12 Steps to a Successful Agritourism Business

Most agritourism businesses are diversifications of existing businesses. If someone has a farm, he or she may open the farm for educational field trips for children. The farm may have a pumpkin patch, a U-pick operation or a Christmas tree plantation. Landowners with a pine plantation may consider building a cabin in the woods for overnight stays that include horseback riding or fishing in a pond.

To learn more click here.

Louisiana Ranchers and Growers Association Annual Meeting

Dr. Roberta McKowen has asked my help in getting the word out about the Louisiana Ranchers and Growers Association Annual Meeting happening on August 15, 2015, beginning at 

9:00 AM

LOCATION

Keller and Roberta McKowen's Farm

3320 Bill McKowen Lane

Jackson, LA 70748

Featuring:

Forages for Livestock and Wildlife

Control of McCartney Rose

Rainfall Simulator

Followed by Annual Business Meeting

R.S.V.P. By August 10th

by email  roccy@bellsouth.net

or calling

225-654-9633

Refreshments and Lunch will be served

Farm to Table Experience

I recently read an article by Melinda Johnson promoting farm to table events. In the article Melinda explains the uniqueness of taking a vacation to move from farm to farm and she has four good reasons why everyone should consider it. Read more here

Produce Marketing Workshops Set For Lake Charles August 27

Louisiana specialty crop producers will have an opportunity to learn the ins and outs of marketing to local groceries, restaurants and other retail outlets during a one-day workshop presented by the LSU AgCenter.

The program will include sessions on communication and relationship-building with buyers; good business practices, such as invoicing, insurance and delivery; and marketing strategies, such as pricing and packaging.

The MarketReady workshop will be held on August 27 at the Calcasieu Parish Extension Office at 7101 Gulf Hwy, Lake Charles, LA 70607 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

There is no fee, but Pre-registration is required by contacting the LSU AgCenter – Calcasieu Parish Office at 337-475-8812 and ask for Regina, or send an e-mail to RJouett@agcenter.lsu.edu.

Louisiana MarketReady is funded through a Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Specialty Crop grant.

Try Growing Herbs on Your Farm

If you have limited space try growing herbs. Herbs are very popular in farmers markets today. Well-known chefs and cooking shows have put the spot-light on cooking with herbs. They add flavor to ordinary meals and are healthy.

Dr. KiKi Fontenot, Dan Gill and Robert Williams have authored a publication, "A Guide to Growing a School Herb Garden," that can help the home gardener develop their own herb garden.

The Agritourism Limited Liability Law may be applicable to your operation, contact Dora Ann Hatch at the LSU AgCenter to learn more.

Trail Riding

Trail riding is a great way to experience the outdoors and have fun with others.  In Louisiana, we have lots of different types of terrain: flat, hilly, forested, rocky, water, fields and combinations of all. Each terrain provides fun for the rider.

If you own horses, consider offering trail rides. Most charge $25-50 per person for the experience. The law provides a limitation for liability for horseback riding. The 2008 Agritourism Limited Liability Law also may be applicable to your operation.

Pizza Farms

Martha Glass shares this:



MINNEAPOLIS — As the farm-to-table movement connects more consumers with local farmers, some farms have shortened the distance between the plow and the plate. They're inviting customers over for pizza
.
On Wednesday nights when the weather is nice, Pat and Tammy Winter serve well over 200 pizzas to guests at their Red Barn Farm near Northfield, about an hour south of Minneapolis. Customers make a picnic out of it, setting up chairs and tables outside the 101-year-old barn and packing in soda, beer and wine. Children chase the chickens and pet the horses while their families wait for pizzas to emerge from wood-fired ovens.

While pizza farms have sprouted across the country as agritourism grows, they're particularly popular in Minnesota and Wisconsin, where they provide small farms with extra income and city dwellers with opportunities to get in touch with their food sources. Farmers and diners alike appreciate that the pizza toppings often were grown or produced onsite.

Most farms keep things simple by requiring guests to bring their own napkins, plates and utensils, and to take their garbage home. They may offer limited, if any, beverages. But this isn't about fine dining; it's about a dining experience, and one that often boasts an unbeatable pastoral setting.
http://www.wral.com/pizza-farms-offer-reverse-twist-in-farm-to-table-movement/14749365/