1. Where’s the Ag in Agritourism? Millennium FFA Agricultural Issues Team: Shelby Collier, Aaron Duke, Nicole Piech, Russell Rico, and Leah Thimgan

2. Driving Question Should agritourism be focused on the educational versus recreational purposes?

3. Jane Eckert CEO of the Eckert AgriMarketing Specializes in marketing for farm operation involving agritourism

4. What is Agritourism? Agritourism is a commercial enterprise at a working farm, ranch, or agricultural plant conducted for the enjoyment of visitors that generates supplemental income for the owner.

5. Not all agritourism is created equal… AGritourism Certain enterprises focus on the agriculture education aspect of agritoursim Example Rocker 7 Farm Patch agriTOURISM While other enterprises focus on the entertainment/tourism aspect of agritourism Example Fear farm

6. Examples of Agritourism Pumpkin patch tours Farmers Market Horse riding/livestock shows Hay rides Corn mazes Fishing from stock pond Wine tasting Cooking classes with farm products Game preserves/Fee hunting Roadside farming Bed and breakfast/camping

7. Mark W. Killian Arizona Department of Agriculture Personally oversees 1,700 acres of farm and ranch land in Arizona

8. Why are farms doing it? Higher profit margins Agritourism revenue 2002-2007: $202-$567 million 92% engaged in agritourism in 2007 made more than $10,000 Diversify and increase income sources Farm income with recreation-$794,000 Farm income without-$457,000

9. Why are farms doing it? Large and small scale operations can participate 2002 -2012 on-farm activity sales receipts increased 250%, roughly 710 million dollars Small farms between 250-1000 acres made an average $2,500 more a year than farms without

10. Ken Sheely Co-owner of Fear Farm Owner of Sheely Farms

11. The Challenges Additional money and time Making the “tough choices” Increased insurance Seasonal recreational activities Start up capital

12. Fear Farm Held every October and open to all ages A 52 acre plot of farm land that contains a Halloween themed corn maze, haunted house, and various other attractions Attracts more than 60,000 people every year

13. Katie Leister Owns Rocker 7 Farm Patch with husband Brandon Leister Rocker 7 Farm brand is around 60 years old

14. Rocker 7 Farm Patch A family friendly environment that allows farm related games and activities AGvocates for agriculture Over 6,000 visitors in the first year Start up capital from Hay Sales

15. Why are farms doing it? Diversification and economic incentives for growers From 1992-1997 a 13% increase in farm expenses Educates the public According to the US Farmers and Ranchers Alliance survey, 72% of consumers reported knowing nothing or very little about farming and ranching

16. Summary Agritourism: commercial enterprise at a farm, ranch, or agricultural plant Generates supplemental income/economic stability Not all agritourism is created equal Agritourism increase could cause land loss; may affect total national output of products Agritourism closes disassociation gap between farm and consumer Revenue and venture popularity influences choice of agritourism venture