Michigan Agritourism Month: Seeds of Education

As leaves turn fiery colors of crimson, orange and gold, agritourism operators across Michigan are gearing up for the busiest season of the year: fall.

On Oct. 3, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer commemorated the hard work of farms across Michigan, proclaimed October as Michigan Agritourism Month, and celebrated agritourism across the state.

Agritourism refers to the business of incorporating agricultural-based products and ideas into tourist attractions. Corn mazes, cider mills, and pumpkin patches all fall into this category and make up some of the most popular fall activities.

Dr. Dan McCall, an associate professor in Michigan State University’s Department of Community Sustainability, explains the importance of agritourism to Michigan’s economy.

“This is good for the economy and makes Michigan a strong destination to visit in general,” McCall said.

When farmers sell their products directly from the farm rather than retail, it provides lower prices for individuals and higher profits for the farm. McCall said selling on-site eliminated middlemen and extra party payments.

McCall said the idea of ​​agritourism has increased rapidly over the past 20 years. This practice became a large economic industry, and its development helped support thousands of families across the state.

“The reason this has grown is because people want that kind of experience,” McCall said. “The fewer people who come from agriculture, the more attractive it becomes. That’s why it’s so important to celebrate it.”

McCall said commemorating the industry helps draw attention to its importance and the people behind the fall festival.

“I was excited to see her commemorate agritourism,” said Loretta Benjamin, owner of Choice Farm Market. “The fact that Whitmer supports agritourism and agriculture does not go unnoticed.”

Mr. Benjamin emphasized the importance for legislators and policymakers to understand the role of agriculture in the economy. Mr. Benjamin said that maintaining a focus on agriculture when making decisions related to these operations is critical to sustaining the industry’s growth.

Choice Farm Market is an established agricultural business in Weberville, with roots dating back to 1838 when the farm was first built. Since then, owners Todd and Loretta Benjamin have made it their mission to educate families about agriculture and where their food comes from.

“Everything in our market is made in Michigan and is locally sourced,” Benjamin said. “We can tell our families where it was grown, grown, processed and how it was processed. We want our families to know that what we serve is local and We want to make sure it’s healthy.”

For companies like Peacock Road Family Farm in Laingsburg, agritourism is about creating the perfect experience for families.

Peacock Road Family Farm first opened its doors in 1994 when it began selling Christmas trees. Since then, the family farm has expanded significantly and now offers a variety of unique services and activities. Families can also take part in student tours, animal races, wagon rides, and explore wedding venues.

Owned by Ed and Diana Carpenter, their favorite thing about the farm is watching their family have fun.

Although fall is certainly the busiest season, agritourism is not limited to fall. In the winter, the “Santa Experience” begins, where you ride a wagon to Santa’s house. From there, you can meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus and Chrissy the elf and choose your favorite Christmas tree ornament.

The Carpenters both grew up in agricultural-based families and now want to create an environment where they can educate their families about agriculture.

“What I love about being able to offer agritourism is the fact that it brings people back to the farm,” Diana said. “Nowadays, most families no longer have access to agriculture, so we want to give them a chance to experience agriculture again, so they can enjoy farming with their families.”

Mike Beck, owner of Uncle John’s Cider Mill, agrees that family is at the heart of the business.

Founded by John and Carolyn Beck, Uncle John’s Cider Mill in St. John’s is an agritourism hotspot in the Greater Lansing area. This family-owned business is now taken over by Mike and Dede Beck and has become a destination for pumpkin picking and weekend adventures.

Uncle John’s Cider Mill started out as an orchard, converted to retail in 1978, and now offers an even wider range of products. From hayrides to hard cider, the Bex family is enjoying fall to the fullest.

“Our busiest months are definitely September and October,” Beck said.

This is the case for many agritourism-based businesses. Much of Michigan’s agritourism centers around fall and the typical activities that follow.

While this peak season may be difficult to balance for some businesses, Uncle John’s Cider Mill isn’t worried. In the off-season, they make hard cider and sell it to restaurants and businesses throughout the Midwest.

One thing each of these operators agree on is that community agritourism provides. Their business is committed to providing families with a connection to the outdoors and agriculture, educating and encouraging everyone to get involved and learn about the businesses that produce farm-to-table products.

“The farm is a meeting place for people. People come from all over the North, South, East and West and come here,” Benjamin said. It’s a place to get outdoors and have fun. ”