Today I attended a University of California-sponsored workshop on agritourism -- the practice of farms including some tourism component in their operations. This could be any mumber of things, including lodges and cabins, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, “u-pick” operations and special events such as weddings and conferences. If you've ever been to Hawes Farms or Nash Ranch at Halloween or attended one of the numerous Farm Bureau-sponsored ag days in Tehama County through the course of the year, you're an agritourist.
In the photos, Kathy Landini of Elk Creek (left) and Robyn Rominger of Winters talk about their horseback riding ventures; and Kirsten Staggs (left) of Chico-based Farrell Design Group and University of California agritourism coordinator Penny Leff prepare a presentation on website design. The workshop was held at the Farm Bureau office in Orland.
Agritourism is growing in California as farms look to boost their income or market their products, Leff says. A UC survey determined that about 2.4 million visitors came to California farms in 2008 to enjoy some facet of agritourism.
In my story, I take a look at one such venture -- the Elk Creek Buckarettes, an annual all-women ranch ride created by a trio of north state co-owners of cattle operations.
Look for it at CapitalPress.com soon.
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