Agritourism is when farmers, ranchers, and agriculturalists open their barn doors and farm gates to tourists.
Agritourism is when a family chooses and cuts their own Christmas tree fresh from the farm, when a child wanders his way through a corn maze, when a family spends the night under the stars and takes part in chores with the farm family the next morning, when a family picks their own berries, or helps harvest this year's grape harvest, when a child feeds a baby goat, when yesterday's farm boys hunt wild game, when Daddy takes his little boy fishing for the first time. Agritourism is broad and limited only by the imagination.
Agritourism is one successful form on on-farm diversification which allows Oklahoma farmers and ranchers to generate additional income while preserving their way of life and keeping families on Oklahoma farms and ranches.
Today the general population is 3-5 generations removed from the family farm. So when families are looking for an opportunitiy to relive childhood memories from grandma's farm, see how and where their food is grown, meet the farmers that produce their food, or just experience the authenticity of the farming lifestyle, they have to pay for that experience because they no longer have access to a farm in their family. This creates an incredible opportunity for farmers and ranchers that are interested in sharing a piece of their lifestyle with today's consumer.
Each year families take vacations for many reasons, including:
Family togetherness - 87%
Get away from stress - 74%
Rest & Relaxation - 71%
Visit Friends & Relatives - 62%
Excitement & New Experiences - 50%
Physical Activity - 43%
There is no better place for family time, relaxation, and new experiences than an Oklahoma farm or ranch.
Financial Benefits - By opening your doors to the public and selling not only your products, but the unique authentic experience and activities of life on your farm, you increase revenues that are not dependent on commodity prices or production agriculture.
Add A Generation - By adding an additional revenue stream to your farm, you are in a better position to allow future generations to take part in your operation.
Keep Mom Home - Instead of Mom having to get a job in town, an agritourism enterprise would allow her to have an active role in another facet to the family business and allow her to stay home.
Save for Retirement - The average age of the American farmer is ever-increasing, and many have not saved for retirement. Farmers can use the revenue from their agritourism operation to begin to save for retirement.
If you think agritourism is for you, visit the "Just Getting Started" page to learn more.
