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- The Louisiana Agritourism Connection January 2016
Agritourism, a business venture on a working farm, ranch or agricultural enterprise, is growing in popularity throughout the United States. Agritourism blends entertainment, education and tourism together to provide a fun, exciting and memorable get-away for school trips and family outings. This website provides educational resources to assist new and existing entrepreneurs in developing, expanding and improving their agritourism ventures.
Topics covered in this newsletter highlight some of our recently certified agritourism operations and a new resource to enable landowners to host camping.
Christmas in the Crevasse features a hayride through five acres of farmland with over 70 lighted Christmas frames depicting the Christmas season on display. This seasonal venue was open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 6-10 p.m. until January 1. The hayrides last an hour and depart every fifteen minutes. No reservations required. To learn more, like them on Facebook at Christmas in the Crevasse.
Scarlet Reynolds from the Shreveport area recently became a certified agritourism operator for her party farm. This mobile petting zoo has animals children can touch and pony rides. Scarlet likes to provide entertainment and education for birthday parties, local community events, etc. Like her on Facebook at The Party Farm.
Richard Hebert and wife, Paula, are sharing their passion of beekeeping by inviting groups to tour their apiary and bee house in Deridder. Email them at rphebert@hughes.net to schedule an appointment or give them a call at 337-462-0336 or 227-401-5410. They are the first beekeepers to become a certified agritourism operation in our state.
Eddie Romero’s Orchard is a unique farm serving the New Iberia, Louisiana, area with fresh, wholesome locally grown apples, blackberries, fresh eggs, grapefruit, grapes, lemons, oranges, peaches, pears and tomatoes. In addition to fresh fruits and veggies, they feature farm animals and a farm stand/market. One can also tour the farm. Eddie Romero’s Orchard is located at 5119 Freetown Road, New Iberia, Louisiana.
Hillcrest Blueberry Farm owners began as dairy farmers and transitioned to blueberries. They have a u-pick-em and farm store located on Ferguson Road in Gloster. If you decide to pick your own, they have buckets waiting. The farm store has many value-added blueberry products for sale. This is a great place to take your family to experience berry picking. I noticed that one of the Facebook posts said three generations picked berries one day. Like them on Facebook or visit their website.
Recently owners Wes and Marguerite Constantine, of WesMar Farms, a goat dairy in Moreauville, were featured on Farm Bureau's This Week in Louisiana Agriculture. Watch as reporter Avery Davidson helps with farm chores at the dairy. WesMar sells pasteurized milk and milk products from their operation in Moreauville and at local farmers markets. If you travel to Moreauville, call ahead for a tour and best time to visit the farm store.
Recently one of our Louisiana Certified agritourism operators told me about a group she joined named HipCamp. She has cabins on her property and frequently hosts camps on nature-related topics. In the past obtaining insurance had been a problem. Through the HipCamp land share marketplace, she was able to earn money by opening her property to people looking to connect with nature. HipCamp advertises your property on their website and makes insurance available. To learn more, click here.