready for southern fame? If you, by yourself, can eat all of the above in 46 minutes (since Oklahoma is the 46th state), then it’s free, and you get bragging rights, a champion t-shirt and your picture taken with our pie wielding golden driller.

According to Oklahoma Historical Society,

Oklahoma's official state meal became one of the State Emblems by virtue of House Concurrent Resolution 1083, approved in 1988 by the Forty-first Legislature. The meal includes an extensive menu reflecting Oklahoma's cultural backgrounds and the state's historical and contemporary agriculture. Meats include barbecued pork, chicken-fried steak, and sausage with biscuits and gravy. Vegetables include fried okra and squash, grits, corn, and black-eyed peas. Breads include cornbread (and biscuits, as above). Dessert comprises strawberries and pecan pie. The types, variety, and sheer quantity of foods in the state meal (which can be divided into breakfast, lunch, and dinner) generally typify the traditional foodways of the South.

By the early 1800s corn and pork were dietary staples on the southern frontier and after two centuries remained an important part of that region's culinary repertoire. Corn and squash, originally American Indian dietary staples, were breaded with corn meal and fried in pork grease, southern-style. Cowpeas, which also may have an American Indian origin but are now considered African American "soul food," were boiled, usually with bacon or fatback. Corn was important, whether boiled on or off the cob, dried, shelled, and ground into corn meal for cornbread and breading, or dried as hominy and ground into grits (or as an ingredient in moonshine liquor). Okra may originally have been brought to the Western Hemisphere from Africa by seventeenth-century slaves, and it is popularly rolled in corn meal and fried. All of these items remain important in southern cookery, particularly in the upland South and in Texas where many of Oklahoma's nineteenth-century population originated.

Early-day southerners did not generally use wheat flour, but after 1900 milled flour became more available, and beaten biscuits became popular. The Oklahoma meal features them served with gravy, but there is no designation as to whether the gravy is the southern red-eye variety or the white, creamy concoction commonly served on chicken-fried steak.

Pork is also a southern staple, and barbecueing is also typical of the eastern South. In Oklahoma both pork and beef are barbecued, and the selection of pork as the barbecue for the state meal reflects southern, rather than Texas, foodways. While eaten less often in the South, beef was a dietary staple in Texas and Oklahoma. Chicken-fried steak combines a piece of well-pounded, seasoned Texas beef with the southern tradition of frying, rendering edible several otherwise tough cuts of meat. Texas cowhands may have brought this item and cooking method to Oklahoma, and it is now ubiquitous. The late-twentieth-century growth of Oklahoma's commercial hog industry is reflected in the presence of sausage in the state meal.

The meal finishes with a dessert of fruit and pie. Strawberries (the South's fifth-largest crop) and pecans are southern food items as well. They are produced in fairly large quantities in Oklahoma.

Most of the meal's constituents can be found in small restaurants and cafés throughout the state. Into the twenty-first century the official state meal continued to reflect the cultural orientation of many Oklahomans.

https://www.okhistory.org/publications/enc/entry?entry=ST023

The Question:

What can you showcase at your farm from the history surrounding you? It’s time to showcase your SPIRIT and creativity for your local area, the question is how will you make it happen?

Inquiring Minds Want to Know!

suzi@nafdma.com (Suzi Spahr) — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 06:30:46 GMT

Inquiring Minds Want to Know!

A student at Murray State University majoring in Agriculture Education, had a few questions for NAFDMA's Executive Director, Suzi Spahr. Grab a cup of coffee or tea and join in on the chat!

1. How would you describe the purposes of your organization?

Our general mission is to provide education, networking, and resources to our membership and for the greater good of the agritourism industry. We do this in a variety of ways, but with a focus on events which bring farm owners and managers together so they can learn from each other. We also find experts in a variety of topics to provide educational sessions, provide template resources (for employee manuals, emergency prep situations, etc), and do on-line webinars to share the information.

2. How would you describe your role in the organization?

My role is the Executive Director. I like to use an analogy of a beach ball to explain the role of everyone in our organization. On a beach ball, there are different colored stripes. Each one of our managers "lives" on a stripe of the ball. From their perspective, they see things from the vantage point of that stripe, and know the various areas on their stripe very well (this can be Education, Membership, Operations, Marketing, Communication, etc). My role is to be at the top of the beach ball where all the stripes intersect. I see the perspective of all the pieces of the organization, and ensure each of the stripes come together to make a cohesive ball. My Board of Directors is in charge of determining the "direction" in which the ball is headed in the air. Their focus is on strategic planning and setting the path for our organization to head.

In addition, I am also the financial controller for the organization, so pay the bills, manage the budget, and report our financial position to the board.

3. From your perspective, what does the term "agriculture leadership" mean?

It means looking at what is best for the industry, and doing whatever you can to help bring that into reality. Everyone can be a leader, even if they are new to their professional position. It is about looking toward personal and professional growth, and using that growth for the overall benefit of the agriculture industry, in whatever capacity that may be.

4. How would you describe your own approach to agricultural leadership?

I ascribe to the Servant Leadership approach. It is my job to ensure that those around me have the skills, knowledge, and information to be able to lead in their own capacity. This applies to those who work for me as employees, but also for members of our organization. If I can help provide anyone in the agriculture industry with the skills, knowledge, and information they need to be their best selves, then I am providing leadership in agriculture.

5. What advice would you give to someone who may be preparing to take on a leadership role in the agriculture industry in the future?

Learn as much as you can about all aspects of agriculture. Ask questions - do not presume you know the answer. Recognize that this world is vast, and there are many different "right" ways to farm - depending on the climate, culture, and other local conditions. Take advantage of all opportunities for personal growth and seek out those who can help you learn, while also challenging what you have learned in the past.

Pickle WHAT, and What’s the Big DILL?!?

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 17:35:51 GMT

Pickle WHAT, and What’s the Big DILL?!?

The smell of pickles, the sound of laughter with music, and the smiles of memories being created filled A&H Farm on February 22 and 23, 2025. The Kansas Big Dill Festival at A&H Farm is the BIG DILL!

What started as one creative idea for the farm has turned a once-a-year festival into three-weekend festivals a year at A&H Farm located in Manhattan, KS. The focus? Pickled everything and a unique way for people to cultivate memories together. Read on to find out what brings everyone together for this event.

Samples:

50 different samples of our pickles, pickled veggies, and other pickled goodies

Pickle-focused drinks including drink flights

Pickle Scavenger Hunt

Pickle-focused foods – Pickle Grilled Cheese, Pickle Pizza, Pickle Mac and Cheese, Fried Pickles, Pickle Big Mac, Pickle Donuts, Pickle Pork Rinds, Pickle Cheeto Nachos, Dill Cheese Curds, Pickle cupcakes, Pickle cheddar muffins, Pickle Macaroons

Pickle Flight – choices include: Big Dill Pickle Salsa, Dill Cheese Curds, Dill Pickle Cream Cheese, Pickle Pin Wheels, Pickle Pasta Salad

Pickle-focused photo areas

Pickle focused merch

Farm Activities included:

Largest Farm Petting Zoo in Kansas

Bird Experience where you can feed over 300 birds

Trike Track

Corn Pit

Giant Slides

Paintball

Apple Cannon

Handcrafted Beverages at the Grain Bin Bar

One of kind Pickle Food Creations

Adult Only Area

Kid Zone

Game Area

Music

and so much more!

Tickets:

Allowing guest to personalize their experience at the farm, tickets are sold with multiple options including farm add-ons!

Want to know more about growing a pickle festival at your farm? Our NAFDMA expert is Andrea DeJesus. Andrea is a NAFDMA member along with being the Treasurer on NAFDMA Board of Directors. Reach out to talk about all things pickle!

Collections

suzi@nafdma.com (Suzi Spahr) — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 18:22:13 GMT

Collections

Do you have a collection or keep a record of travels and activities? I am a National Parks Passport stamp collector. I love exploring new places, and then looking back over the history of my travels to reminisce on memories. There are some states and provinces who have created passports for agritourism locations in their areas, and you can do the same within the confines of your farm. With more information about the idea, see below from Channel Craft .

Channel Craft has been working with Agritourism accounts for over 40 years now!

Your guests will appreciate Channel Craft's "home grown" American Pastimes made right here in the USA. Each Authentic American Toy, Game, Puzzle & Souvenir can be customized to promote your shop, attraction, ranch, orchard, corn maze, pumpkin patch and festival this season. See Saw Button Badges mark your guests’ accomplishments and activities while they visit. They can collect buttons for all of the experiences to show their friends and family everything they accomplished during their trip!

Channel Craft's NAFDMA Member Special is a FREE Screen, Plate, Litho & Laser program, so forward your logo & full color picture to dean@channelcraft.com to save $75 on each of these set up fees. Our artist will create digital samples for your review.

You’re welcome to go to ChannelCraft.com/Zoom for a tour of our Factory and a customized presentation of our Quality Crafted Fun that will fit for you this season.

Thoughts from the Board - Fitting into my Farm as the Inexperienced City Girl In-Law

suzi@nafdma.com (Suzi Spahr) — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 23:25:49 GMT

Thoughts from the Board: Fitting into my Farm as the Inexperienced City Girl In-Law

Thanks to Laura Skelly, our NAFDMA Board Secretary for this week's message:

My name is Laura Skelly, and I’m one of the owners of Skelly’s Farm Market in Janesville, WI. That’s a sentence I never thought I’d write in my life.

I grew up in suburban Milwaukee County, which is about an hour and a half away from Janesville. I’m pretty sure I never saw a corn field until I was 18 (yeah, we didn’t travel much) and now I live in the middle of the corn belt.

I met Scott Skelly, my husband, my senior year in high school. He was pretty much a blind date to my senior prom because (I think) my best friend felt bad for me. She had a steady boyfriend for a while and I hadn’t dated anyone since my freshman year. Long story short, we started dating and developed a relationship that mainly took place on the phone after 9pm (because minutes were free after 9pm ��). My senior year in college he proposed, I got my Bachelor’s degree, we got married, and the following year I graduated again with my Master’s degree in Meteorology. I had always wanted to be the one issuing tornado warnings and saving lives. Now, I order bakery supplies.

In 2013 there were hardly any jobs I wanted nearby. We were newlyweds and sick of driving back and forth visiting each other, and wanted to settle down. We bought a house in Janesville, where he’s worked on his family’s farm his whole life. I filled in from time to time when an employee called in sick but always told myself I could never work at the farm because I hated retail work. I did it all through high school and college and could never. Ha!

Six months into job searching, I felt useless, so I asked Scott if there would be room for me at the farm. We were growing and they needed someone to take over the bakery. Problem was, his family runs the business and I am by NO means qualified to take over something I don’t know ANYTHING about. I had zero managerial experience, have never been in charge of anything, and have always just been a good, reliable hourly worker who does the job that’s given to me.

So, I did what I knew I was good at – being put on a schedule. My first year on the farm I was on the regular employee schedule, doing regular things like cleaning bathrooms, mopping floors, doing dishes, etc. I had people I reported to and stood next to a cash register. I honestly don’t know if more than a handful of my co-workers knew I was even a Skelly. But that was okay with me! I was only 24, and I needed to sit back and observe something that Scott’s family had built from the ground up. Who would I be if I stepped in and said, “You should do this that way instead!”? I’m not gonna lie, I was extremely intimidated marrying into a family with a high reputation in town. My highest acclamation was being in the local newspaper for winning golf matches in high school – these people owned a BUSINESS!

After my first season, I started feeling more comfortable at the farm. I still didn’t feel comfortable enough to “officially” be in charge, but I took myself off the schedule and started taking on more responsibilities. I started learning how to place orders for bakery supplies. I started learning how to make employee schedules. I started learning how to drive a tractor. I started learning that hours as a farm market owner don’t run from 9am – 5pm Monday through Friday. I started learning that this job will eventually bring out the best in me. This job will push me to do things I never thought I’d be doing. This job will ultimately be what brings Scott and I even closer as husband and wife. People always ask us, “How do you work with your spouse every day? I’d kill them!” My question back to them is, “How do you not?” We get it and we get each other.

In my current role at the farm, I just finished my 11 ^th season. I am the HR department, the schedule maker, the bakery manager, our website designer, the marketing manager, and I can plant sweet corn. I enjoy reading books about how to be a better boss. I enjoy watching teenagers grow with us each summer (even though they annoy me half the time, but I think they appreciate being here ��). I enjoy teaching our 9-year old daughter that hard work pays off. I enjoy attending the annual NAFDMA conference because I enjoy learning how to be a better person for my staff and my in-laws.

Bottom line is – yes, I am the only in-law at the farm, but there’s room for you if you want it and your spouse’s farm wants it. I slowly made my way into their business lives and wasn’t just the daughter-in-law or sister-in-law. I am an equal now. The intimidation slowly wore off but it’s definitely still there. The feeling is still in the back of my mind that I have to prove myself that I belong here. I’m not really sure why, but it’s there. I think it really grounds me so I remember that I am not the one who started this – I am just taking what they built and adding another layer of foundation.

Color Your World

suzi@nafdma.com (Suzi Spahr) — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 18:09:42 GMT

Color Your World

Brilliant Idea Alert!

I cannot begin to take credit for the concept I am about to share with you - all the credit goes to Evans Orchard in Kentucky, one of our amazing farm stops during this year's NAFDMA Convention and Expo . I am privileged to visit a lot of farms as a part of my job and love seeing new and creative ideas.

Art on the Farm

I know many farms have stacks of pallets laying around, and sometimes ambitious and creative ideas for them. The photo above is one of the simplest, but most effective, uses I have seen for pallets. Evans had a large space on a building that was public facing. I know some farms who have done beautiful murals on such spaces, and I LOVE that as well. ( My neighborhood has lots of murals on garage doors of flowers and birds, and we personally have native wildflowers on our home garage door. We were so excited to support a local artist in having the mural done.) But if you don't have access to a local artist, or want to add color using materials laying around the farm, a pallet wall is perfect.

Simple Materials

Using bright paint and a cheerful message, Evans has now created a photo opportunity that shares the story of their farm and brightens a corner of the yard. Do you have a space that needs brightening, or maybe you have some "farm materials" that should remain hidden from a customer's eye? A pallet wall is a great way to effectively add art to your farm and provide a physical boundary as well.

Looking for other great ideas?

The NAFDMA Members Only Facebook Group is a great resource for sharing unique concepts, or getting the "hive-mind" to help you with a problem you may have. Show a photo of a space you want to fill, and our members will have lots of creative ways to effectively use your farm and connect with guests.

Rethink the Tshirt

suzi@nafdma.com (Suzi Spahr) — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 17:31:14 GMT

Rethink the Tshirt

As agritourism farms, most NAFDMA members are always looking for new, meaningful items to carry in their retail stores. Most don't want trinkets that can be found at any gift shop, but want to provide options for a customer to remember their day of fun on the farm, while having something they can regularly use.

AllThread Ink has developed a product that can fit this need and give inspiration for other options. In their own words:

Do you have customers browse your selection of T shirts and hoodies and not make a purchase? They might like your logo or the art, but they do not want another shirt in their closet. Instead of missing the sale, offer them a printed flour sack towel. We have folding and banding options that help make a great display and they do not take up a lot of space. If you take a small bushel basket and put it close to the cash register. you will be amazed at how many towels you sell in a season. This is easy continuous income. Connect with us, email a purchase order, and the towels arrive printed and ready for display. The towel with banding and shipping plus art (depending on the colors and detail) will cost around $3.00 each for a 100 quantity, retail $9.00 to $12.00. Most seasonal stores can sell several hundred printed towels and most of our customers have been working with us 10+ years. Once they start selling printed flour sack towels, it's a no-brainer to continue.

Learn more at AllThread Ink's website HERE .

Oreo, Anyone?

suzi@nafdma.com (Suzi Spahr) — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 17:16:52 GMT

Oreo, Anyone?

I like metaphors. They can help simplify our understanding of a complex topic. Our lives seem to always be filled with complex topics, so it is nice when there's an easier way to explain a new concept or to provide an example to illustrate a point.

Sandwich Cookie to the Rescue

With this in mind, I greatly appreciate an analogy used by a previous convention and webinar speaker. Dr. Katrina Hutchins likened most of our working lives to an Oreo - bosses on one side, and direct reports and peers on the other. But just like an oreo cookie, there's lots to gain from the "good stuff" in the middle. (And yes - I am lifting these words directly from her. She says it so well!)

The Squishy Middle

Farm owners may feel squished between their customers (aka "the boss") and their employees. You don't have to be in middle management to be a part of the squishy middle. But just like an oreo, there's greatness in the middle cream filling. Do you feel as if you lead from the middle?

Leading Multi-Directionally

NAFDMA has been able to capture lots of great sessions through audio and video, and this is one of them. If you are interested in learning more about leading as a farm manager, leading as a farm owner, or leading as a new employee wanting to make a difference, this session is for you. It is available, along with lots of others, in our Members Only Education Center in the Leadership and Employee Development Resources.

Wholesale Markets

suzi@nafdma.com (Suzi Spahr) — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 20:08:56 GMT

Wholesale Markets

As a NAFDMA Member, you have access to a variety of different benefits, of which you may not be aware. I want to highlight one today for farms who have an on-site retail presence.

Increase Sales Revenue

Most farm markets not only sell their produce, baked goods, and value added products - but they also sell elements which can accompany these items. For instance, are you selling cheese? You may also want to sell cheese graters, cheese slicers, or decorative spreaders, all of which increases your overall sales revenue.

Unique Accompaniments

Wholesale markets can be a great place to search out new options to accompany and find great deals on unique items made by small businesses. NAFDMA has worked with a few different wholesale markets to provide member benefits when attending these locations. A farm can get free hotel nights at the Atlanta or Las Vegas AndMore Markets , and free gas cards for those attending the IGES Market Show in Pigeon Forge or Sevierville. Other benefits are also available to minimize the cost of attending these events.

New Vendor Partners

Most importantly, you will be able to connect with vendors who can partner with you in providing new products to enhance the uniqueness and style of your farm market. Many NAFDMA members have attended these shows for years, and some vendors even have specific show specials just for NAFDMA members. To learn more, please access our Members Only Supplier Discount page, or email me at suzi@nafdma.com to be connected to another member who has attended these shows in the past.

Business Development

suzi@nafdma.com (Suzi Spahr) — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 19:47:01 GMT

Business Development - Know Your Numbers

Many times when people think about business development, they are thinking about the new market channels they could reach, or the new ways they can market their farms.

Questions to Consider

However, before pursuing those paths (which are great and should be fully considered), do you really know your existing farm business? A consultant I knew always says data should drive decisions. Do you know your most profitable revenue source? Do you know your revenue per person? Do you know your most cost-effective products (and why?) What about farm financial trends over time?

It's a numbers game

One of the best things you may do for your farm is to really play the numbers game and evaluate your inputs, your return-on-investments, and your highest grossing products. Without evaluating the numbers, you may not know that the cost you are putting into growing a particular crop is increasing, meaning you are losing revenue on that crop unless you increase your pricing.

Recorded Sessions

NAFDMA has a great number of resources in our Members Only Education Center if you want to up your numbers game. There have been many sessions over the years focused on Business Development and Finance. Learn how to use your data to make better decisions for the future of your farm.

Unique Retail

suzi@nafdma.com (Suzi Spahr) — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 00:07:32 GMT

Unique Retail

Ever have customers who buy more produce than they can carry? Or are you looking for beautiful new options to add color and unique designs to your on-farm retail?

One of our NAFDMA Industry Members, Gitzell Fair Trade , wants to help you with both of these options. John Bryant, Sales Manager, shares this information about the company and their unique products.

Gitzell Fairtrade is the absolute best source for African Harvest, Market and Produce Baskets and there are lots of reasons why. We are BIPOC and woman owned. Zellipah Githui (the owner) came to America from Africa to attend college years ago and, as a child, learned to weave even before learning to read or write. She still spends significant time in Africa every year and works closely with the Artisans who create the baskets. Gitzell Fairtrade is a member of the Fair Trade Federation and Zellipah sits on the board as well.

The Weavers in Africa operate Small Holder Farms and their basket weaving supplements their incomes significantly. We assist hundreds of families both by supporting their weaving efforts and by assisting in their farming efforts through the supply of seed and fertilizer.

Shipping from a warehouse in St. Charles Missouri, we typically have your order out within 24 to 48 hours. Customer service is handled by John Bryant from his office in Southern Oregon and John has worked in this position for over 20 years. Gitzell Fairtrade currently provides baskets and home decor items from five different countries in Africa to Farms and Orchards, Farmers Markets, Natural Grocers and Food Co-Ops. We hope you will join our hundreds of satisfied customers!

If you want to learn more, contact John @ 541-601-0231 or sales@gitzellfairtrade.com .

One Step At A Time

suzi@nafdma.com (Suzi Spahr) — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 22:27:00 GMT

One Step At A Time

New thoughts from a fellow NAFDMA member, Deanna Black of Center Grove Orchard

When you put all your focus into one thing and strive forward (especially in our busy seasons of life), don't forget to look up and notice your surroundings with the beauty AND/OR the detour that needs to be taken in your path.

When experiencing frustration and conflict, no matter the source, start with an intention conversation. Is everyone on the same page? Does anyone have specific goals? How does each one define a "slow pace" or a "fast pace"?

My Hike
For example, I recently participated in a multi-day hike with a few friends. We stopped to take a break one morning, and I wanted to stop and savor a chocolate croissant I smuggled from breakfast. One of my hiking counterparts (who runs crazy ultra 100 mile runs!), was questioning the pace we are keeping and the elevation change we have made. The story in my head from my friend was that I was slowing her down, which was not actually true. We had to have a conversation about expectations so all of us felt good with each of our goals.

Another way to consider this - does each person's behavior match their words? If not, what questions need to be asked if friction is felt?

In this season of hard work on the farm, what conversations should be had with those around us to ensure we are all walking the same path?

On the Road Again...

suzi@nafdma.com (Suzi Spahr) — Fri, 20 Sep 2024 20:29:54 GMT

On the Road Again

I know I have talked about the NAFDMA Member Map benefit before, but I now have a personal story to add to the magic of this amazing member benefit. It all started with a road trip.

Rocks and Dinosaurs

Our middle child has had an interest in Geology and Paleontology for many years, and we looked into various school options for him to pursue a university degree in these areas. After visiting several schools, he settled on a smaller university located in South Dakota. It is a great fit for him, and I can report that he is living his best life at his new school. For anyone who may not know, mwe live in Indiana, so it is not a short drive to get him and his things to school. But, he is allowed a vehicle his freshman year, and just to be safe and provide him with the flexibility of enjoying the neighboring Black Hills of South Dakota, we decided to drive his car out there.

The Interstate Blues

Things were great for the first several hours. Conversation, fun, and snacks were in abundance during our drive, and my husband and I were relishing this 1:1 time with our middle child. And then we hit Iowa. The car apparently did not like Iowa and decided to show its displeasure. After the 10th time of letting the car take a break with semis racing by on the interstate, we knew we needed help.

NAFDMA Member Map to the Rescue

One of the amazing benefits of my job is knowing people all over the US, Canada, and in several areas of the world. I pulled up the trusty NAFDMA member map on my cell phone, and immediately saw that we were about 30 miles from a great NAFDMA member. I made a quick phone call, and within a few minutes, we had the name and number of the local mechanic they use as well as offers to come pick us up and put us up for the night if we needed a place to stay. Luckily, we were able to limp the car along to the mechanic, get it diagnosed, get a rental car, and finish the rest of our road trip so my son got to school on time.

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You

I can never fully repay the kindness provided to my family by this amazing NAFDMA member. The NAFDMA community truly does care for each other and helps in times of need. This was just one personal example of the caring and compassion held within our membership. If you have put off membership because you were not sure of the value, please let this story be a highlight of the many daily ways in which everyone helps each other. You are not alone in this agritourism journey, and our amazing NAFDMA members are here to have your back in times of need.

Donuts!

suzi@nafdma.com (Suzi Spahr) — Fri, 20 Sep 2024 19:52:23 GMT

Donuts! (Or Doughnuts?)

Regardless of how you spell the name, some farms find that donuts are one of their highest sellers and one of the reasons their customers keep coming back, year after year.

Got problems?

Despite the proliferation of donuts in the agritourism industry and the large number of farms who produce them, donuts always seem to be a source of frustration and difficulty. Machines break down, dough gets stuck, they fry too light or too dark, or some other issue that just doesn't help when you have a cadre of customers begging for their next sugar fix!

Want help?

Luckily, our NAFDMA members have been sources of fantastic help to each other to manage all these issues and more. We have compiled some of the best advice and idea inspirations on our Members Only Education Center in a space devoted just to donuts. In addition, our Members Only Facebook Group has tons of threads on the topic of donuts. Ideas such as adding old donuts as a topping on caramel apple nachos or how to keep your oil levels just right make these resources incredibly valuable. Don't just get caught up in the "circle" of donuts, find the answers you need.

Time To Grow... Your Marketing

suzi@nafdma.com (Suzi Spahr) — Fri, 20 Sep 2024 18:40:27 GMT

Time To Grow...Your Marketing

Winds of Change? Or Just Data about Marketing Your Farm?

It sometimes feels as if marketing your farm is like trying to control the weather. Just when you think you have the right timing, conditions change. The technology to monitor it gets more complicated, despite having more information at your fingertips. The good news? At least we have experts to help. I'm not going to make any digs at meteorologists (I actually thought about being one when I was younger!), but I am going to say that marketing experts are able to make sense of the tornado of ever changing conditions.

Bon Sens Media

One great option is a NAFDMA Industry Member named Bon Sens Media. In the words of Shawn Lehman, one of their Digital Marketing Specialists:

Bon Sens Media is an agritourism-focused marketing agency with over nine years of experience. Based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the marketing agency provides various services, including, but not limited to, campaign strategy, social media management, consulting, blogging, graphics design, and video creation for family farms.

Bon Sens Media understands the challenges faced by family farms and how diversifying with agritourism can be a viable solution. From CSAs to cut-your-own Christmas trees, we are dedicated to promoting your agritourism businesses while minimizing costs. Our services are designed to cater to farms of all sizes and budgets, providing the support you need to succeed.

Learn more at their website or by looking up Bon Sens Media in the NAFDMA Supplier Directory . Help tame the hurricane of marketing content and strategies.

Take a Deep Breath

suzi@nafdma.com (Suzi Spahr) — Fri, 20 Sep 2024 18:17:17 GMT

Take a Deep Breath

It is *that* time of year for the agritourism industry. Unless you are part of a small minority of producers in specific geographies or growing only certain niche products, you are likely swamped with work and life right now.

Breathe In...Breathe Out

The mental health of those in the agriculture industry has been a growing topic of discussion for the past several years. Farmers face stresses not many other industries face, and when you combine the customer interactions of owning an agritourism venue, the stresses just pile up. First thing to do - take a deep breath. Just stop for a split second and breathe deeply. Smell the air, feel the space around you, and enjoy the second of gratitude for that moment.

Just a Moment

In this time of working ridiculous hours and doing ALL the things, taking just a moment to give our bodies a break means we have clearer vision and mental capacity to keep doing it all. Without these small breaks, we make mistakes, and when we have members of the public on our farm - mistakes can be costly, deadly, or both. Give yourself the space to look around your farm, appreciate the amazing spaces you have created for families and friends to come together, and the memories being made right in front of your eyes.

Be Kind to Yourself

What are the things that give you strength? Is it eating a piece of fruit for breakfast instead of another donut? Is it drinking more water because you are running all over the farm sweating up a storm? Is it hugging your kids or your parents for a half second longer? Whatever it might be - now is the time to make that a priority.

Need more?

If you find yourself going down a dark road, please reach out for help. The Rural Health Information Hu b has a variety of resources and contacts. For NAFDMA members, we have several resources in our Education Center focused on Work/Life Balance and Stress Management. And if nothing else, contact me at suzi@nafdma.com . I promise you - you are not alone.

Team Work

suzi@nafdma.com (Suzi Spahr) — Fri, 09 Aug 2024 16:24:01 GMT

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

As we approach Labor Day here in the United States, I have been thinking a bit about those with whom I labor - your NAFDMA staff team. We are honestly a great team, who truly enjoy our jobs and supporting the agritourism industry.

Meet Grace

In this photo, the 4 of us had the opportunity to connect with a new friend, Grace. She is the beautiful grey and white horse, who taught us some valuable lessons. While we were in Lexington preparing for our 2025 Convention, the NAFDMA team had an afternoon at the Kentucky Equine Adoption Center . They not only foster horses who are in need of a new home, but they provide team building activities as well.

Our Challenge

We were tasked with creating our own obstacle course for Grace to traverse, and then convincing a reticent Grace to follow our lead through the course - without talking to each other or touching the horse!! Using the materials we had on hand, we designed a course with about 5 different skills for Grace. These included moving around barrels, stepping over a low beam, walking between two poles, etc. We were told we could use anything in the arena to accomplish our goal.

Communication

If anyone has ever tried to work as a team to move a horse (when you have little-to-no training in horses), you know that our task turned out to be fully dependent on the willingness of Grace to feel comfortable and move anywhere near the path we chose for her. Not being able to talk with each other proved VERY difficult and Grace wanted to have fun on her terms - not ours. We eventually lucked into Grace completing most of the tasks, but I think it had little to do with anything we did to convince her or guide her.

Lessons Learned

Debriefing after the fun, we discussed a few different lessons we learned about our teamwork. WE were the ones who set up the obstacle course. We chose the length and difficulty - no parameters were required of us by the Center staff. We were the ones who chose the goal, and we could adjust the goal at any time or decide when the goal was actually completed. In life, do we choose the more difficult path for ourselves? Or can we accomplish a similar goal with less effort? In addition, we were told we could use anything in the arena to help us reach our goal - which the staff pointed out included them (the experts in horses!) Are there times in our lives when we try to figure things out on our own, only to have an expert at our disposal, if only we ask?

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

For your NAFDMA staff, there were plenty of other lessons from that day also, but that would require me to be here typing all day. Suffice it to say, we learned a great deal about not just "dreaming" a great team into place, but using our resources to "work" at teamwork, while having fun and exploring a different aspect of agriculture. What have you done recently to learn and "work" with your team?

Navigating a Crisis

suzi@nafdma.com (Suzi Spahr) — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 16:24:05 GMT

Navigating a Crisis

It is rare that I meet a person who looks forward with excitement for the time when a crisis occurs. Despite this, everyone faces crisis situations at some point in their lives. Due to the nature of agritourism, our industry is at a higher risk of having crisis situations than most.

Preparation is Key

As with many things in life, navigating a crisis well boils down to preparation. For any farm who has spent the time considering how to manage a fire, treat an injury, or recover from a major storm, the plans they envisioned can be quickly enacted and mitigation strategies implemented quickly. Do you have an emergency plan for your farm? Have you trained your staff on the actions to take if a situation arises? Have you invited your local emergency services staff to the farm so they are prepared if they are needed on site?

Crisis PR

As we all know, our world now seems to run on a 24 hour news cycle. If/when those crisis situations occur on your farm, you will likely also be called to provide information to a member of the news media or your local community. Do you know what to say when that occurs? NAFDMA knows that when you are struggling to manage a situation, finding the right messaging can be difficult, if not impossible. A few years ago, we added a member benefit to our Premium Membership to assist. We have partnered with a professional PR company, trained in agritourism, to provide a private consultation to any member who finds themselves in a crisis situation. Since it has been implemented, several farms have used this benefit, and found assistance to ensure they said the right things, and avoided anything that might make the situation worse.

Sleep Peacefully

Knowing you have a good emergency plan helps everyone sleep better at night. Knowing you have the right words to build your trust and community care in those situations helps you to sleep even better. To learn more about benefits for both Standard and Premium membership, visit our membership page .

Succession Planning

suzi@nafdma.com (Suzi Spahr) — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 16:24:03 GMT

Succession Planning

One of the most challenging pieces of farm ownership is succession planning. Not only does it come with a variety of legal and tax implications, but it requires emotional discussions as well.

Family Dynamics

Depending on the openness of family members, it may feel nearly impossible to have the conversations necessary for successful transitions. If an elder in the family finds their fulfillment in management of the farm, a younger generation may not ever have the opportunity to learn management skills. If siblings who are not actively involved in farm management are partial owners, the farm management may be affected by financial circumstances out of their control.

Outside the Family

And what about the farm owners who don't have a next generation interested in maintaining a farm? How do they value the farm as a production farm and an agritourism venue? Is it possible to find a buyer - and if so, where?

Help is Available

Nearly every year, NAFDMA has some educational focus on succession planning. As a member of a farm family who has seen first-hand the challenges of succession planning (or lack thereof) and succession communication (or the lack thereof), I know how critical it is for everyone affected by a potential ownership change, family death, or management change to all share in the communications. Many of our previous educational sessions on this topic have been recorded and are available in our Members-Only Education Center . If you have had these conversations, please take the time now to circle back and ensure everyone is on the same page. If you haven't had these conversations, please start today. And reach out to NAFDMA staff if you will need someone to help you along the journey. We have been part of connecting with amazing facilitators along the way, who can help with any situation you may face.

Small Changes, Big Impact

suzi@nafdma.com (Suzi Spahr) — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 16:37:41 GMT

Small Changes, Big Impact

Everyone is always looking for an easy-to-implement change that will have incredible impacts on the bottom line. Great retail display insights from Branden Denchfield of Olde Tradition Spice:

How This Apple Orchard Doubled Their Mulling Spice Sales Using a $13 Display

When Tougas Family Farm, a 53-acre apple orchard in Massachusetts, experienced a self-described case of “Apple math” – ordering much more mulling spice than they normally sell, the employees decided to come up with a creative solution: a $13 refrigerator merchandise display placed inside their fridge, directly in front of the apple cider. The suction cup held 8 boxes of Olde Tradition Spice mulling spices and featured a simple statement: “Mulling spice - for hot cider or spiced tea/wine - $4.99.” Instantly, Tougas saw their sales increase from this merchandising idea. It was an overnight success and boosted mulling spice sales by placing them right in front of customers as they were buying cider. By creatively merchandising their inventory, Tougas learned a valuable marketing lesson about the importance of product placement. Could your business, like Tougas, increase sales by merchandising in a strategic way or placing products in a new location?

Cross-Promoting Products

At Olde Tradition Spice , we love hearing stories of farm-marketing ingenuity. Our mulling spices are all natural – no sugar, no caffeine, no salt, or preservatives – and make the perfect addition to any market selling cider. If your orchard has come up with its own creative way of merchandising mulling spices, we would love to hear it! Or, if you would like one of these same merchandising displays Tougas used, we are sending them out free of charge with orders of 6 or more cases - just email us at sales@oldetraditionspice.com , call us at 800-977-1117 and mention this article. We look forward to hearing from you soon and to a wonderful year of sales in 2024!

Upping your Retail Game

suzi@nafdma.com (Suzi Spahr) — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 18:19:26 GMT

Retail Therapy

In a recent survey, NAFDMA learned that a large number of our farm members struggle with retail displays, traffic patterns, and merchandising. This is not new, and nearly all agritourism locations have a retail display of some sort, even if it is just a pile of pumpkins or a stack of limes for purchase.

Resources

NAFDMA has held several different sessions over the years for retail best practices and determining products that will work for your customer base. A few different options can be accessed for free by members using the Education Center on our website and clicking on the various options in the Retail section.

Ideas

One great tip - display your offerings in a different way. Hang a ladder from the ceiling and have gourds attached to it for selection. This not only brings the eye up, but it engages a space that may not be used otherwise. It has the additional benefit of being eye-catching, as no one expects a ladder to sport hanging gourds. Be sure to also cross-merchandise. Next to the pile of pie pumpkins, have some pre-made pie crusts so a family can take home both to make their own homemade pie. Or have sets of carving tools for purchase so the family doesn't have to go elsewhere for their Jack-o-lantern supplies.

Stay Consumer Focused

Whatever products you have, put your mind into the space of a consumer and what will either make their life easier, or will capture their sense of delight and surprise. You will feel some "retail therapy" in no time!

Look Up, Buttercup!

suzi@nafdma.com (Suzi Spahr) — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 18:19:23 GMT

Getting stressed? Find the sunshine.

A little over a year ago, our own member Deanna Black shared some great advice about taking a step back whenever you get stressed by action on the farm, family life, business management...the list can go on and on. But we are all better humans, co-workers, and neighbors when we can take a quick mental health break. My personal favorite - find some beautiful flowers and inhale deeply.

Look UP Buttercup!

Often when we become sad or depressed, we want to curl up into the fetal position. Being sad is ok, Express it. Acknowledge it. Discover the source of it. However, if you catch yourself continuously wanting to curl up, Stand up and look up! Put your hands on your hips, maybe even to your low back and bend backwards. Any forward folding, calms the nervous system. If you keep going to this position it perpetuates a slowdown response. When you bend backwards, and I am not referring to any sort of Circ du Solei acrobatics, do a simple slight lift of the chest and you tap into the kidney area and your adrenal glands. Remember your anatomy? Adrenal, adrenaline... get a natural rush! You can do this seated and for multitaskers, go outside and do this looking up to the sun for your Vitamin D!

Other tips:

Rainbows!: Eat a rainbow of colors everyday. Yes, more fruits and vegetables!

Unicorns!: Set aside a time for creativity: puzzles, coloring, quilting, painting, anything nonwork related.

Dance! Have a favorite gotta move song ready to play.

Laugh! As much as I say unplug, having a few saved reels/TikToks that make you literally laugh outloud are great to get you out of your head. Make sure after you LOL you PTPD (PUT THE PHONE DOWN!) Don't keep scrolling for more and get sucked into the galaxy of lost time.

Want More?

Need more focus on work/life balance for yourself? Check out our webinar Stop the Burnout! , which is free for all Premium members.

Pop-Up Festivals

suzi@nafdma.com (Suzi Spahr) — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 15:24:43 GMT

Event Idea on the Farm

Many farms are always on the lookout for unique ideas to introduce new customers to their farm. Many farms hold regular weekend festivals focused on a particular crop or offering, but have you thought about doing a one-time event with a different focus to attract a new audience?

FOMO

Frank Price shared a number of different ideas focused on Pop-Up Festivals on your farm. His presentation is available to members through our Education Center in the Festivals and Events section. The concept feeds on the FOMO (Fear of Missing out) factor, and should be unique from your annual or regular events. If it is super successful, it can become an annual event.

Formula for Success

Be sure to identify a theme or unique aspect to the event. Examples can be Art on the Farm, a Tomato Day, or the Dog Days of Summer. Whatever is chosen, lean into that theme for all aspects of the pop-up event including marketing, food & beverage, activities, etc. Local small businesses in your area who fit the theme will likely be very excited to collaborate and cross-promote the event.

Staff Involvement

Be sure to have fun! If doing Art on the Farm, have each employee make their own 5-minute painting to hang. Have everyone dress in red for a Tomato Day. If your employees are having fun, that will translate to the enjoyment and interactivity of the guests, and provide a sense of ownership to them.

Let loose the creativity!

Optimizing Sales

suzi@nafdma.com (Suzi Spahr) — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 14:18:58 GMT

Fill the Customer's Views for Optimal Store Sales

Jonathan Raduns of Merchandise Food shares some great insight on improving your retail design to maximize sales opportunities.

Tip

The most impactful retail farm store displays minimize missed opportunity by filling customer's views in an impactful compelling way. Generally, the more impressions a customer sees of a particular product the more likely they are to purchase. So why not use unfilled space most effectively by carefully improving views of for sale products? With care and attention you can review your store to find missed opportunities. In the example photo, you'll see an employee's basic functional filling of a display with local and artisan food products. With a little manicuring effort the same products (and a few more) move forward into full view, and limit distracting visuals behind. The chosen display and techniques used to fill them can make an incredible difference to your bottom line.

About Merchandise Food

For over a decade Merchandise Food has advised and coached food retailers across North America to identify and solve strategic opportunities in their leadership, operations, merchandising, product mix, store layouts & equipment selections, shrink management.

Supplier Discount

Connect to the Members Only Supplier Discount page to learn more about Merchandise Food , their retail consulting opportunities, and see a special offer.

Member Map

suzi@nafdma.com (Suzi Spahr) — Wed, 12 Jun 2024 18:00:52 GMT

Member Map

One of the most frequent questions we see in our Member Facebook Group is from farm owners planning an upcoming trip. Always excited to have the opportunity to see new operations, they want to know if any member farms are on their planned path of travel.

As NAFDMA staff, we just want you to know that we have an easier solution for you! As a member benefit, you can use our Member Map to compare your travel plans with the location of NAFDMA members. The map provides you with the name of the farm/member located in the area of interest, so you can look up their contact information in our Member Directory and ask about a visit while you are in the area.

Certainly feel free to ask on the Facebook Group, but if you want to target options in a particular area, be sure to check out the Member Map !

Making (and maintaining) Memories

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 17:51:05 GMT

Making (and Maintaining) Memories

Recently, I was helping my daughter clean up her room and purge some of the things she had as a younger child, but no longer needed. One thing that she refused to purge - her collection of stuffed animals. Most kids have them, and they seem to take so much space in any child or teen's room. Her reasoning for the refusal to make space? Each one of them had a memory attached.

Her moose was from a trip to Yellowstone with her grandparents. The tiny blue cat, named Nike, was from a dance competition. The pink snail was a special present from a friend. The otter was from a visit to the aquarium. Getting rid of any of the stuffies would be like cutting a memory from her mind.

Many farms have started to add stuffed animals to their store offerings as a way to take home a piece of the farm memory a family may have made that day. Did the child make a new chicken friend? What about the funny chewing sounds the cow made? Or did the child dig their hands into sheep's wool? Taking home a stuffed friend to maintain that farm memory can lead to a "friend" for life.

Audrey Choate of The Bear Factory gives some additional info about their line of stuffed plush:

The Bear Factory has been the leading plush supplier worldwide in innovation, quality, and sustainability. With the creation of “Plush for the Planet, the first sustainable stuff a plush line made of recycled fabrics, in 2020 we remain the only supplier of environmentally conscious plush skins worldwide. Our inaugural line driving focus is to let plush for the planet be a conversation starter with the next generation while also providing an interactive build-your-own plush experience to create a memorable lasting impression. Our mission: Create the best quality, design, and innovative product, cultivate lasting memories, and educate the next generation on the importance of animal and environmental conservation. Visit us: https://thebearfactory.com/ .

Be sure to check out the Supplier Directory (available to NAFDMA members) to see options for creating (and maintaining) memories from the farm.

Tulips and Poppies and Sunflowers, Oh My!

suzi@nafdma.com (Suzi Spahr) — Wed, 12 Jun 2024 17:27:18 GMT

Tulips and Poppies and Sunflowers - Oh My!

One of my favorite parts of the changing seasons is seeing the new flowers which bloom each week. From the tulips and daffodils of early spring, to the lilies of summer, then the sunflowers and black-eyed susans of late summer and early fall. (at least in my area of the midwest!)

I am clearly not alone in my enjoyment of flowers throughout the year, as pick-your-own flowers has become a great source of farm attendance, especially at times in the year when there may be gaps in produce offerings. Not only do flowers beautify your farm, but they also potentially bring a new customer to your farm. The person who may not be interested in your cherry crop can't help but be drawn in by the photos of a field of cosmos!

Knowing how to arrange flowers (whether you are doing a grouping for a social media post or to sell in your market), can increase the beauty of the flowers you are growing and entice customers. Want to learn more about how to make a beautiful arrangement? NAFDMA Members can access the Flowers folder in our free Education Center for a great session from one of our conventions all based on this topic. Our membership has such a variety of expertise, and our flower gurus did a great job with this session.

Thoughts from the Board - "14 Year Old Boys Are Tough"

suzi@nafdma.com (Suzi Spahr) — Wed, 12 Jun 2024 16:50:18 GMT

Thoughts from the Board - Olivia Telschow

Guest Post from Olivia Telschow, NAFDMA Board Member

It’s that time of year you almost dread. We’ve all experienced it… You get an email, a phone call or worse yet, a car pulls into the driveway and a father gets out and asks you to hire his 14 year old son. You feel obligated to, yet you know it’s going to be an uphill challenge all summer long.

14 year old boys are tough. They come to you scrawny, wearing ear buds, cell phone in hand with very few skills. He really doesn’t want to work but dad thinks he needs a job.

That’s exactly how I met Ethan four years ago. I was secretly hoping he wouldn’t show up to orientation, but he did and sat through orientation with the other new hires with a blank look on his face, a baseball cap on with his overgrown bangs in his eyes. I described our values, what goals I had for our new hires and how I expected each one of them to develop leadership skills they would be able to use throughout life.

Ethans dad dropped him off and picked him up everyday that summer. After just about every shift, his dad would ask me, “how is he doing?” I dreaded that question but would always answer with, “he’s going to be a great worker.” I never told him that Ethan used 15 gallons of paint to paint a fence that typically only uses 6 gallons. I didn’t tell him that he broke the gear box on the lawnmower by mowing over 3 year old maple trees in the parking lot. I didn’t tell him that he splattered stain all over the side of our farm store and it took him 6 hours and 12 magic erasers to clean up his mess. I didn’t tell him he put gasoline in the diesel lawnmower. I didn’t tell him about countless mistakes his son made, rather I always smiled and gave the same answer, “he’s going to be a great worker.”

Ethan came back year after year for the next 4 years. Every summer getting taller, stronger, more confident. He required less and less of my time and mistakes were few and far in between. I overheard him one day talking with a customer, he was sharing with them why Dutch Apple Pie was his favorite, it was then I realized just how much Ethan had grown over the years and how valuable he was to our team.

Ethan graduated from High school this spring, he came to tell me in person that he wouldn’t be able to work for me this summer as he had accepted a job with the county highway department and then would be leaving for college in the fall. I wished him best wishes in his future endeavors and told him I hope he learned some valuable skills during his employment with us.

Ethan shocked me with his response. “I learned, true leaders always practice grace.” I must have had a strange look on my face, he went on to say, “you never complained to my dad about all the mistakes I made, you always told him I was going to be a great worker, thank you.”

Ethan taught me so many valuable lessons on how to become a better leader. Last week, I took a deep breath before hosting orientation for our new employees. I looked across the room, this time seeing those young faces as a blank slate with so much potential!

Transitions

suzi@nafdma.com (Suzi Spahr) — Thu, 02 May 2024 15:13:39 GMT

Musings on Transitions

It is the season of graduations and my family has two of them. My oldest child graduated just recently with his Associate's Degree in Auto Mechanics and my middle child is graduating from high school this year. These events are bringing a lot of transition to our family. The older child has moved into his own apartment, and the middle is preparing for his summer job as a camp counselor about an hour and half away from home, and then a pending move to South Dakota for further education (a 15 hour drive away from Indianapolis!)

All this focus on transition means a lot of change management to our household. We are helping one kid prepare for life in a dorm, another with life in his own apartment, and for our youngest - it will mean being the only "kid" at home. We are having to consider how to schedule our activities and lives around the transitions and still make meaningful memories at the same time.

While there aren't any perfect answers to the best way to transition, thoughtful consideration to them means the change won't be so abrupt. Have you made a change on your farm or in your business recently? Did you update an entry, or move a snack stand for efficiency, or add a new employee? For anyone who has interacted with your farm or business in the past, this change may be disruptive to them. How can you make the transition easier? Have you made the updated entry super welcoming, or put a sign at the old snack stand location directing customers to the new one, or taken the time to introduce the new employee and their duties to everyone with whom they will work? A small gesture to manage the transition can reap great rewards in making the customer experience seamless.

Cheers to everyone navigating change and transitions in the current moment - either personal or work!

Boost Sales with Samples!

suzi@nafdma.com (Suzi Spahr) — Wed, 01 May 2024 20:34:47 GMT

Boost Sales with Samples!

Meghan Custer of McCutcheon's Apple Products provides some great insight this week, from one of our Supplier Members.

When customers try a sample of a product, they’re more likely to purchase it. Sampling provides an opportunity for customers to experience the taste and quality of your products firsthand, which can lead to increased sales. Additionally, sampling provides a great opportunity to introduce new products to customers. It allows them to try something they might not have considered before, increasing the likelihood of adding to their purchase. Sampling can also be used strategically to promote complementary products within your market. For example, if you’re sampling hot apple cider, you can pair jugs of cider with mulling spices or cinnamon sticks, encouraging customers to purchase multiple items that complement each other.

Be sure to check out McCutcheon's products if you are looking for new products for your farm store or retail space. They have been in business through 5 generations and are proudly family owned and operated. Stock up on their wide range of fruit butters, preserves, BBQ sauces, pasta sauces, honey, old fashioned sodas, shelf-stable ciders, teas, baking mixes, and more! Be sure to check out the Supplier Directory to connect with McCutcheon's and many other vendors who support our industry.

Connection

suzi@nafdma.com (Suzi Spahr) — Wed, 01 May 2024 20:21:53 GMT

New Connections

One of the most commonly cited benefits of NAFDMA are the connections and friendships made among members. It can be hard to be in agritourism. When attending local agriculture events, wholesale or commodity growing is the "norm." While everyone can connect over crop failures and agriculture best practices, many farms don't manage a direct customer base. Being able to connect with someone who understands having a customer complaint on Facebook or cleaning a bathroom after a particular busy day can provide you with the reminder that you are not alone.

The two people in the photo above, Hugh McPherson and Becky Walters, are some of the biggest supporters of NAFDMA and the agritourism industry as a whole. I am lucky to count these two people as friends. Who do you have as friends and supporters? Within our organization, we have developed the Members Only Facebook group which facilitates those friendships, connections, hard-to-answer questions, and camaraderie. Do you have someone you count as understanding you and what you do on a daily basis? If so, send a text, make a phone call, or make plans to get together with them soon. Knowing others understand you and your day-to-day difficulties makes life incredible.

Pricing Strategy

suzi@nafdma.com (Suzi Spahr) — Wed, 01 May 2024 18:58:00 GMT

Pricing Strategy

Every year, each farm must evaluate its pricing on all products. What do you charge for your sweet corn, your pies, your admission, or your class? Is it time to increase the price which has held steady for 5 years and take the backlash of potential customer complaints? Or maybe you are adding a new crop or a new experience to the farm - how do you determine the best price to meet your expenses and still make a profit?

It helps to know that you are not alone. There are pricing models out there, but they don't always translate for agritourism. Trying to compare pricing from one destination to another may not be effective, due to geographical pricing differences or even currency discrepancies.

One of our best attended webinars is the Pricing Strategy Bootcamp which was led by one of our very own members, Hugh McPherson. Hugh provides great strategies to better understand how to price produce, good, experiences, and anything else you may be selling at your location. If you are struggling with pricing, or need a reminder of some best practices, Hugh's sessions are a great resource. This webinar is free to any Premium Member, and reduced pricing for other membership levels. There are several other webinars and sessions available in the Online Store for whatever subject might be a struggle for you!

Thoughts from the Board

suzi@nafdma.com (Suzi Spahr) — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 14:43:00 GMT

Thoughts from the Board - Judy Valachovic

Guest Post from Judy Valachovic, NAFDMA Board Member

Despite my natural reserve, I am compelled to ensure that others know their impact on me. One thing that truly brings me joy is writing notes and thank-yous, sometimes accompanied by a small token of appreciation.

After my first NAFDMA convention, I felt compelled to express my gratitude to everyone who shared their knowledge with me. I wanted them to know just how much their insights meant to me and how appreciative I was for their openness. It was then that I found out the power of a handwritten thank-you note. The impact those notes had on people was incredible. Even now, years later, some of these friends still mention those heartfelt messages written after that convention. I've always believed in showing people how much they mean to me, whether they've done something big or just a little something.

So, I've made it my mission to champion handwritten notes. It's not just about the words on paper; it's about forging a genuine connection. I’m probably in the minority in that I keep notecards and stamps at my house for regular use. I often send notes to my family, friends, and neighbors, as well as write work-related thank-you notes to brighten a day or put a smile on someone’s face. When fall comes around, you can bet I'll be pulling out my trusty pen. It's become a tradition of mine to send a heartfelt thank-you note to every one of our staff members expressing my appreciation. It's my way of saying, “I appreciate YOU and everything you do."

It's a small yet meaningful way to acknowledge their hard work, dedication, and contributions throughout the season. This tradition not only fosters a sense of appreciation within our team but also reinforces the importance of recognizing and valuing efforts. Sure, it's a lot of writing, but it's something that truly fills me with happiness and makes me feel special. It's my way of spreading a little kindness and making the people around me feel valued and appreciated.

-JUDY

Let there be Light!

suzi@nafdma.com (Suzi Spahr) — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 17:36:13 GMT

Let there be Light!

Have you ever stopped to think about how people see your farm, your products, or your animals in different light throughout the day? One of our great Supplier Members has a new idea to share!

From Michelle Lesnik with Reinders :

It’s a fact things appear different in the daylight Vs night time, everything from paint colors, to your blind date. Unfortunately, the same often holds true for décor for our displays. That giant scarecrow looks amazing during the day, but it disappears in the dark. Or common LED lit wireframes, amazing in complete darkness, but come dawn they are revealed to be a twisted metal structure with some wires.

What if there was something that fit into the ag theme, and was as amazing during the day as they are at night? Well, there is. We have a bizarre fascination in the industry to make small things larger than life. Such is the case here. These come in many different recognizable flower species but are huge. Standing approximately 10’ feet tall and 3’-5’ feet wide they will tower over your guests giving a very immersive feeling or be viewable from a further distance. The daytime look is sculptural in nature, bright vivid colors but

a solid, woven, more string art appearance. At night the hidden lights shine through the structure illuminating them in the same colors they were in the daylight. Perfect for nighttime events, whether you focus on nighttime events only, or just host an occasional wedding, or evening event. There are also additional pieces manufactured with the same technique to augment the flowers. Swans and a few bugs to name a few, we understand bugs are usually our sworn enemies, but they do have happy little honeybees and dragon flies. Other options include huge water droplets, and umbrellas. So just remember in a world of things that just don’t look right in the morning…..there are options.

Be sure to check out the Supplier Directory (Members Only access) for a full list of NAFDMA Supplier members and to connect with Reinders if you want to learn more about lighting options.

Admission to the Farm

suzi@nafdma.com (Suzi Spahr) — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 17:36:01 GMT

Admission to the Farm

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 .

Welcome to the Pollinator!

suzi@nafdma.com (Suzi Spahr) — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 20:12:39 GMT

Welcome to the Pollinator!

This is the first of my weekly notes to share new ideas, content, and innovations with you! As your Executive Director, I see a great deal of content about agritourism and direct farm marketing. Your NAFDMA staff had been looking for a new way to share this information with you, so we developed this page on our website to be a repository of great content. Occasionally, we may have a few thoughts to share from one of the NAFDMA board members, or maybe share insights about a great vendor partner. All in all - this will be a new way to share with you, our members.

For this week's idea, and keeping with the name of this source, I know many members do a great job educating and highlighting the importance of pollinators in farming. Have you thought about doing a microfestival specifically about pollinators? Some farms have done ladybug or butterfly releases, while others do a bee themed weekend event. For more information about creating a microfestival, visit the Education Center and click on the Festivals and Events button for Frank Price's presentation and powerpoint on the subject.

Thanks for reading this first edition of The Pollinator and I look forward to sharing more thoughts with you weekly!

Suzi Spahr