This morning I received an exciting phone call from a really good friend of mine informing me that last night she got engaged. This obviously is wonderful news! During my bus trip today, I had a lot of time to think about this and how it applies to our West Virginia farmers. How many of you have been looking to take the next step in your farm or business, but have continuously talked yourself out of it? What are you waiting for? Sometimes, we have to jump and take that next step in order to be successful. This three day bus tour has opened my eyes to the importance of keeping your enterprise fresh and reaching out to customers. I "propose" that if you have been thinking about taking that next step in your business, that you do your research and jump into that next stage. Often times without risk, there is no reward.
With that said, I had another full day on the road. First stop was Linvilla Orchards. This operation has a lot to offer its customers. When I stepped off the bus, I was greeted by a red dog mascot. They often use things such as this to entertain kids. There are four owners within the business, and their many talents shine through on their farm. One of the sisters has an art degree, and it truly shines through on all the displays, as well as the playground. The family has had their share of challenges. They recently had their octagonal barn burn down. It is the family's desire to rebuild this unique symbol of their farm. The farm has a garden center, market, and many other things to offer. The media coverage they get is incredible! They often are featured on their local news stations. Remember: Advertising is powerful!
My second stop of the day was Milburn Orchards. I was really impressed with their "Barn Buddies." They had several goats and had built ramps for them to play on. They offered the quarter machines to buy corn and feed the animals. They had a nice walking trail that created boundaries for kids to stay in. The "Boo Barn" was also a feature of this farm. Haunted barns or trails are often to scary for small children. The "Boo Barn" allows children to walk through a haunted barn without as much scary stuff. For example, within the barn they have fake stuffed spiders and bats. I loved that they had a "School Tour Store." Kids on school tours often only have five dollars to spend. The problem is, if they do not understand money, they pick up more expensive items. So, what if there is a store with only five dollar and under items. This helps to eliminate the children choosing items outside their budgets. The trash cans on the farm were extremely cute! They were painted like Holstein cows, and then had either udders or cow faces on the lids. They said, "Keep our farm udderly clean." This encourages visitors to throw trash in the cans. Little touches often mean the most!
Richardson Farm had the most updated facilities on the tour. They had only been open a short time. They provided a grocery store style atmosphere, but offered fresh products. They also have an on site greenhouse. One thing that is incredibly impressive is they make their own ice. They have huge a huge ice maker machine, which supplies all their produce cases. They also raise turkeys each year and have their own deli.
The final stop of the bus tour was Weber's Cider Mill. I liked this stop, because the moment you walked into the market you just got a good country feeling. The children playground was also impressive. Straw or hay mazes seem to be a popular agritourism activity. They built a bridge over their hay maze to make it easier for parents to monitor children while they were in the maze. I also had the opportunity to explore their cider manufacturing facility, which was very impressive.
I am now back in Baltimore! The tour was very enjoyable and educational, and I am looking forward to seeing what the rest of the conference has to offer. I have had great conversation with people from diverse backgrounds. Agritourism can be successful! Whether you have 5 acres or 500 acres, this can work for you!
Monday, February 7, 2011
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Goodbye Skinny Jeans....Hello Agritourism!!!
After having fresh pineapple and bagels at Reading Market, my first experience with Apple Cider donuts, and wonderful lasagna at Johnsons Corner Farm, I am truly convinced of two things. First of all, if I eat like this everyday I am going to need a whole new wardrobe, and secondly, WV farmers need to sell Apple Cider Donuts!
My morning began with breakfast at the Reading Market. I was fortunate this morning to get to sit at a table from a gentleman who does Pick Your Own outside of London, England. He was great to talk to.Then, it was on to Shady Brook Farms. It was incredible to see beautiful blooming flowers in the middle of winter. The market managers also did an incredible job preparing special exhibits to highlight their holiday items. Within the market, customers not only find a functional gardening center, but they also offer wine tasting. Below is a picture of some of the beautiful flowers that were growing in the garden center. The market had a beautiful layout. Everything was clearly labeled, and they offered several value added products.
Terhune Farms has a lot to offer their guest. The number one thing...Apple Cider Donuts. Okay, they offered a lot more than that. I was really impressed about the programs this farm sets up for children. It was really exciting to hear about their farm day camp programs, treasure and scavenger hunts, read and pick, and many other programs for children. They have a bakery, market, and produce many fresh fruits and vegetables. Their labeling system for products was fantastic. Within the market if the product is something grown on the farm it is marked with a red tag, if it is organic it has a green tag, and other purchase produce has a yellow tag. This allows consumers to easily identify locally grown products. They also focus on an open door policy. The doors to the cleaning and grading room is left open, so customers can see the produce being washed. The owners of the farm were very welcoming and gave a great tour!
Johnsons Corner Farm provided us with delicious lasagna for lunch. This operation is incredible. They have two separate trails, one for the public and one for school children. The family operates a pick your own operation and holds different festivals and events. They reminded me how important it is to use your resources. The farm has limited parking, but they are across the road from the local high school. They let the high school use their parking during games and other events. The high school then lets them use the over 200 space parking lot to accommodate their guest during festivals and other events. The whole farm is beautiful with all the buildings painted to match their theme. Each visitor has the opportunity to have a hay ride to pick their own crops. The barn style market and gift shop is a definite must see. Below you can see a picture of the center pieces from dinner.
Finally, Cindy and I had the opportunity to visit the Liberty Bell. I also got to see the foundation of the house where our first two presidents lived. It's very humbling to be in a place that is so important to our American history. With that said, below is a picture of Cindy and I at the Liberty Bell. You will notice that I have taught the Cindy the official pageant pose! In case you are wondering who I am cheering for in the Super Bowl...I would have to say the Packers. Neither team in the Super Bowl is my usual NFL team. It is with deep regret that I have to admit my team has always been the Dallas Cowboys. Embargoing after this past season. But, between the Packers and Steelers, I choose the Packers due to an incident last year when the Steelers game was shone in place of my usual Dancing With the Stars. I still hold the grudge. Which would you rather see a Hail Mary to the inzone or the Cha Cha Cha? I think it is very obvious which is better! With that said, tomorrow we travel our way pack to Baltimore, and I am looking forward to our next visits. Sweetdreams from Philadelphia!
.
My morning began with breakfast at the Reading Market. I was fortunate this morning to get to sit at a table from a gentleman who does Pick Your Own outside of London, England. He was great to talk to.Then, it was on to Shady Brook Farms. It was incredible to see beautiful blooming flowers in the middle of winter. The market managers also did an incredible job preparing special exhibits to highlight their holiday items. Within the market, customers not only find a functional gardening center, but they also offer wine tasting. Below is a picture of some of the beautiful flowers that were growing in the garden center. The market had a beautiful layout. Everything was clearly labeled, and they offered several value added products.
Terhune Farms has a lot to offer their guest. The number one thing...Apple Cider Donuts. Okay, they offered a lot more than that. I was really impressed about the programs this farm sets up for children. It was really exciting to hear about their farm day camp programs, treasure and scavenger hunts, read and pick, and many other programs for children. They have a bakery, market, and produce many fresh fruits and vegetables. Their labeling system for products was fantastic. Within the market if the product is something grown on the farm it is marked with a red tag, if it is organic it has a green tag, and other purchase produce has a yellow tag. This allows consumers to easily identify locally grown products. They also focus on an open door policy. The doors to the cleaning and grading room is left open, so customers can see the produce being washed. The owners of the farm were very welcoming and gave a great tour!
Johnsons Corner Farm provided us with delicious lasagna for lunch. This operation is incredible. They have two separate trails, one for the public and one for school children. The family operates a pick your own operation and holds different festivals and events. They reminded me how important it is to use your resources. The farm has limited parking, but they are across the road from the local high school. They let the high school use their parking during games and other events. The high school then lets them use the over 200 space parking lot to accommodate their guest during festivals and other events. The whole farm is beautiful with all the buildings painted to match their theme. Each visitor has the opportunity to have a hay ride to pick their own crops. The barn style market and gift shop is a definite must see. Below you can see a picture of the center pieces from dinner.
Finally, Cindy and I had the opportunity to visit the Liberty Bell. I also got to see the foundation of the house where our first two presidents lived. It's very humbling to be in a place that is so important to our American history. With that said, below is a picture of Cindy and I at the Liberty Bell. You will notice that I have taught the Cindy the official pageant pose! In case you are wondering who I am cheering for in the Super Bowl...I would have to say the Packers. Neither team in the Super Bowl is my usual NFL team. It is with deep regret that I have to admit my team has always been the Dallas Cowboys. Embargoing after this past season. But, between the Packers and Steelers, I choose the Packers due to an incident last year when the Steelers game was shone in place of my usual Dancing With the Stars. I still hold the grudge. Which would you rather see a Hail Mary to the inzone or the Cha Cha Cha? I think it is very obvious which is better! With that said, tomorrow we travel our way pack to Baltimore, and I am looking forward to our next visits. Sweetdreams from Philadelphia!
.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Let Freedom Ring......
After crowding the lobby of the hotel in Baltimore it was amazing how so many people could load 7 tour busses and head out but we did, on time. As Danielle mentioned yesterday, I'm on the "Crabs" bus but we are certainly high tech crabs with a new Twitter page this evening, iPads and our own mobile internet port. One of the great things about this bus tour is that we are truly a school on wheels sharing stories about agriculture operations from California to Arizona, Toronto, Canada, Massachusetts and West Virginia plus all points in between! We've had breakouts about technology, special events and staffing with lots more to cover in the next two days. It is a creative and entrepreneurial group!
Our first stop was Cactoctin Mountain Orchard in Thurmont, MD. A diverse orchard, vegetable grower and farm stand, we were treated to snacks prepared in their bakery, an explanation of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices by the local Extension agent and a view of their extensive composting operation done in conjunction with local and county officials. Though foggy and rainy, it was easy to see this operation is popular with families. Their most unique crop--kale!
Our first stop was Cactoctin Mountain Orchard in Thurmont, MD. A diverse orchard, vegetable grower and farm stand, we were treated to snacks prepared in their bakery, an explanation of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices by the local Extension agent and a view of their extensive composting operation done in conjunction with local and county officials. Though foggy and rainy, it was easy to see this operation is popular with families. Their most unique crop--kale!
Our next stop was to Hollabaugh Brothers Fruit Farm & Market in Biglerville, PA. This extensive family operation includes wholesale fruit, orchard operations and a retail stand. They partner with a local history provider who has developed an Underground Railroad feature and we entered the Civil War period in the middle of the orchard complete with an actor. Very nice touch and a great example of collaboration. Their farm stand was especially prepared for our group (they are usually closed this time of year) and featured an extensive learning room with beekeeper displays and information on their IPM practices. We walked up to the wholesale building in the cold storage area where we were treated to a terrific lunch ending with peaches from the farm.
We've arrived in Philadelphia and browsed through the Reading Terminal Market. Tomorrow Danielle heads to Shady Brook Farm, Terhune Orchards, and Johnsons Corner Farm. I'm off to Terhune orchards, Shady Brook Farm, DelVal College Market and Rose Bank Winery. We'll rendevouz in the afternoon at the Liberty Bell Park and celebrate our country's root right before dinner in Downtown Philly and the Super Bowl...wonder where we'll end up and who we'll be rooting for? Check back tomorrow for our activities and find out whose side we are on.
Agritourism Tour...Aye?
When Lincoln wrote the Gettysburg address, he began the speech by talking about the journey our country had taken since the Revolutionary War. Today, I started my own journey upon the "Gettysburg Express" to learn more about agritourism. My day began with a buffet style breakfast. This may seem like a normal conference activity, but for me it was my first chance to hear someone from Canada use the popular phrase, "Aye." I may have been slightly over excited about this. (Jeanie, if you are reading this...don't worry I did not embarrass the state by saying something like "you just said Aye.") Another highlight to my breakfast was being asked if I was a coal miners daughter after they realized I grew up in West Virginia. I had a great time meeting and talking with new people!
Our first stop on our way to Philadelphia was Butlers Orchard. This was a interesting place with a lot to offer their customers. Not only does the orchard have their own farmer's market, but they also have pick your own, a bakery, and events that are held annually. Many times farmers in the agritourism industry struggle to find activities in the spring. Butlers Orchard holds "Bunnyland" each year to bring visitors to the farm at this time of year. Of course kids can expect to see the Easter bunny and participate in egg hunts, but there also many more agriculture activities to get everyone involved in. Apparently, tube slides are a very popular attraction. The owners and employees were very hospitable and offered all snacks and drinks. This is a great place to visit!
CRUMLAND FARMS...THIS WAS SO COOL!!!
I think it is incredible how they use a piece of old farm equipment to create something that would be attractive to children, but teach them about the equipment at the same time. On the back side of the picture above, they have cut out a hole and a slide goes down the back. It has all the controls inside for the children to see. West Virginia Farmers, how many of you have old, obsolete equipment that is rusting in the field? I really love that this farm does a Christmas light show. Their Christmas light pig and horse were on display for us to see. They also have a 4th of July event, as well as many others. They had a great playground and just really used their resources well.
I actually heard Abraham Lincoln speak today! Okay, so it may have been an impersonator, but he was still incredibly knowledgeable about our 16th President's life. Our next stop along the way was Gettysburg Visitor Center. I was really sad to not be able to spend more time here. We had lunch at the visitor center, but did not have time to tour. On the bus I did win a prize, because I answered the most questions correctly about the Gettysburg Address!
Our final stop on the tour was Adams Winery. Some unique things about this winery are the classes they provide. They offer both wine tasting and wine making classes. They have a tasting area and a nice gift shop. The people here are very friendly. They also have a designer on site to make personalized labels for the wine. GREAT FOR WEDDINGS! A picture of the bride and groom with there wedding theme on a bottle of wine make great value added products! They also have a rescue dog that greets people. They were very friendly and informative.
I am now at the Marriott here in Philadelphia. We are right across from the Reading Market. This market is huge. There is lots of food and lots of chocolate. The one downfall would definitely be whole cooked ducks (complete with their heads) hanging in the market. I guess this WV girl is going to have to teach them how to field dress a duck! :-) (I know they are supposed to be that way). Until tomorrow...goodbye from Philadelphia!
Our first stop on our way to Philadelphia was Butlers Orchard. This was a interesting place with a lot to offer their customers. Not only does the orchard have their own farmer's market, but they also have pick your own, a bakery, and events that are held annually. Many times farmers in the agritourism industry struggle to find activities in the spring. Butlers Orchard holds "Bunnyland" each year to bring visitors to the farm at this time of year. Of course kids can expect to see the Easter bunny and participate in egg hunts, but there also many more agriculture activities to get everyone involved in. Apparently, tube slides are a very popular attraction. The owners and employees were very hospitable and offered all snacks and drinks. This is a great place to visit!
CRUMLAND FARMS...THIS WAS SO COOL!!!
I think it is incredible how they use a piece of old farm equipment to create something that would be attractive to children, but teach them about the equipment at the same time. On the back side of the picture above, they have cut out a hole and a slide goes down the back. It has all the controls inside for the children to see. West Virginia Farmers, how many of you have old, obsolete equipment that is rusting in the field? I really love that this farm does a Christmas light show. Their Christmas light pig and horse were on display for us to see. They also have a 4th of July event, as well as many others. They had a great playground and just really used their resources well.
I actually heard Abraham Lincoln speak today! Okay, so it may have been an impersonator, but he was still incredibly knowledgeable about our 16th President's life. Our next stop along the way was Gettysburg Visitor Center. I was really sad to not be able to spend more time here. We had lunch at the visitor center, but did not have time to tour. On the bus I did win a prize, because I answered the most questions correctly about the Gettysburg Address!
Our final stop on the tour was Adams Winery. Some unique things about this winery are the classes they provide. They offer both wine tasting and wine making classes. They have a tasting area and a nice gift shop. The people here are very friendly. They also have a designer on site to make personalized labels for the wine. GREAT FOR WEDDINGS! A picture of the bride and groom with there wedding theme on a bottle of wine make great value added products! They also have a rescue dog that greets people. They were very friendly and informative.
I am now at the Marriott here in Philadelphia. We are right across from the Reading Market. This market is huge. There is lots of food and lots of chocolate. The one downfall would definitely be whole cooked ducks (complete with their heads) hanging in the market. I guess this WV girl is going to have to teach them how to field dress a duck! :-) (I know they are supposed to be that way). Until tomorrow...goodbye from Philadelphia!
Friday, February 4, 2011
All aboard the Gettysburg Express!!!
For the next couple of days I hope to be blogging about my trip to the North American Farmers Direct Marketing Conference. Today Cindy and I made the trip from the rural country of West Virginia to the big city of Baltimore...at least it seems to be a big city to a girl who grew up forty five minutes from Wal-Mart. For the next three days we will be on separate bus tours and spending our nights in Philadelphia. I am pleased to announce that I will be on the bus tour called the "Gettysburg Express." Gettysburg is one of our many stops on this three day tour of some great farms. Get ready for some new ideas!!! Cindy will be riding on the "Crab" bus. I think she is in for an interesting week after seeing her tour guides wearing crab claw hats this evening as she registered. My tour guides seemed much more normal, they were wearing Abe Lincoln hats. We just had dinner at the Cheesecake Factory, and Cindy had the opportunity to catch up with her former 4-H director. Hopefully, in the next few days I will be able to offer many great pictures and new ideas. Good Night from Baltimore!
Monday, January 31, 2011
We're Heading Out!
That's right we are heading to Baltimore and Philadelphia...post ice/snow storm it appears. New Marketing Specialist Danielle Kisamore and I are slated to attend the annual North American Farmer Direct Marketing & Agritourism Association (www.nafdma.com) meeting and tour. We'll spend three days on a mobile classroom (bus) tromping through fields, farms, pastures and farm markets learning about what our neighbors are doing. We are slated for different tours to maximize the ideas and will be presenting them at the 2011 West Virginia Small Farms Conference in Morgantown (February 17-19). We'll return to Baltimore on Monday evening and have three more days of workshops, meetings and all things farm marketing.
In addition to preparing for our presentation, I'm hoping to keep everyone updated through use of this blog. Danielle and I each have cameras and laptop packed and I'm hoping to learn a few things about social media with her. Once we arrive in Baltimore on Friday, we'll try to post our tour visits for the following day. Let us know if you have questions or want us to explore an attraction you are thinking about adding to your operation. You can email me at cmartel@ag.state.wv.us. I've already heard from Katy at Orr's and know what she is interested in....what more would you like to learn in 2011?
Thursday, June 3, 2010
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