By Scout Nelson
Agritourism continues to grow in South Dakota as more producers look for ways to diversify income and connect the public with agriculture. SDSU Extension plays a key role in helping farm and ranch operators explore these opportunities and promote their unique strengths.
At Good Earth Farm near Lennox, owners Nancy and Jeff Kirstein chose to restore their historic barn instead of letting it fall into disrepair. The restored barn now hosts weddings and summer events, including outdoor pizza nights using locally sourced ingredients. “We make everything outside so people can watch the entire process,” Nancy said. “It’s really fun. People see it’s all handmade.”
Visitors also interact with farm animals and learn how flowers and vegetables are grown. “We get to tell people what these animals are and how they live. It’s kind of weird to think people don’t have that kind of exposure around us, but they really don’t,” Nancy said.
After years of thin profit margins in traditional farming, the Kirsteins explored agritourism as a way to diversify. Nancy joined the AgritourismSD program through SDSU Extension, which helped her understand how agritourism works and build industry connections. “You’ve got the agricultural part of it, which is challenging enough, and then you’re also inviting other people to be a part of it,” she said. “It gave a lot of support to understand what might work for us and what we’re comfortable with.”
SDSU Extension leaders explain agritourism as a way to combine South Dakota’s strong agriculture and tourism industries. Producers are encouraged to start small, use existing resources, and focus on what they do best. “Start small with what you’re good at and connect it to what you are doing in agriculture, because part of agritourism is educating people about agriculture and what you’re an expert in,” Schlechter said.
Extension programs include workshops, webinars, and projects like a rural road trip trail along U.S. Highway 14. These efforts help attract travelers and support rural communities.
In Highmore, Beth Simonson created a sunflower festival that now draws visitors from across the country. “That is what we want. They are coming to South Dakota for agriculture,” Simonson said. “My dreams have been fueled and inspired by the SDSU Extension programs that I have been a part of,” she said.
Photo Credit: south-dakota-state-university
Categories: South Dakota, General