PELICAN RAPIDS, MN. (1/7/2025)—Do you have a farm business idea that includes bringing visitors on farm somehow? From farm stands to on-farm events, petting zoos, and everything in-between, these are all parts of agritourism, where farming and tourism meet. 

University of Minnesota Extension will present a roadshow of free workshops across the state this winter. Each in-person workshop will be hosted at current agritourism operation. Attendees will not only learn from their hosts, but also will meet others exploring the opportunity and get an introduction to the business planning process using the free tool called AgPlan to assist you to bring your vision to life. 

“Sustained business success doesn’t come from chance, fate, or good luck”, says Susanne Hinrichs, Extension Educator with the Agricultural Business Management team at University of Minnesota Extension, “To run a successful and profitable business it is critical that a person understand, implement, and value the process of effective business planning and this workshop will get you started or jump start your existing plan.”

These workshops are free and will guide you in creating a business plan to bring your agritourism vision to life.

• Jan. 15:  In-person at Virginia, 2:30-5:30 p.m.
• Jan. 22:  In-person at Pelican Rapids, 4-6 p.m.
• Jan. 27:  In-person at St. Joseph, 4-6 p.m.
• Jan. 28:  Webinar, 6-7:30 p.m.
• Jan. 28:  In-person watch party at Cologne, 6-8 p.m.

To register or find out more about these 2-hour workshops, go to z.umn.edu/agritourism.

Also, a five-part agritourism business planning series will happen in February and March to give participants a more in-depth cohort experience. Each week a different section of AgPlan will be featured. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required. To find out more information about any of these offerings, go to z.umn.edu/agritourism.