IOWA CITY — The expansion of existing and increase of new pumpkin patches, lavender farms, and other micro enterprises across Johnson and Washington Counties are a reflection of local farmers looking to diversify their offerings. Better known as agritourism, these businesses are the nexus where agriculture and tourism meet to provide consumers with educational and cultural experiences on working farms.
“Through agritourism, farms become a destination for the public to connect with farmers and agricultural operations for enjoyment, education, and active participation in the local food system. It is also a great way to spend some time with your family while learning about local agriculture”, says Sarah Thompson, the Rural Development Director of Greater Iowa City, Inc. (Greater IC) who works closely with Johnson County to identify ways to further advance the successes and opportunities in agritourism across the area.
“We still hear about folks from Iowa City that don’t know we are here, we want to raise awareness and bring more people from the area as well as reach markets in places like Chicago or Omaha,” says Jacob Groering of Wilson’s Orchard and Farm.
To that end, local agritourism businesses in Johnson County have started meeting regularly and hope to brand together to create an agritourism destination. Mary Audia, the President of the Washington Economic Development Group (WEDG), sees an impact being made.
“Local ‘you-pick’ berry and apple farms, pumpkin patches, lavender and honey farms, food booths, and other types of microenterprises are becoming more popular. These places are a terrific way to explore the community and discover new things right in your backyard,” says Audia.
The following provide a sampling of agritourism in the area:
Prairie Patch Farm, south of Cedar Rapids and near Shueyville, is a 50-acre private wildlife refuge and nature preserve where they host one-of-a-kind experiences with their llamas. Learn more at https://www.prairiepatchfarm.com
Colony Acres Family Farm, outside North Liberty, is a year-round family farm gearing up for Halloween and a new 2023 fall harvest season. Guests can follow along on Facebook and their website for seasonal specials and events. Group discounts and season passes are available.
Calyx Creek Lavender (1722 255th St. NW, Oxford, IA) provides a sea of corn and beans and lavender fields, with sweet lavender lemonade and handcrafted lavender syrup for sale. Tours through the lavender fields and a food market are unique features of the microenterprise.
Wilson’s Orchard and Farm (4823 Dingleberry Rd NE, Iowa City, IA) was established in 1980. Wilson’s Orchard & Farm is a pick-your-own fruit and vegetable farm located just a few miles North of Iowa City, IA. “You-pick” apples and flowers are available seasonally, and the Cider House Restaurant is now open year-round.
Orange Acres (2005 260th St, Washington, IA) was started by Kari and Brayton Turner as a pumpkin patch in 2021 and in its third year, has grown to adult and kid events, games, tractor rides, and opportunities for seniors to come and share in the family experience.
The Kalona Byways Tours run April through October. The guided bus tour visits farms and rural businesses in the Kalona countryside. You can reach out to Tonia Poole at [email protected] or visit www.kalonachamber.com/tours for more information.
Brayton Turner, a local Washington, Iowa farmer, is in his third year of operating Orange Acres. “We started the pumpkin patch for personal use and then opened to the public in 2021 after planting four acres of pumpkins and gourds.” Orange Acres has added a corn maze, a barrel train, hayrides, and access to barn animals to respond to the growing demand.
Background
Agritourism is an initiative of Washington and Johnson Counties and supported by Greater IC. It keeps agriculture land in production while supporting a diverse rural economy. It empowers current and future farmers to maintain their on-farm businesses instead of converting the land use and eliminating the agricultural production. Across the United States, agritourism has been shown to bolster farm profitability. In Iowa, agritourism and recreational services income per farm more than doubled between 2002 and 2007.
Agritourism can benefit a variety of farm size operations close to urban centers and enhance the viability of small and intermediate scale farms. Agritourism can help supplement income for farmers, serving as an important strategy to overcome economic disparity when facing constrained market access.
Agritourism creates jobs, increases the tax base, and gives tourists another reason to visit Washington and Johnson Counties. Listed on the agritourism page on johnsoncountyiowa.gov, the Johnson County Food Policy Council states that, “For every dollar in agritourism sales generated on farms will result in sales in other businesses, creating opportunities for revenue in other businesses.” We hope to create just as much or more value for our counties.
Greater Iowa City, Inc. (Greater IC) is a network of business and public sector leaders who collaborate to support local companies, guide investment, and grow a resilient economy.