8 Easy Steps To Prepare For Agritourism

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The holidays are here and this provides every farm owner an opportunity to start agritourism on your farmland to make money and also to create an atmosphere of relaxation for your community.

Many people have been looking forward to the holidays as a break from life in the city and suburbs. Whether it’s just a day trip or a weeklong holiday, people are increasingly turning to rural settings for relief. Agritourism offers a large variety of agriculturally based experiences, ranging from seasonal festivals, educational tours and “pick your own” produce farms to outdoor adventures and on-farm accommodations. Agricultural tourism, or “agritourism,” is one of the fastest-growing trends in the travel industry. It combines agricultural settings, services and products with a unique tourism experience.

Here are eight easy steps you need to consider before you venture into agritourism

1. SAFETY FIRST.
   Safety is your first priority when entertaining visitors to your farm. Your visitors’ safety is largely your responsibility. Lay down the ground rules and point out things like the bathroom and garbage locations.

When your visitors arrive, explain that you operate a working production facility and hazards may arise while they are on the farm. Certain hazards come with the territory such as uneven ground, insects, climate, farm odours, etc., and visitors must accept those risks and exercise reasonable caution.

1. CLEANLINESS.
   Clean up the farm ahead of time. Put away any machinery that won’t be used for display and take all keys out of the machinery. Put away sharp objects, tools and chemicals, and make sure sheds are locked where people should not be entering.

1. CAUTION AND DIRECTION SIGNS.
   Use signs to clearly mark any potential hazards and places visitors should avoid. These places can be near manure pits, machinery, livestock and electric fences. Make sure paths are clearly marked where visitors are allowed to be on the farm. Keep visitors away from any sick animals.

1. EASY ACCESS.

Determine where people will park and if shuttle transportation will be needed from the parking area to the farm. If your event is open to the public, farmers should check to see that some portions of the farm are handicap accessible and clearly marked.

1. LIVESTOCK.
   Consider the animals’ well-being first when selecting farm animals for public interaction. Interactions between animals and guests should always be supervised by farm staff. You never know how animals will react to different people or large groups.

Ensure that only friendly, social dogs are near the public; however, always warn the public there are other animals around the farm. Barn cats may not be receptive to strangers.

1. SANITATION AND SECURITY.
   Provide hand-washing stations and hand sanitizer outside of barns or near where food is being distributed. Provide plastic boots if guests will be walking through barns and places where livestock are housed.

1. INSURANCE.
   Having the appropriate insurance coverage is important when holding agritourism activities on the farm. Check with your provider to make sure you have the appropriate coverage. Your basic farm coverage will not be enough.

1. EMERGENCY PLAN.
   Keep a well stocked first aid kit handy and be sure knowledgeable people are on staff with CPR and first aid skills. Develop an emergency plan for dealing with natural disasters such as floods, fires or other inclement weather. You can suggest that visitors wear appropriate clothing such as closed-toed shoes or long pants. Provide personal protective equipment (gloves, safety glasses, etc.) or note safe standing areas when watching certain demonstrations.

Suggest that visitors wear appropriate clothing such as closed-toed shoes or long pants. Provide personal protective equipment (gloves, safety glasses, etc.) or note safe standing areas when watching certain demonstrations.

With all these duely considered and in place, you are set to give people an unforgettable and interesting experience on your farm.

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