Last time, we talked about preserving and protecting your investment from the beginning of the season until the last guest leaves your gates. For now, we are focusing on your corn maze, but the principle applies to every aspect of your venue and to every small part. It’s equally important to make sure to maintain the camp fire pits just as much as the duck races and the corn cannon. If there is an overall feel of quality and professionalism, you will demonstrate that you care about providing a good experience from start to finish.

Last time we talked about the decision as to whether or not to add animals to your venue. I posted some questions to help you determine the feasibility for you personally. There is a ton of value, but again it may not work for everyone. From here on out, we’ll assume that you are either moving forward or have already added animals to your attraction. I’ll do my best to help you get started or refine what you already have.

Probably the first part of the process is determining the best location. Since animals appeal to a broad range of ages, it is usually best to keep them most accessible to your youngest guests. When people enter your ven...

It’s not always easy and sometimes it’s not even feasible, but animals can be an important part of an agritourism venue. Since we as a society have moved so far away from the farm and even further from interacting with certain live animals, many venues use animals to create important memories as well as what we like to call “teachable moments”. Animals provide the link between the world we live in and what is behind that world. They allow people to understand the origin of some of our food as well as simply experience the joy of interacting with a new form of life.

So let’s talk about petting zoos and things like it for the next several...

This can be a tough one to navigate.  Should you charge for the 85-year-old grandmother that is just there to watch her grandchild open presents at a birthday party?  Should you charge for parents that are there to help with the field trip?  What about someone that is physically handicapped and won’t be participating in any activities?  These are all tough scenarios to navigate while keeping your customers happy but let’s talk through some of the options you have.

Insurance
First and foremost, check with your insurance carrier to see what their requirements are around this.  I have never personally run into a provider that...

Long lines are one of those things we consider a “good problem to have”.  Unfortunately, long lines can be a frustration for your guests and not a good way to start their fun day at the farm.  Here are some tips to keep those lines moving.

1. Good Signage

Be sure you have easy-to-read signs at your check-in area.  Not just at the cash register but in several places that can be easily seen from the lines so customers can be more prepared when it is their turn to pay. 

2. Limited Options

Keep it Simple.  Don’t have too many combo packages or options.  Studies have shown that limiting options to 3 or less is the sweet spot in situati...

Pony rides can be a great way to give your young guests a memorable farm experience at your venue while adding revenue to your bottom line.  In addition to the revenue pony rides bring in, they can also be a great marketing tool as they make a great photo opportunity for parents to share with family & friends on social media.

This all sounds like a no-brainer right?  Before you add this to your list of offerings, you need to be aware of the risks and the things you must do to mitigate those risks.

Know Your Pony

This is probably the biggest key to a safe and successful execution of pony rides.  Don’t just find a friend that owns a horse an...