Guest Article by Christine Hawks, NAFDMA Membership and Events Manager If you want to challenge your notion of what it means to be alone, visit your library for a copy of Solitude - In Pursuit of a Singular Life in a Crowded World by Michael Harris. And, then earn some bonus points, if you can truly spend several hours alone. Sounds simple enough, right? Agriculture can be isolating and much of the work as agritourism owners and operators, especially during the off-season, might be done alone. But, are you really alone? First, let’s agree on a shared understanding of the states of alone and loneliness. Similar sounding words with very different meanings. Alone is generally accepted to reference a physical state of being by yourself. Whereas loneliness is generally used to describe sadness or feeling disconnected. On our farms, we likely experience both from time to time. And, believe it or not, being alone does have its benefits. Even in the most rural of communities, we’re still connected digitally. Can you recall the last time that you were actually alone for a day - No text messages, no email communication, no cordial greeting with the mail delivery person or your neighbor across the field? I recently tried this challenge and found that it’s more difficult than I could have imagined. I have an elderly mom, so I never feel like I can ignore text messages for a day. I was expecting a delivery of medication for my dog, so I kept checking email because I needed to monitor the tracking schedule. My neighbor came over to chat when she noticed me out mowing the yard. But, as Harris references in his book, we need that alone time, the solitude. And, I’ll take it one step further, we need the mundane in our lives. Two heads can be better than one when focused on an analytical, straightforward problem, but what if you’re trying to coax your next big idea or tackling a complex challenge? Spending time alone and allowing your mind to wander, might just be the solution that you’re looking for. We have ample opportunities to give ourselves this time and space within the routine of our farms. Mucking out stalls? Skip the podcast for an hour and let your mind focus where it will. Mowing the walking paths? Let the hum of the mower lull your mind into a relaxed state. These seemingly mindless chores can allow your thoughts to flow unbound, and you might be pleasantly surprised by what bubbles up when you give your mind the freedom from focus and concentration. I believe I know the only cure, which is to make one’s center of life inside of one’s self, not selfishly or excludingly, but with a kind of unassailable serenity - to decorate one’s inner house so richly that one is content there, glad to welcome anyone who wants to come and stay, but happy all the same when one is inevitably alone. - Edith Wharton, American author

Fresh donuts can be one of the most memorable—and profitable—food offerings at an agritourism operation. The aroma draws guests in, encourages impulse purchases, and can turn a simple concession item into a signature farm experience. Start with a Signature Product Before adding multiple flavors and toppings, perfect one high-quality donut your team can produce consistently. Ask: Can every team member make the same product? Can quality be maintained during peak attendance? Are guests receiving a fresh donut every time? Consistency builds guest trust and gives them a reason to return. Let Guests See—and Smell—the Process Agritourism operators have an advantage over traditional retailers: guests can experience the product being made. Whenever possible, make production visible. Watching donuts fry, move through the line, or receive a cinnamon-sugar coating builds anticipation and reinforces freshness. Allow the scent to waft into nearby areas, if possible. The sights and smells are part of the attraction. Design the Program for Busy Days Long lines and slow service can quickly limit sales. Review the entire purchasing process, from ordering to payment and pickup. Consider: Separate ordering and pickup areas Grab-and-go packages Express lines for popular items Additional registers during peak weekends A great product still needs to be easy to purchase. Increase Sales with Bundles Pair donuts with complementary products to increase the average transaction. Popular combinations include: Donuts and cider Donuts and coffee Family-sized take-home packs Donuts and ice cream Seasonal flavor assortments Instead of selling a single item, create a complete farm experience. Create Reasons to Return Keep your signature donut consistent, but introduce limited-time flavors throughout the season. Maple, pumpkin, strawberry, blueberry, caramel apple, and holiday-inspired varieties can generate excitement, repeat visits, and social media content. Limited availability also creates urgency and encourages guests to purchase while the flavor is available. Build Strong Production Systems Document recipes, frying times, coating procedures, packaging standards, and cleaning schedules. Cross-train team members so production does not depend on one employee. Track hourly sales, attendance, weather, and seasonal trends to improve forecasting. Producing in smaller batches throughout the day can help maintain freshness while reducing waste. Make Donuts Part of Your Marketing A signature donut can market your operation long after the guest leaves. Branded packaging, creative toppings, seasonal flavors, and behind-the-scenes videos encourage guests to take photos, share their experience, and introduce your farm to new audiences. Avoid Common Mistakes Operators can strengthen their donut program by avoiding: Too many menu choices at a time Hidden production areas Long wait times Unappealing packaging Overproduction and waste Inconsistent quality  The Bottom Line The strongest donut programs combine quality, consistency, efficient service, and guest experience. When guests can smell the donuts, watch them being made, purchase them easily, and take home a product worth talking about, donuts become more than a menu item. They become part of the memory—and an important revenue opportunity for the operation.