What's HOT in vacationing this summer is agritourism.  Agritourism is defined as the act of visiting agricultural based businesses for enjoyment and education.  Being an agritourist is a great way to support U.S farms, ranches and vineyards as many of the owners use agritourism to supplement their income and stay in business. It's an easy way to support U.S agriculture AND have fun too.  Visit your local farms to keep our food (and wine!) made in the USA.

Make Memories While Supporting Agriculture in the USA

Many activities fall under agritourism.  Here are five of my family's favorites.

1. Plan a morning or afternoon visit to a local “Pick your own” farm.

At a “Pick your own” farm, visitors can go into the fields or orchards and pick their own fruits or vegetables. This is a fun activity for all ages.  Most farmers sell their produce by the weight.  And trust me, since this doesn't count the amount eaten DURING the picking, this is a good deal!  If you are concerned about pesticides and fertilizers, contact the farm and ask questions. To find out what is in season, and to locate a “Pick your own” farm near you, visit www.pickyourown.org

2. Sign the kids (or yourself) up for an educational class at a local farm or ranch.

There could be a farm or ranch in your area that hosts educational programs where kids can learn about animal husbandry, tending a garden, or other farm or ranch-related activities. For adults and teens, classes in beekeeping, bread making, canning, and sustainable gardening can be found. You might even be surprised to see these as programs being held at your local library.

3. Take some horseback riding lessons and/or spend the day trail riding (or prairie riding).

Horse farms, ranches, and even hobby farms have been hit hard by the increases in food and fuel costs. Many are offering private lessons and guided rides to help make ends meet, as well as to introduce visitors to the beauty of horses. Confession: riding lessons will be penciled in for my kiddos, and the day spent trail riding is reserved for “Mommy's time with friends”.

4. Attend a food or wine event at a local farm, ranch, or vineyard.

A vineyard near me hosts a family-friendly wine and music festival. The vineyard allows guests to bring food and lawn chairs to sit for the day and relax while listening to bands. They offer wine tastings, and visitors purchase a bottle of their favorite variety to drink while there. This is a great way to spend a summer day with family and friends while supporting local agriculture!

5. Plan a ‘farm stay' get away.

Forgo the crowded commercialized theme park vacation this summer and enjoy fresh air and nature. Stay on a working farm, ranch, or vineyard instead of a hotel. Some locations have guests stay right in the farmhouse, some have cabins or camping available on site. Visitors can go hiking, fishing, hunting, horseback riding,  or even help out on the farm by milking a cow or collecting eggs. Options vary depending on what a particular farm offers.  There are locations all over the USA. Check out www.farmstayus.com for more info and to find a farm, ranch, or vineyard that suits your family.

Please share with us in the comments if you and your family have plans to support US agritourism this summer. I still have plenty of days to fill on my activity calendar and could use the ideas!

Support American agriculture

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