Crop prices are down, diesel is up, and Marketplace says more farms are turning to agritourism to survive. Here is what USDA data, two Ohio farms and the insurance market tell you before you open your gate.

Is agritourism profitable? USDA census data on 28,617 farms shows half take in under $5,000 while the top 23% average $173,000. Here is what the profitable farms do differently.

Airbnb and American Farmland Trust will give about 25 to 30 U.S. farms $5,000 to $10,000 each to start or expand farm stays. Only about 350 applications will be accepted, reviewed in the order received. Here's what the Farm to Stay grant is, who qualifies, and a 7-step plan to be ready before applications open in late November.

1. Introduction The Farmer’s Dilemma: Commodities vs. Memories Imagine two scenarios. In the first, a farmer takes a large pumpkin, puts it in a bin by the road, and sells it for $5. In the second scenario, that same farmer puts the pumpkin in a field. He charges a family $10 for entry, $5 for a hayride to get to the field, and then sells them the pumpkin for $5. The pumpkin hasn't changed. The taste hasn't changed. Yet, the family in the second scenario happily paid four tim

Introduction Agritourism is on the rise, with more and more travelers seeking authentic, nature-based experiences on farms, vineyards, and rural retreats. For farm owners and agritourism operators, this growing demand presents a unique opportunity to diversify their income. However, despite the potential, many agritourism ventures are facing financial struggles. Whether it's due to high operating costs, ineffective pricing, or poor marketing, many operators are bleeding money

Running an agritourism business combines the joys of farming with the demands of hospitality, but success hinges on smart financial planning. A well-constructed budget helps you manage costs, anticipate revenue, and ensure profitability. Here are essential budgeting tips to guide your agritourism venture. Also read: The Best Way to Set Entry Fees and Ticket Pricing for Agritourism 1. Identify Your Start-Up Costs Before opening your doors, outline all one-time and recurring ex

Setting the right entry fees and ticket pricing for your agritourism business is a delicate balancing act. Your pricing needs to reflect the value of the experience you provide while being attractive to your target audience. Here’s a guide to help you establish fair and profitable pricing strategies. Also read: How to Stop Bleeding Money from Your Agritourism Ventures Understand Your Target Audience The first step in setting prices is knowing who your customers are. Are they

Setting prices for your agritourism offerings—like tours, workshops, and farm stays—can be a bit of a balancing act. You want to ensure that your prices cover costs, reflect the value of the experience, and are competitive in your local market. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you find the right pricing strategy for your agritourism business. Also read: How to Systematize Your Agricultural Business for Growth, Sanity, and Predictable Cash Flow 1. Identify All Your Costs St