Agritourism

Agritourism Map
The 2009 Agritourism Map is now available. This map takes the information found in the Buyer's Guide and puts it into a printed format so that it can be kept in the car.

Visitors are encouraged to call farms prior to arriving to assure that they are open for operation as many of the businesses are seasonal.

To obtain a copy or copies of the 2009 Agritourism Map, email agrimo@mda.mo.gov.

2009 Missouri Agritourism Conference

Missouri welcomed more than 150 people at the first Agritourism Conference January 16 & 17. Conference reviews said the networking and information presented was right on target.

Below are the presentations from many of the speakers at the conference.

Friday, January 16
Identify Your Potential & Business Planning - Jackie Rasmussen, Business Development Specialist, MU Extension
USDA Animal Guidelines for Agritourism Operations - Jennifer Schmitz, USDA
Building & Retaining Your Agritourism Clientele - Mike & Jan Wooten, Sunshine Valley Farm Market, Bakery & Cafe
Romancing the Media -Cyndi Young-Puyear, Brownfield Ag News
Romancing the Media - Mindy Ward, Missouri Farmer Today
Bragging Rights: Successful MO Agritourism Operations - Buddy & Carolyn Raasch & Gieselle Fest, Carolyn's Country Cousins
Marketing Innovations - Ben Beaver, Tanner's Orchard

Saturday, January 17
Incorporating Haunted Attractions - Carroll & Becky Walters, Walters Pumpkin Patch
Signage in Missouri: MoDOT Rules - Joyce Musick, MoDOT
What Your Numbers Say: Accounting that Pays - Mick Gilliam, University of Missouri Outreach & Extension
Discovering the Salesman in You - MO Dept. of Agriculture
Partnering with Your Community - Carolyn Crooker, Sedalia Convention & Visitors Bureau
Sales Tax Considerations - Dave Zanone, Department of Revenue
Goodnight Sleep Tight: Lodging for Tourists - Kay Schwinke, Epple Haus Bed & Breakfast
Growing Heirloom Tomatoes: Extend the Season - Jim Thies, The Veggie Patch
Marketing for the Marketing Impaired - Sarah Gehring, MO Dept. of Agriculture
Advanced Marketing: Branding Yourself - Buddy & Carolyn Raasch & Gieselle Fest, Carolyn's Country Cousins
Getting Started: Pumpkin Patches & Corn Mazes - Andrea Jackson, Jackson Country Connections

Agritourism, what is it?

Webster.com defines agritourism as “the practice of touring agricultural areas to see farms and often to participate in farm activities.” AgriMissouri shortened that definition to “any agribusiness or farm that provides an agricultural experience.” Basically, when you visit a pumpkin farm, dairy, u-pick berry patch or orchard, winery, corn maze, Christmas tree farm or take a school trip to a farm, you are an agritourist.

Agritourism has been around for many years but it has become very popular in the last five to ten years. Why is that? According to Jane Eckert, Eckert AgriMarketing, “People want to have their children see a cow first-hand, rather than in a book,” Eckert said. “They want to see where their food comes from and who grows it.”

Years ago most of people had grandparents or a cousin that lived on a farm who they visited every summer. Today, more of people live in urban areas and so do their grandparents or relatives. As this trend has developed so has the need for the farm experience or agritourism. In addition, visiting an agritourism destination is a great day trip or weekend family activity

To find an agritourism destination near you, visit the AgriMissouri Buyer’s Guide or contact AgriMissouri at 1-866-466-8283 to obtain the Agritourism Map.