Variety Draws Tourists to New York Farms

DEBORAH JEANNE
SERGEANT
New York Correspondent

Diversifying one’s business often provides additional income in narrow niche industries or those with fluctuating income. Farming is no different. Many farms in New York are turning to “agritourism” to generate more profit.

The public is welcomed on these farms to tour the facilities, stay overnight at the B&B, attend seasonal events, shop at the market, or pick produce. Some farms offer a restaurant, ice cream cones, children’s activities, and educational presentations. The attractions vary, but the goal remains the same: bring people to the farm to increase profits.

That’s why farms get into agritourism, and tourists — locals and vacationers alike — can’t seem to get enough. Now that most people are at least a couple generations removed from the rural lifestyle once commonplace among the population, agritourism offers a way to get back in touch with their heritage.

Offering that diversion to the public provides more income to farmers such as Deborah Halpern and her husband, Eric Smith, who run Brooketon Hollow Farm Bed & Breakfast in Brooktondale, N.Y.

Smith grows organic beans and grains, corn and hay on their 135-acre farm and on an additional 500 rented acres. Their tenant grows five acres of vegetables with draft horses, a feat which entertains the guests at the bed and breakfast. Deborah manages the B&B side of the business, which they started once their children were grown.

The couple lowered the expense of remodeling their home by bartering land for the labor. Custom cherry woodwork in the bedrooms added to the home’s appeal. They also capitalize on the “green” aspects of their farm, showcasing their use of alternative energy, serving vegetarian and organic cuisine, and the team of draft horses.

Wren Owens’ Close-Knit Alpacas in Woodhull, N.Y. occupies another niche in agritourism, educating the curious about the alpaca business, boarding alpacas, offering weekly farm tours and scheduled public events, and selling alpaca wares at the farm store. Founded in 2004 with the purchase of Owens’ first alpaca, the business now owns about a dozen and a half. She has welcomed visitors from the start, and the income generated from the varied alpaca endeavors supports the farm’s wildlife preserve and retreat center, The Kiva Connection.

Alasa Farms in Alton, N.Y. has operated as a farm since the Shaker religious group settled in the area in the early 1800’s. In 1924, Alva Griffin Strong purchased the property, which is now owned by his descendant, Griff Mangan and his wife Joni. The 700-acre farm’s “u-pick” apples and Shaker museum proved to be a popular attraction. However, three years ago, the farm changed dramatically when a local farm animal shelter, Cracker Box Palace, moved to the farm.

Founded in 1999 by Cheri Roloson and her husband, Burt Madison, the shelter was running out of room by 2004. Mangan wanted to retire. In a chance conversation, the two realized they could solve their problems with a mutual solution: moved the shelter to the farm.

Cracker Box Palace, so named because the shelter’s original headquarters looked like a giant saltine package, has leased buildings from Alasa ever since to the benefit of both farm and shelter. Grants from various sources helped the non-profit renovate Mangan’s buildings to accommodate small animals.

The shelter is now home to 137 animals, including cows, horses, goats, sheep, pigs, geese, ducks, chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs and barn cats. The farm’s felines are well-kept and assist in rodent control. The shelter usually directs the keepers of unwanted cats and dogs to the local Humane Society because Cracker Box Palace focuses on farm animals.

Roloson works full-time at the shelter, with help from a team of other volunteers. While Mangan rents out the land and orchards to area farmers, which adds to the farm flair of the shelter, Roloson manages events that draw the crowds: seasonal parties, youth workshops, Music Fest, and school tours.

Participation in local off-site events, such as the Sodus Pet Parade, helps raise awareness of the shelter.

Any business change brings its own set of disadvantages. Innkeepers such as Halpern must always be available for strangers showing up on their doorstep.
“You have to be people-oriented if you want the public there,” Halpern said. “You have to be open to sharing your life and make the time for it. Farmers’ lives are often very hectic. (Running a B&B) is a lot of work.”

Roloson had to learn how to deal with the inquisitive public.

“I was clueless as to how many people would come here and the questions we’d be asked,” she said.

In addition to the intellectual investment, there’s the financial investment. Many formerly private structures need modifications to bring them up to code and/or provide accessibility to the public. Ventures such as Owens’ require a long-term investment of effort and funds to pay off.

Day-to-day expenses add up as well. Roloson was surprised at how much liability insurance cost. “Whenever you involve horses, it costs a lot,” she said.
Owens agrees. “Make sure you have a good insurance policy,” she said, “because anytime you open up to the public, you open up to problems with lawsuits because all kinds of people come through.”

Although posting signs and having guests sign waivers can help, she still encourages farmers to purchase liability insurance before opening their doors to the public.

Despite the cons, agritourism offers farmers plenty of pros.

“I think every farm should try it,” Roloson said. “It’s great to educate people.”

Owen also enjoys teaching visitors, since many don’t know much about her furry herd.

“It’s nice to have people come out and ask questions,” she said. “I’m very enthusiastic about alpacas. People think they’re llamas, but they aren’t the same thing.”

Moving Cracker Box Palace to Alasa “brought us to the spotlight,” Roloson said. “We average 5,000 visitors a year.”

The farm overlooks Sodus Bay, part of Lake Ontario, and still boasts many original and historic buildings. The farm’s numerous amenities, including Cracker Box Palace, helped it win the 1999 New York State Agri-Tourism Award.

Owens views agritourism as a means of developing multiple streams of income beyond that of the functioning farm. “It’s an important thing to do if you have farm property,” she said. “Some people come and they’re interested in buying the animals. Others want to buy items. Others like the scenery and want to take pictures or paint. Others want a day in the country or a fun event.”

Halpern and Smith don’t notice any change in their farm’s efficiency, and they enjoy meeting new guests, whom she describes as “incredibly interesting people. It’s continually amazing how these people land on our doorstep and we’d never have had that opportunity without the B&B.”

Halpern believes that the agritourism trend will continue to grow as more people desire domestic vacations. “People’s ideas of vacations are different now,” she said. “They want to stay put and explore the area they’re at, not five countries in five days. I think agritourism would fit into that.”

With each of these examples, the farm operators have capitalized on an appealing niche. By offering something different from other tourist attractions, they draw crowds and more income, as well as help preserve America’s farm heritage through education.