What is Agritainment
Agriculture?
Entertainment?
Tourism?
Rob Holland
Extension Specialist
Center for Profitable Agriculture

Agritainment
“An income-generating farm enterprise operated for the enjoyment and education of the public”

Why Agritainment?
It’s the buzz
“People will pay for anything”
Less than 2% of the population live on farms
“It worked last year”
There is a demand
Incomes and populations have increased

Pros and Cons
PROS
Income
Educational
People-oriented
Fun

CONS
Cost
Marketing
People business
Liability . . . Regulations
Long hours
Labor
Management
Different

Agritainment Steps to Consider:
Goals and philosophies (profit vs. non-profit)
Market research . . . Market development
People skills
Site selection
Liability
Regulations
Labor
Finances
What to offer?

Agritainment
Enterprises should be considered, evaluated and planned carefully . . . with as much vigor as any new enterprise

What to offer:
Bed & Breakfast
Pick-Your-Own
Hay Rides
Maze (hay, corn, sudan)
Pumpkin Patch
Orchard Tours
Petting Zoo
General Store
Workshops & Seminars

Festivals
Camps
Trails
Cabins
Picnic
Barnyard Olympics
Museums
Games

Options?
“List all the things others have done . . . then challenge yourself to create that many more new ones”

Targeted Audience:
Tourists
Locals
Groups

Groups to Target?
School
Day Care
Church
Seniors
Civic
Clubs
Others?

Targeting Elementary School Groups

UT Extension Publication - - PB 1669
Survey of Elementary School Teachers

Results of Survey:
Likelihood to take farm field trip?
Number of field trips taken?
Number of students/adults per trip?
Maximum distance to travel?
Cost limitations for trips?
Willingness to pay?
When trips are planned . . . and taken?
How trips are selected
Important factors when selecting a trip?