This website serves Farmers and Ranchers in the Kansas AgriTourism Industry.
For family outings, go to http://www.travelks.com

Welcome to Kansas AgriTourism!

This website has been developed specifically for Kansas farmers and ranchers involved in AgriTourism, rural properties where the traveler has an opportunity to experience farm and country life far from the hustle of the city.
The site is a project of the Kansas Agritourism Advisory Council, working in cooperation with:
the Kansas Agriculture Marketing Division and the Travel and Tourism Division of the Department of Commerce
and with financial assistance from Frontier Farm Credit.
We invite you to explore this website to find a variety of articles and resources that will help you succeed in agritourism.
If you have any questions, please contact the Department of Commerce, Travel and Tourism Division, and ask for the Agritourism Liaison.
The Kansas AgriTourism
Advisory Council
 
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Definitions and Facts About Agritourism

What is Agritourism?

In simple terms, agritourism is the crossroads of tourism and agriculture: when the public visits working farms, ranches or wineries to buy products, enjoy entertainment, participate in activities, shop in a country store, eat a meal or make overnight stays.

What fun activities can visitors do on a farm or ranch?

Visiting a farm, ranch or winery offers wonderful, unique experiences. Picking your own peaches or apples in a beautiful orchard, roping a calf or stomping grapes are just a few of the fun and fabulous activities waiting for you.

Why is Agritourism growing so fast?

People want a new experience - an escape from the stress of traffic jams, office cubicles and carpooling!Parents want their children to know how food is grown and that milk actually comes from a cow - not a carton! Families enjoy a drive to the country and spending the day together, especially in these times.

What is the emotional appeal of Agritourism?

Most of us have a farm somewhere on our family tree. Maybe our parents were raised on a farm, or we have fond memories of spending summers on our grandparents' farms. Agritourism rekindles the positive emotions from these family visits.

What are the travel trends that support the growth of Agritourism?

According to the Travel Industry Association of America (TIA):

  1. Tourists are increasingly traveling by cars
  2. Tourists are taking shorter trips & planning at the last minute
  3. Travelers are looking for new experiences as part of their trips, and
  4. Families want to strengthen their relationships by being together

Why do farmers participate in Agritourism?

Today, most family farms face serious economic challenges from foreign competition and large, corporate farms. Their earnings on commodities and livestock may not even cover production costs. But farmers who sell directly to the public - through fruit stands and farm country stores - and also add special activities for visitors, find they can continue farming and make a profit. Agritourism is actually saving thousands of small farms from extinction.

How do I find Farms and Ranches that I Can Visit in Kansas?

Here are a number of websites that can help you locate farms or ranches in Kansas. We will be adding to this list whenever we become aware of new websites, so please check back often.

Also note that many of the farms and ranches also have their own websites that can provide you with directions, contact information, and photographs of activities available.

http://www.thinkkansas.com

http://www.travelks.com

http://www.farmstop.com