It’s Not Just Crops and Cows Anymore! Diversifying Ag-Enterprises for Sustainability Dr. Steve Burr, Director Institute for Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Utah State University Jody Gale, Area Agent Agricultural Economic Development Utah State University Extension Service Galaxy II National Extension Conference Salt Palace Convention Center Salt Lake City, Utah September 22, 2003

An Economic Struggle! Many of America’s farmers and ranchers have been struggling economically to continue to make their operations viable. –Fickle markets –Low prices –Changing environmental conditions –Global competition

Some Success in These Changing Times One Successful Approach— Diversifying operations beyond agricultural production. –Generates additional income for ag-operators. –Enhances overall rural economic development.

Value-Added Products and Services Value can be added to various ag-products produced and sold to increase profit potential, through specialized production, packaging, and marketing. Value can also be added by providing various services or experiences of interest to visitors. One area is the development of an ag-operator’s agricultural, natural, and heritage resources for outdoor recreation and tourism opportunities.

Changing Societal Values Development and Use of our Natural Resources More and more emphasis is being placed on the value of amenity resources. –Scenery and aesthetics –Opportunities for a diversity of recreation experiences –Providing habitat for wildlife –Preserving biological diversity

New “Niche” Markets Some ag-operators have been able to take advantage of these changes to develop new “niche” markets to meet a growing demand in the area of ag-tourism by providing a variety of unique experiences. –Ag-Tourism and Ranch Recreation –Camping, fishing, and hunting –Outdoor recreation activities –Wildlife viewing and birdwatching

Natural Resources-Based Recreation and Tourism Based on Utah’s natural resources and amenities. Opportunities exist for a variety of recreation and tourism-related activities: –Outdoor recreation activities –Festivals and special events –Educational activities –Business opportunities

Trends in Natural Resources Based Tourism Develop a Package of Tourism Experiences Natural Allies: –Outdoor Recreation –Agricultural Tourism and Ranch Recreation –Nature Tourism –Heritage Tourism

Outdoor Recreation Remains among the top purposes for leisure travel in the U.S. Almost 80% of tourists say scenery is one of their top considerations in selecting a destination for travel.

Outdoor Recreation Trends Source: 2000 National Survey on Recreation and the Environment Fastest growing recreation activities:  birding/wildlife observation  walking/hiking/backpacking  snowmobiling/OHV driving  bicycling/mountain biking  snow skiing/snowboarding  swimming  canoeing, kayaking, rafting

Agricultural Tourism and Ranch Recreation The act of visiting a working farm, working ranch, or any agricultural operation or business for the purposes of enjoyment, education, and active involvement in a variety of activities and experiences.

Nature Tourism Discretionary travel to natural areas that conserves environmental, social, and cultural values, while generating an economic benefit to the local community. Nature tourists spend time and money to experience nature and the outdoors, and learn more about a particular destination with a concern for minimum impact and sustainability.

Heritage Tourism Discretionary travel to areas rich in significant cultural and heritage resources worthy of preservation.

It’s Not Just Crops and Cows Anymore! Diversifying Ag-Enterprises for Sustainability Potential opportunities in diversifying ag-enterprises for sustainability. –Ag-tourism and ranch recreation –Wildlife activities –Festivals and Special Events –Unique Agri-Marketing

Guest Presenters Diane and Jay Tanner, Box C Ranch, Grouse Creek, Utah A Working Ranch nestled in the Grouse Creek Mountains in the Great Basin of remote northwestern Utah Troy and Susan Haviland, Haviland’s Old West Adventures “Duding Adventures”—Covered Wagon Rides, Horseback Riding, Chuck Wagon Dinner, and a “Foot Stompin’ Music and Knee Slappin’ Comedy of the Ol’ West” Show.

Guest Presenters Roger, Mike, and Steve Osguthorpe Red Pine Adventures, Park City, Utah Snowmobile Tours, Sleigh Rides, and Horseback Riding Associated with Park City Area Winter and Summer Resorts Raymond Heaton Color Country Outfitters and Long Valley Cattle Drive Alton, Utah Trophy Hunting and an Authentic American Western Cattle Drive

Guest Presenters Wes Shields, Private Lands/Pubic Wildlife Coordinator Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Wildlife and Habitat Conservation Partnership Aspects Jake and Lenny Harward, Harward Farms, Springville, Utah Unique Agri-Marketing Aspects of Sweet Corn and Hay Production in Utah Valley and Salt Lake Valley Rhonda Thompson, Executive Director American West Heritage Center, Wellsville, Utah Agricultural and Heritage Festivals and Special Events

It’s Not Just Crops and Cows Anymore! Diversifying Ag-Enterprises for Sustainability On To The Presentations! Questions and Discussion

Dr. Steve Burr Associate Professor of Recreation Resources Director, Institute for Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Extension Specialist in Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Institute for Outdoor Recreation and Tourism College of Natural Resources Utah State University 5220 Old Main Hill Logan, Utah Office: (435) FAX: (435) Visit the IORT Website at Institute for Outdoor Recreation and Tourism College of Natural Resources Utah State University