Agritourism in Massachusetts

Recently, I read a newspaper article in the Herald News in Massachusetts written by Linda Murphy. In the article Linda talks about the demand from consumers for more farm related tours. The article shares that 20 years ago when the "know where your food comes from" movement started that people's curiosity of farms peaked. Since that time, farms have opened their doors to tourists and have realized that tourists can improve their bottom line. The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources has an agritourism map of the state to help guide  tourists to destinations.
Click here to read the entire article.

 

Destination Marketing With A Purpose--FREE Webinar July 30th

Join Solimar International for a FREE webinar on Tuesday, July 30th from 10-11 A.M. CST.  Register  by clicking here.

 

This workshop will  explore new models for destination marketing.

Learn how to:

• prioritize and align your online and offline marketing activities
• maximize social media resources
• track the effectiveness of your campaigns
• and work collaboratively with the tourism trade to grow awareness and drive sales.

Workshop

Global Tourism Workshop

August 13, 2013

10 am to 2 pm

Cost: $25 includes lunch.

Lower Mississippi River Museum
910 Washington Street
Vicksburg, MS

Pay at the door, but reserve your place by calling
662-325-1619

This workshop will explore ways to take your community's customer relations skills to a higher level by learning to attract and entertain international visitors. Southern hospitality with just the right twist can make guests from far and near feel comfortable. Whether your customers are tour groups, families on holiday, retirees, or business persons considering relocation, the time is right to be ready for global tourism. 

Presented by: Miss-Lou Rural Tourism Association and Beacon Consultants along with participating partners: MSU-Stennis Institute, LSU AgCenter, MSU-ES, Vicksburg Main Street and Mississippi Development Authority Division of Tourism.

Farmers Markets

Last weekend I was in Memphis, TN and of course I had to go to the Farmers Market. I found lots of fruits, vegetables, flowers and meats to purchase. What I loved about the market was the beautiful displays. All the vendors did a great job showcasing their products.  To learn more about farmers markets, read the Farmers Market Guide.

Outdoor Business Workshop in Zwolle, July 23, 2013

This one-day workshop will provide landowners with information on supplemental income opportunities using natural resources on their land.

FORESTERS who attend can receive CFE credits.

 

Topics will include cost-share assistance programs; fee-based hunting and fishing; nature trails; wildlife and birding; liability and legal considerations; and testimonials from landowners who are engaged in outdoor recreation. This program is co-sponsored by the Mississippi State University Natural Resource Enterprises Program.

 

Who should attend? This workshop is designed for landowners and others who would like to develop an outdoor business.

 

Date: Tuesday, July 23, 2013

 

Time: Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the program begins at 9 a.m. Program ends at 4 p.m.

 

Location: Wildwood Resort, 129 Wildwood Road, Zwolle, LA 71486.

 

Registration: Pay registration fee of $25 per person or $30 per couple. Complete the form and return by July 19th. Make check payable to "LSU AgCenter" and mail to Dora Ann Hatch, LSU AgCenter, 11959 Hwy. 9, Homer, LA 71040.  We can accommodate some walk-ups but please register so we can prepare.

 

For more information contact: 

 

Dora Ann Hatch, LSU AgCenter Agritourism Coordinator, at (318) 927-9654 x 229 (office), (318) 245-6791 (cell) or e-mail her at: dhatch@agcenter.lsu.edu or

 

Chris Pearce, LSU AgCenter Extension Agent in Sabine Parish at (318) 256-3406 or e-mail him at: tpearce@agcenter.lsu.edu

 

 

Directions:

 

From Shreveport, LA:
Take I-49 South toward Alexandria. Take exit 162 for LA-177 toward Couabatta/Pleasant Hill. Turn right onto LA-177 S. After 3,5 miles, turn left to stay on LA-177 S. Go 7.3 miles. Turn left onto LA-175 S. Go 9.9. miles. Turn right onto LA-120 W. Go 10.7 miles. Turn left onto Obrie St. Go 1.4 miles. Turn left onto LA-191 S. Go 3 miles. Turn right onto Carters Ferry Rd. Go 2 miles. Turn right onto San Miguel Rd. Continue onto Cozy Point Rd. Continue onto Wildwood Rd. Entrance to Wildwood Resort on the left.

From Alexandria, LA:
Take I-49 North to exit 138 (LA-6 W). Turn left onto LA-6 W/University Parkway. Go 24 miles. Turn right onto Hill St. Continue onto US-171 N/Elizabeth St. Go 8.8 miles. Turn left onto N. Main St. Go 1.5 miles. Turn left onto Obrie St. Go 1.4 miles. Turn left onto LA-191 S. Go 3 miles. Turn right onto Carters Ferry Rd. Go 2 miles. Turn right onto San Miguel Rd. Continue onto Cozy Point Rd. Continue onto Wildwood Rd. Entrance to Wildwood Resort on the left.

Ideas for Attracting Wildlife

 

Agritourism travelers enjoy wildlife. Dr. Bobby Fletcher with the LSU AgCenter shares some ideas on how to attract wildlife to your operation.

 

 

Food. Provide food in the form of plants that bear seed, fruit, foliage or flowers that you’re willing to have eaten by birds, larval butterflies (caterpillars) or adult butterflies. Berries, fleshy fruits, nuts and acorns are all treats for wildlife. Wildlife find meadow grasses especially attractive, and the grasses add a graceful feature to any landscape. For more click here.

If you are interested in starting an agritourism operation, e-mail Dora Ann Hatch.

Chicken Tractor

Recently, I visited my cousin who proudly showed me her new yard accessory, a chicken tractor.   This tractor is really a chicken coop without a floor that can be moved to different parts of your property. Continuous moves keep the chickens on clean soil and their manure enriches the soil too. For ease of moving put wheels on your tractor.


What a great idea for your backyard or for including chickens in your agritourism operation at a low cost.