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

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.

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By angie • May 8, 2026
May is Mental Health Awareness Month—a time to bring conversations about mental health out into the open. For those in agriculture, these conversations are more important than ever. Farming is more than a job—it’s a lifestyle, a legacy, and often a calling. But behind the early mornings, long days, and deep connection to the land, there’s a reality we don’t always talk about: farm stress is real, and it’s rising. The Reality: Mental Health in Agriculture Farmers and agricultural workers face unique pressures that can take a serious toll on mental health: Financial uncertainty and fluctuating markets Weather dependency and climate stress Long hours with little time off Physical isolation and limited access to care Generational expectations and legacy pressure And the data reflects this challenge: Farmers are 3.5 times more likely to die by suicide than the general population Suicide rates in rural America have risen sharply, increasing nearly twice as fast as urban areas Agriculture consistently ranks among the highest-risk occupations for suicide This isn’t just a statistic—it’s a reminder that many in our communities are carrying heavy, unseen burdens. Why It Matters for Agritourism & Farm Businesses Mental health doesn’t just affect individuals—it affects your entire operation. When stress goes unaddressed, it can impact: Decision-making and business growth Customer experience Family dynamics Employee well-being Just like your crops or livestock, your well-being needs care and attention to thrive. What Balance Can Look Like Here are a few realistic ways to support mental wellness on the farm: 1. Redefine “Balance” Balance doesn’t mean equal time—it means sustainable energy. Some seasons will demand more, and that’s okay. 2. Build Micro-Breaks Into Your Day Even 10 minutes to step away, hydrate, or reset can make a difference during peak seasons. 3. Stay Connected Isolation is one of the biggest risk factors in agriculture. Make intentional time to connect with anyone who brings you peace and joy. 4. Normalize the Conversation Talking about stress doesn’t make you weak—it makes you human. The more we talk, the more we reduce stigma. Resources for Farmers & Rural Communities If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available—and it’s designed specifically for agricultural communities: Farm State of Mind (American Farm Bureau Federation) Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (Dial 988 in the U.S.) Local extension offices Rural health programs USA and Canada Many of these programs recognize that farmers face unique, industry-specific stressors and offer support tailored to that reality. A Final Thought Mental health is just as important as physical safety on the farm. This May, during Mental Health Awareness Month, consider this your reminder: Check in with yourself Check in with your neighbors And know that you’re not alone Because behind every successful farm is a person—and that person matters most.

Onliness, where your business needs to be

By John Stanley • May 4, 2026
We live in interesting times. Consumers have fewer dollars in their pockets and are more selective where they spend them. Plus, farms, like other businesses, are seeing the cost of doing business become more expensive. What happens now? As in the past, most businesses in challenging times will reduce their marketing and pull up the hatches to try and weather the storm. These businesses will often fail in economic climates such as now. Other businesses will develop new strategies with the aim of growing their business and will be ready when the crisis finishes. How you manage your agritourism business depends on where you see yourself in the evolution of your business. Many of us started with a market stall on the side of the road selling our produce. We were “produce” sellers. Some farms stayed like that, while other farms evolved to the next level and became retailers or agritourism operators. We learned about the importance of signage, customer flow and merchandising, and our average sale and customer count went up. Having proven the formula to be right, some of these farms evolved into experience retailers who provided a retail or agritourism experience for our consumers. Many businesses plateau at this stage. The leaders developed again and became “Onliness” operators in their marketplace. They became the place to visit. Examples in our industry include Tully’s Farm in the UK and Willowtree Farm Market in Ontario. In a challenging world, many agritourism operators will find it difficult because of the competition, while the “Onliness” operators will develop their market niche and often grow their business because they are the venue of choice in their catchment area. They are “Unique” in the consumer's mind and not seen as a “me too” operator. Consumers want to escape the urban environment and have time in the country. They want to venture to somewhere that is memorable and get the strategy right; they will help with your marketing. Now is the time to develop your business by identifying what makes you unique and developing a business and marketing plan to grow the business. The Agritourism Training Academy is a comprehensive online training program for Agritourism operators. The Academy is operated by John Stanley and his daughter, Lara. To learn more, visit www.agritourismtrainingacademy.com

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

By angie • April 23, 2026
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