By Alexandra Pettit, AZFB Communications intern
Arizona agriculture is a $23.3 billion industry, and for you and your family can experience each aspect of Arizona’s agriculture. Several farmers and ranchers have opened their farm and ranch gates for the public to come and experience a real working farm or ranch. They have done this because it offers an educational experience to the public of what working in the agricultural industry is actually like. On the outside, it may seem like an easy task but in reality, it’s tough work that requires all of your heart and soul.
Many farms have started offering farm tours with an educational tour and workshops as well as some fun activities for the whole family: tours, petting zoos, hay rides, u-pick gardens, and other activities. Many of these events are offered throughout the year as well as some seasonal activities such as haunted corn mazes, lights on the farm for Christmas, and others.
This might seem like just a fun day out with the family, but agritourism is a very important industry. It involves the local community in agriculture. It gives people of all ages the opportunity to learn and to understand the agricultural industry. Plus, it as building relationships between the public and our farmers and ranchers.
These types of tours offer a farm experience for families and people that are interested in agriculture. They are able to be on the farm and enjoy themselves as well as learn about what it takes to run a business in this industry. It gives people to opportunity to appreciate what the outdoors has to offer for their enjoyment.
Fill Your Plate launched a new searchable database called Visit a Farm. By searching what farms are open to the public while traveling through Cochise County, for example, you’ll know where to navigate to if a farm visit is on your travel itinerary.
Looking for more fun activities for the family? Check out our fill your plate blog.