USU Researcher on Team Receiving National Award for Agritourism Project

Opening the ranch gate to city slickers looking for an authentic cowboy adventure might just be the ticket to economic wellbeing for many livestock producers, says Utah State University researcher Steven Burr. It’s also an opportunity to educate the public about where their favorite hamburger comes from.

Burr and colleagues Lisa Chase and Varna Ramaswamy of the University of Vermont and Gary P. Green of the University of Wisconsin developed a series of “Best Management Practices in Agritourism” fact sheets and checklists designed to help farmers and ranchers determine if diversification and expansion into tourism can boost their agricultural enterprises.

 

The team’s efforts earned a Communicator Educational Piece Award-Team from the National Association of Community Development Extension Professionals. The researchers, who previously received a Western Region Award from the NACDEP, were awarded the national prize at the Galaxy III Conference held Sept. 15-19 in Indianapolis.

 

From ‘pick-your-own’ produce stands and corn mazes to high-end ranch recreation destination resorts, agriculturalists around the nation are tapping into tourism opportunities to benefit their bottom line, says Burr, associate professor and Extension specialist in the College of Natural Resources’ Department of Environment and Society.

 

“There’s increased recognition that a disconnect exists with how our modern society perceives where food comes from,” he says. “It’s a potential money-making opportunity for farmers and ranchers but it’s also an important educational opportunity.”

 

The closest a majority of Americans get to a farm is the produce aisle of their local supermarket.

Having the chance to visit a working farm, walk through a grape vineyard, ride in a cattle drive or learn how to tap maple trees and make syrup can be a fun learning opportunity for all ages, Burr says.

 

He notes that a number of Utah ranch owners have successfully parlayed their operations into tourist destinations by developing market niches.

 

“One ranch in Box Elder County’s Grouse Creek Valley caters to Wasatch Front families,” Burr says. “Another ranch in Kane County has developed quite a following among western European tourists.”

 

Operating a recreational venture can be profitable but also enjoyable, he says. “Some of the producers we’ve interviewed report that visitors have become friends. The Kane County ranchers who receive European guests have themselves received invitations to visit Europe.”

 

But finding the right fit for a particular enterprise requires research.

 

“The biggest concerns we hear from farmers and ranchers involve questions about insurance, safety, legal considerations and compliance with state and county regulations,” Burr says. “These are well-founded concerns and issues people need to investigate before they embark on a new business venture.”

 

The team’s fact sheets and check lists, which cover such topics as developing a business plan, customer service, provision of public facilities and community relations, are available on the national Agricultural Marketing Resource Center Web site.

 

 

Contact: Steve Burr (435) 797-7094, steve.burr@usu.edu
Writer: Mary-Ann Muffoletto (435) 797-3517, maryann.muffoletto@usu.edu