Agritourism offers farm owners an exciting way to invite the public to experience farm life firsthand, while also generating additional income.
But with so many farms opening their gates to visitors, how can you stand out? The answer lies in sharing your unique farm story.
Today’s visitors crave authentic experiences and want to connect personally with the places they visit, and your farm story is a key part of creating that connection.
Here’s why sharing your farm story is essential —and how it can help your agritourism business succeed.
1. Builds an Emotional Connection with Visitors
When you tell the story of your farm—whether it’s a family tradition, a personal dream, or an eco-friendly mission—you create a connection that goes beyond simple tourism.
Sharing why you started farming, the challenges you’ve overcome, or your passion for sustainable agriculture lets visitors understand the heart behind your work. T
his emotional connection is memorable and makes people more likely to visit, tell others about their experience, and return again.
Example: A small family farm might share how it has been passed down through generations, with each family member adding something unique. Visitors enjoy learning the story behind the farm, making their experience richer and more meaningful.
2. Differentiates Your Farm from Others
Sharing your story helps set your farm apart. With so many farms opening up for agritourism, your story is what makes you unique.
Whether your farm is focused on organic practices, restoring native plants, or preserving a specific agricultural tradition, these personal elements give visitors a reason to choose your farm over others.
Example: If your farm is dedicated to preserving heritage livestock breeds, let visitors know! This distinctive story will attract people interested in animal conservation and heritage farming, making your farm a must-see destination for those visitors.
3. Strengthens Your Farm’s Brand
Your farm story is the foundation of your brand. A well-told story highlights your farm’s mission, values, and goals, which is the essence of your brand identity.
This is especially important in agritourism, where your brand is not just about products; it’s about the overall experience you’re offering.
When you consistently share your story across your website, social media, and in-person interactions, you create a recognizable and memorable brand that visitors come to know and trust.
Example: A farm committed to organic and sustainable practices can brand itself as a “green farm,” attracting environmentally conscious visitors. Sharing stories of eco-friendly practices, like composting and water conservation, reinforces this brand and builds credibility.
4. Encourages Visitor Loyalty and Return Trips
When visitors feel connected to your farm, they’re more likely to return—and bring friends. People love visiting places that feel personal, where they know the owners or understand the mission.
By sharing your farm story, you invite visitors to be part of your journey, making them feel more invested in your success.
Example: A farm that offers seasonal events, such as planting days in the spring and harvest festivals in the fall, can build a loyal community by sharing the story of each season.
Returning visitors appreciate seeing the story progress over time, building a sense of community.
5. Boosts Engagement on Social Media and Online
Today’s travelers often look online for places to visit. Sharing your farm story on social media, your website, and local tourism pages boosts engagement and builds an audience before people even set foot on your property.
Posts that feature behind-the-scenes glimpses of daily farm life, milestones, or even challenges, give people something interesting to follow and feel connected to.
Example: Post updates about newborn animals, special planting days, or what it’s like to run a farm during different seasons. Visitors who follow along online are more likely to visit in person to see it for themselves.
6. Increases Sales of Farm Products and Services
Your farm story isn’t just for attracting tourists; it can also boost sales of products you produce. People are more likely to buy products they feel connected to, so sharing the background of how and why your products are made can increase their appeal.
Whether it’s farm-fresh honey, handpicked apples, or locally made jams, a personal story adds value to each product.
Example: A farm that produces organic honey can share the process of beekeeping, the role of bees in agriculture, and the importance of local honey. Visitors may feel more inclined to purchase honey or other products, knowing the care and purpose behind them.
7. Makes Your Farm More Memorable
Visitors may not remember all the details of their visit, but they’ll remember how your farm made them feel. A good story lingers in people’s minds, long after they leave.
When visitors remember your story, they’re more likely to recommend your farm to others, and your farm becomes a cherished part of their travel experiences.
Example: If your farm’s story includes a major turnaround, like restoring neglected land or transitioning from conventional to organic farming, visitors will remember it as a farm with purpose and resilience.
Tips On How To Share Your Farm Story
Be Authentic: Share the real story, including both the struggles and the triumphs. People connect with authenticity and will appreciate your honesty.
Use Photos and Videos: Visuals bring your story to life. Post photos or videos of the farm, your family, the animals, or special moments on your website and social media.
Engage with Visitors: Share your story in person by giving tours, telling guests about farm practices, or hosting Q&A sessions. Visitors enjoy hearing stories directly from the people who run the farm.
Encourage Reviews: Ask visitors to share their experiences online. Positive reviews often mention the personal connection visitors felt, helping spread your story even further.
Real-Life Examples of Farms That Successfully Share Their Stories
Polyface Farm – Swoope, Virginia, USA
Polyface Farm, run by Joel Salatin and his family, is widely known for its transparent, sustainable farming practices and commitment to ethical animal husbandry.
The farm became famous after being featured in Michael Pollan’s book The Omnivore's Dilemma. Polyface Farm openly shares its mission to “heal the land” through rotational grazing and regenerative farming.
Salatin frequently speaks at events, hosts farm tours, and uses social media to share updates on the farm’s practices, creating a passionate following of people interested in sustainable farming.
Key Story Element: Transparency in farming practices and a commitment to ethical, sustainable agriculture.
Leaping Lamb Farm – Alsea, Oregon, USA
Leaping Lamb Farm is a family-run farm focused on connecting people with farm life through agritourism.
The farm invites visitors to stay in their guest cottages, interact with animals, and participate in seasonal farm chores.
The owners, Scottie and Greg Jones, share the story of their transition from urban to farm life, which resonates with visitors who dream of a simpler, back-to-basics lifestyle.
Their blog, social media, and newsletters share everyday farm happenings, seasonal updates, and a glimpse into life as small-scale farmers.
Key Story Element: Transition from urban life to sustainable farming and hands-on agritourism experiences.
Rowe Farms – Ontario, Canada
Rowe Farms started with a single farmer, John Rowe, who was committed to raising livestock naturally and sustainably.
Now, the farm has grown into a larger operation supplying ethically raised meat to local grocery stores. Rowe Farms focuses on transparency in animal welfare, showing how their animals are raised and treated.
Their story emphasizes a commitment to ethical farming, with messaging that aims to educate customers on why sustainably raised meat matters.
They frequently share updates about their practices on their website and social media to build consumer trust.
Key Story Element: Ethical animal husbandry and educating the public about sustainable meat production.
Ashbourne Farms – La Grange, Kentucky, USA
Ashbourne Farms, a historic farm in Kentucky, has been passed down for generations and is now managed by the grandson of the original owners, Austin Musselman, and his wife Janie.
Their story highlights a commitment to conservation, as the farm is dedicated to protecting local wildlife and restoring the land. Through farm tours, weddings, and community events, they share the story of their conservation journey, which appeals to eco-conscious visitors.
Their website, social media, and events showcase the farm’s history and conservation efforts, helping them stand out.
Key Story Element: Conservation-focused agritourism and a rich multi-generational family history.
Daylesford Organic Farm – Gloucestershire, England, UK
Daylesford Organic Farm was founded by Lady Bamford, who transformed the farm into an organic haven focused on sustainable and organic food production.
The farm hosts a wide range of events, from cooking classes to wellness retreats, all while promoting its mission of sustainable, organic farming.
Their website and social media accounts are filled with updates about seasonal produce, organic farming tips, and their environmental commitment.
They’ve created a strong brand that resonates with people seeking wellness-focused, organic experiences.
Key Story Element: Commitment to organic, sustainable farming and holistic wellness experiences.
The Kindred Farm – Santa Fe, Tennessee, USA
The Kindred Farm, run by Steven and Melissa Whipple, shares the story of their dream to reconnect with nature and create a community-focused farm.
Their story of moving to Tennessee, starting a farm, and building a farm-to-table business has inspired many people interested in agritourism and sustainable agriculture.
They host seasonal farm dinners and events that bring people together, sharing their journey and passion for farm life. Their story, shared across social media, connects with people interested in community building and local food.
Key Story Element: Building community through farm-to-table experiences and sharing the journey of a new beginning in agriculture.
Brookfield Farm – Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
Brookfield Farm, one of the oldest Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farms in the U.S., shares the story of its dedication to biodynamic farming and community-focused agriculture.
The farm’s story emphasizes a unique approach to farming that benefits both the environment and the local community.
Through newsletters, social media, and farm events, Brookfield Farm educates people on CSA and biodynamic farming while reinforcing their core values of community support and environmental care.
Key Story Element: Community-supported agriculture and dedication to biodynamic farming principles.
These farms use their unique stories to build their brands, connect with customers, and create lasting relationships.
Their stories resonate because they align with people’s values, whether that’s supporting ethical practices, experiencing farm life, or connecting with the land.
Each story makes the farm more memorable and encourages people to visit, buy products, and share the experience with others.
Final Thoughts: Why Sharing Your Farm Story is Essential for Starting an Agritourism Business
Starting an agritourism business on your farm can be incredibly rewarding, especially when you share the story behind it.
By letting people in on what makes your farm special, you can build an emotional connection, create a strong brand, and attract loyal visitors. So take some time to think about what makes your farm unique and share that story with pride.
It’s not just a way to grow your business—it’s a way to invite others to be part of your journey, creating a lasting and meaningful impact on your visitors.
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