Do you have an "agritourism" business dream for your homestead?

hengal · #41 03/28/12, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kkweinb

My husband and I are creating a "farm" on two acres with several purposes in mind. One is we would like to devote more time to growing and preservingnour own healthy food. Another is to educate those who are interested in connecting with their food. I'm thrilled when people want to bring their kids out to gather eggs and look at chickens. So many kids don't know where milk and eggs come from. We will be getting a family milk cow next month and we intend to allow people to come see that process also. We are also growing extra veggies that we will sell on-site. In fact for those who are interested they can even help harvest. We are excited about our lifestyle and are happy to share our experiences with those who are interested. I contacted our insurance agent and told him what we have been doing and what are plans are for the next few months. He said the additional liability insurance would be around $200 a year. I think that is pretty reasoanble. I've also talked with the vairies forms of government involved and it can be frustrating but so far nothing that can't be done.

I completely agree with this and I too love seeing the expressions on their faces. Sounds like you're on the same path - how exciting! And you know, we've only got three acres but it's just fine for what we need. I'd love to hear about your progress.

hengal · #42 03/28/12, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CesumPec

She wants to continue all those activities but adapt them to our farm life and bring in school, girl/boy scout, and other groups to learn about how food is grown, horseback riding, Florida forests and wildlife, etc. So yes, in a year when we are living on the farm full time, i expect lots of visitors and everything we plan and build has to take security and safety in to account.
I too like my privacy and prepping so there will be areas visitors will never see.

Sounds just like what I want to do. My belief is that it is so important to share what we've been blessed with. I know a lot of people earlier on in this post commented how concerned they are with their privacy, and I understand that. I'm not overly concerned about that aspect. My intentions are to bring in children's groups and senior citizens groups rather than the general public as a whole. Those are two groups I really have a passion for and have worked with for many years. I don't have a desire right now for anything other than that.

CesumPec · #43 03/28/12, 09:33 AM

Hengal, I wouldn't let the nattering nabobs of negativism deter you from your dream. There are books out there to help you plan activities. I recommend a couple of books from the 70s (I think) called "New Games". They are fun little games that often demonstrate concepts like the importance of both predators and prey in natural environments, cooperation and reliance on neighbors, etc. It was a book that probably had its inspiration from the Hippies and the environmental movement of the time. There are games in there for all ages. My wife is the educator so she is good at planning the lessons, activities. and games that work around a given theme.

good luck to you.