April 25, 2023
Vermont is known for its beautiful countryside, rolling hills, and thriving agricultural industry. And for those who are looking to experience the best of Vermont's rural lifestyle, there's no better way to “dig in” than by staying on a working farm. Hosting farm stays can be a unique and rewarding experience for both you and your guests. It offers an opportunity to diversify your income stream while giving visitors a chance to experience the joys and challenges of farm life.
If you're considering hosting farm stays on your property, here are a few things to consider:
Decide what kind of farm stay you want to offer:
Farm stays can vary widely, from simple camping experiences to luxurious vacations in a beautifully renovated farmhouse. Consider the kind of experience you want to offer your guests and what kind of amenities you're able to provide. Do you have a spare room in your farmhouse, or do you want to set up glamping tents in your field? Will your guests book through your website or on an app such as Airbnb, Hipcamp, or Harvest Hosts?
You also want to consider the kinds of activities you will offer guests. Is this simply a place to stay, or will they be able to attend a workshop, get a tour of the farm, or engage in the farm chores?
Know the regulations:
Before you start hosting farm stays, make sure you know the regulations in your area. You'll need to obtain any necessary permits and ensure that your property meets all zoning, health, and safety standards. Check out Vermont’s Agritourism Regulatory Guide to Farm Stays for help getting started.
Be transparent with guests:
Make sure you're transparent with guests about what they can expect during their farm stay. Let them know what kind of accommodations you're offering, what types of activities will be available, and what kind of farm work they may be able to help with. Do you allow dogs? Will guests use a shared bathroom, or an outdoor porta-potty? Let them know up-front. This will help set expectations and ensure that your guests have a positive experience.
For many visitors, a major benefit of booking a farm stay over a hotel is the opportunity to have a unique and authentic on-farm experience. Consider offering workshops or classes that highlight your skills and show off your farm’s product. For example, you could offer a cheese-making class, a workshop on cooking with maple syrup, or a farm-to-table dinner featuring produce from your fields.
Hosting farm stays can be a wonderful way to share your love of farming and connect with visitors from around the world. With careful planning and a commitment to providing unique and authentic experiences, you can create a successful farm stay business that leaves your guests with fond memories and supports the financial viability of your farm.
Thanks for reading the Marketing and Agritourism Blog! I’m your host, Kristen Brassard, Marketing & Agritourism Specialist at the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets. Stay tuned every other week for tips on marketing and incorporating agritourism practices on your farm and be sure to sign up for our Agriculture Development Newsletter so you never miss a post!