This website serves Farmers and Ranchers in the Kansas AgriTourism Industry.For family outings, go to http://www.travelks.comWelcome 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 Commerceand 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.
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Kansas AgriTourism News
Where Do We Grow From Here?By Jane Eckert - Eckert AgriMarketing “What should I do next?”
Most farmers think they need to make big changes to make big profits. “Should I build a corn maze?” or “Is it time to open a bakery?” or “Should we convert one of the buildings to a hunting lodge?” These giant steps might be exactly the right move, depending on your business, but in reality, there are usually some very basic changes that can help make you more money without the large investment. And, only after you’ve addressed the basics, should you move onto complex changes that require long-term planning and financing. ONE: Think like a business! Farmers often make choices from their gut rather than from a business plan. Develop short-term and long-term strategies and consider how committed your family is to your plan. There is a variety of resources and workshops in Kansas for people wanting to develop a business plan. Check with the Department of Commerce, Small Business Development Centers and your extension professionals for help finding the training you want.
Be sure you offer a variety of simple, fun, interesting activities focused on your target demographics. Hold special festivals, and stagger events throughout the day. They can be as basic as three-legged races or face painting. Provide wagon rides and animal viewing areas to reinforce the farm experience. Hunting lodges may want to offer the option that you clean the birds and put them on ice for easy travel home. Ranches might offer appropriate clothing gear or CD of the guest experience, which may be necessary for the customer’s comfort while also providing a great memorabilia. Be sure you have plenty of food concessions so guests don’t leave hungry or go get lunch at a fast food place. Remember, the more time each customer spends on the farm, the more he’ll spend during his visit! And the most basic way to increase revenue is by increasing the sales dollars-per-customer. Click here for five more ideas to grow your income.
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Provided by the Kansas Agritourism Advisory Council.Contact us |
Kansas AgriTourism Coordinated with the Department of Commerce Agriculture Marketing Division & Travel & Tourism Division |
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This is the number one question I get from almost every farmer I meet, and the answers I give are usually a surprise to them.
TWO: Remember your biggest advantage: you’re a farm. No amusement park or mall can compete with that! Create an authentic farm or ranch experience, starting at your front gate with good landscaping and an attractive sign. Decorate with lots of farm themes, design signs with country graphics, in the fall display piles of pumpkins and hay stalks, use antique furniture as display cases in the market, display photos or mounted game in hunting lodges, etc. 
THREE: You may need MORE. Offer more activities, more experiences and more products for sale. This will attract more customers, who will then spend more time and more money on the farm!
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