The Agri-Tourist, My Journey Back to Agriculture

Send us a Text Message.My inspiring guest is Dr. Valeria Klitsounova from Belarus. Yes, Belarus! That might sound surprising to many, especially during the current times. But, when given the introduction, I thought this was a very important opportunity to listen and learn. Obviously my conversation is focused on agritourism. However, the bigger issues of today are at the core of ou

Send us a Text Message.I was joined by Beth Kennet, owner of Liberty Hill Farm and a pioneer in the world of agritourism in the state of Vermont and probably worldwide. The farm experience that Beth and her family offer is truly an immersive farm-family experience. What does that mean? Well her multigenerational guests, many of whom are returning for over 30 years now with grandkid

Send us a Text Message.The Blueberry Treehouse Farm is a family-friendly, fun, and picturesque event space created by owners Jyl and Rico Rivera in the rural, vibrant community of West Falls, NY (near Buffalo). They have taken a historic farm growing blueberries for over 35 years to the next level by opening it to thousands of visitors. They combine the farm with their business and

Send us a Text Message.It was February 2014 and I left New York in a blizzard, arriving one day early for my first agritourism experience and agricultural chocolate tour in Belize. Our group was staying at the Cotton Tree Lodge in Punta Gorda, Belize. The hotel was very rustic, located right by the Moho River, surrounded by jungles.All of our meals were served in the main lodge are

Send us a Text Message.Dori Scofield is the Founder of Save a Pet Animal Rescue in Long Island, NY - a non profit that has been serving the Long Island community when it comes to dog and cat rescue and rehoming for over 24 years. Dori’s connection and compassion for animals is and will always be a significant part of her life journey. I have known Dori for many years - I have wat

Send us a Text Message.I had the pleasure of interviewing Rachael Jones from Locavore Farm. I have to admit, I didn’t know what Locavore meant before prepping for this interview. If you don’t know the definition, you will learn about it real soon! My interview with Rachel was very compelling. I related to her on many levels. Rachael and her husband had successful careers and li

Send us a Text Message.Will Culler, PhD from Clemson University is the Lexington County Extension Coordinator and also the Director for the South Carolina Ag & Art Tour. The tour is the largest free farm and art tour in the nation with over 85,000 visitors participating since 2012. The South Carolina Ag + Art Tour is a self-guided tour of farms and markets featuring local artis

Send us a Text Message.My former organic vegetable and sunflower farm had a few revenue channels. The one revenue channel that probably required the most labor was the numerous farmers markets. It was so exciting to make a new connection and add a new market, especially with our mobile farm stand truck. Being a marketer at heart, creating new connections was my favorite part! Howev

Send us a Text Message.I had the pleasure of speaking with Lisa Chase from the University of Vermont. Lisa’s primary role is the Natural Resources Specialist at University of Vermont Extension, where she focuses on the intersection between environmental management, food systems and community development. She is also the Director of the Vermont Tourism Research Center, emphasizing

Send us a Text Message.Farmers represent less than 2% of the US population. Women farmers represent 35% of that 2%. That’s quite a small number of women farmers in the US. Shelby Watson-Hampton grew up on a farm in Maryland. She describes the family farm as” a living, breathing entity of its own - the touchstone - the gathering place, the solid center of home for many”. She l