Internships or Eco-Tourism as part of pig plan??

Muleman · #1 04/10/14, 04:32 PM

Well, Anybody??
I have seen Eco-tourism models used for all sorts of farming entities, what about a pastured pig operation. What would the benefits be? For the farmer maybe some cheap labor? For the Tourist (I guess that what you call them??) They would learn some animal husbandry, maybe some breeding info. basic pasture maintenance. farrowing, depending on the time of year maybe even butchering. Concerns would be Bio-security risk?? Maybe liability if there were injuries??
What about interns?? again basically the same principal, but maybe a different payment setup??

Just a thought. I am certainly not ready for either yet, but maybe in a year or so I could be, if I thought it beneficial. I know it sounds crazy, but I have seen people paying for all sorts of farm experiences we sometimes take for granted. not everyone has a relative that has a farm they can visit.

**highlands** · #2 04/10/14, 04:58 PM

What is your goal for having this on your farm?
Is it the tourism angle?
The teaching angle?
Cheap labor?

There are issues of taxes, insurance and biosecurity to consider. If incline to such endeavor I would make up a business plan and see if it was worth it just like with any venture. I know there are people who make this sort of thing pay well. I think you might first want to have been doing what ever for a few years successfully.

There is quite a bit of discussion of this on a permaculture form. Running a quick Google search on HomesteadingToday I find these threads which may be interesting:

http://www.google.com/search?q=site:...R%20ecotourism

gerold · #3 04/10/14, 06:43 PM

You could talk to a few people that run 4H and FFA programs and see if they have anyone interested in doing some learning work for your operation.

Insurance issue would be my main concern.

Muleman · #4 04/11/14, 02:32 PM

These are the concerns I had, but to be honest I just figured there was probably at least one person here who might have tried something similar. I hire some help for our farm now and honestly most of it is unskilled labor. Most important stuff I try to do myself.
I guess I see more potential in fall winter butcher "Shops" if you will than simple "come work on my farm" kind of things. Seems it may open up some new potential customers if they had the confidence to do some of their own butchering? Just thoughts I am throwing around at this time as I am a ways off from anything in this direction. But still interesting to contemplate!!