Tuesday, January 08, 2008

AGRITOURISM: Your Next Cash Crop?

“Flint Hills visitors are looking for such things as farm and ranch vacations, riding a combine cutting wheat, or sitting atop a horse while a rancher moves cattle. They are looking for vineyards and wineries, farm fresh eggs for breakfast, bird watching at a Country Inn, hiking, biking and riding trails. They are looking for opportunities to hunt, fish, camp or just sit around a campfire and stargaze while someone tells stories of the history, culture and traditions of the area. Our tourists are seeking high quality art, music, foods, clothing and other products representative of the Flint Hills.”

If these issues are of interest to you, please join us in Emporia on January 9 or in Council Grove on January 10 for one of two informational meetings intended for farmers, ranchers and anyone interested in starting or expanding a business in which rural tourism would be an important source of income in the Kansas Flint Hills.

Wednesday evening, the meeting in Emporia will be held at the American Legion, 2921 W. 12th, from 6:15 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. The Thursday meeting will be in Council Grove, on January 10, at the United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 21 N. Mission Street, from 1:15 p.m. until 3:30 p.m.

Each meeting will have three parts. First, Abby Cash, Director of Oklahoma Agritourism, will give an illustrated presentation about the characteristics of the clientele, the kinds of experiences and products they want, and how to get started in your business. Second, a panel of Kansas Agritourism providers will describe their businesses and answer questions from the audience. Finally, an upcoming business development class will be explained.

For more information on the meetings in Emporia and Council Grove call Jan Jantzen or Bruce Wells at The Flint Hills Resource Conservation and Development Council, 620-340-0113, ext. 9, or the Kansas Small Business Development Center at Emporia State University at 620-341-5308.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ... perhaps at one of these meetings! ;-)

1 comment:

Dr. Bill (William L.) Smith said...

45 folks were at the fine meeting in Emporia, tonight. Great!

See you in Council Grove on Thursday.

;-)