With apple picking and pumpkin patch season right around the corner, many seasonal Kentucky agritourism operations are gearing up for their busy seasons. At KCARD, we’ve been seeing a wide variety of agriculture operations adding elements of tourism and education to their farms, including u-pick berry farms, farm stays, hands-on workshops, Airbnbs, and more.
Agritourism locations can serve as a fun weekend getaway for families, a farm experience for people with no agricultural ties, and a way to educate the community on the agriculture industry. If you’ve been considering adding agritourism to your operation, here are five things to consider:
Location, Location, Location
The location of your facility is key to your success. If the property is too hard to access or is too far from a central access point or a town, it is less likely to be successful. The layout of the property is also a big consideration for your location. Is there enough room for parking? Will the property be accessible for those with disabilities? Finally, you must think about your neighbors. Will you be negatively affecting your neighbors in any way?
Products and Services
What do you have to offer? What sets you apart from neighboring agritourism operations? Do you have the expertise to provide the service you would like to? If not, can you hire someone who has the expertise? Figuring out how your business will be unique is the key to getting people to your farm and to keep them coming back.
Seasonality
Seasonality will dictate your cash flow, marketing, and other business decisions. How long (and what months) will you be open during the year? If you choose to be open year-round, what products are you going to offer during the non-peak months that will continue to bring guests and customers to your farm.
Marketing
It’s a good idea to start marketing your agritourism operation before it’s open to help build excitement among potential visitors and customers. Create a marketing plan early to establish where and how often you’ll market the business through social media, a website, newsletters, etc. Keep in mind that while you may sell tangible products and you should promote those, the main “product” you’re trying to sell is the experience of visiting your operation.
Regulations, Liability, and Insurance
Your operation must have the proper facilities and sanitation to prevent the spread of disease/pathogens found on plants or animals (hand washing stations, hand sanitizer, etc.). You will need to consider what risk there might be to someone coming to your farm business and how you can reduce that risk. Also, have you discussed your plans with your insurance provider? Make sure that your insurance will provide you with the coverage you need.
If you are interested in talking through your future or current agritourism operation, give us a call at 859-550-3972 or email us at kcard@kcard.info.