Dear Aggie

Agri-tourism in full swing: How do farms open their gates to the public?

As summer rolls in, many farmers are doing more than just harvesting- they’re also welcoming visitors to experience life on the farm. Families, school groups, educational tours, and anyone in the public are all invited to explore the sights, sounds, and flavors of rural living. Agritourism is where agriculture and tourism meet. It offers a unique opportunity for the public to connect with farming in hands-on, meaningful ways. From corn mazes and hayrides to u-pick produce and farm to table meals, these experiences help build connections between the producers and consumers. Farmers have embraced agritourism to diversify their income, educate the public in agriculture, and to showcase the real work behind the food on our plates.

Agritourism offers a wide range of seasonal activities that connect visitors with farm life in engaging, memorable ways. Depending on the farm and the time of year, guests might pick their own strawberries, apples, or pumpkins through u-pick operations, enjoy fall attractions like corn mazes and haunted hayrides, or take part in farm tours and petting zoos. Some farms invite visitors to explore working dairies, learn how cheese is made, or attend workshops on soap crafting, gardening, or other homesteading skills. Other farms provide immersive experiences, such as farm stays or bed-and-breakfast accommodations for a relaxing rural escape. Whether it’s feeding goats, brushing donkeys, watching sheep-herding demonstrations, sampling local wine in a vineyard, or hiking and horseback riding along scenic trails, these encounters not only entertain but also provide insight into the hard work and dedication behind agriculture production. Agritourism helps visitors see farming not just as an industry, but as a lifestyle built around care, knowledge, and a deep connection to the land.

These experiences help visitors understand the effort, care, and skill that go into agriculture production and give farms a way to add value beyond traditional sales. When starting an agritourism business, there are some challenges that should be considered. Farmers must navigate insurance requirements, zoning laws, signage, marketing, and the added workload of hosting the public. Weather can be unpredictable and managing guests while maintaining a working farm is no small task. To learn more about how to appropriately start your own agritourism business you can always reach out to other local producers who have their own to learn from the experts, the local extension office, or certain agencies such as NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets.

If you see a roadside sign for a farm event or u-pick operation, consider stopping by and buying a ticket to a hayride or enjoying a scoop of ice cream made on the farm. Besides being fun- it’s a way to support local agriculture, meet the people who grow your food, and create memories that connect you to local agriculture.

By: MaKayla Dickinson, Agriculture and Workforce Development Educator

Last updated June 25, 2025