In the United States, the family farm has become a challenged
institution since World War II. Yet, recently there has been
a growing desire of many urbanites to reconnect with our rural
countrysides. Where can we wake to the sounds of farm life,
feed a bottle to a lamb, or brush a horse …even see the stars
without city lights dimming their glow? We need to find
our small family farms and ranches.
The term is 'farm stay'. The Europeans know it. The
Aussies and Kiwis know it. Italy has its own name for it,
'agriturismo'. Surprisingly, American farmers and ranchers
are new to the concept, so while there are travelers looking for
rural experiences, there are not as many farms offering overnight
accommodations.
But there are some of us and our numbers are growing. We
all have our unique offerings. Some are hands-on with chores;
others demonstrate. Some are for families; others are adult
oriented. It depends on what we do well and what we think our
guests will find interesting, but usually it is about the culture
of growing food that sustains us.
In terms of lodging, some farm stays offer rooms right in the
farm house. Others have converted old farm buildings, like
silos and chicken houses, into wonderfully eclectic rooms.
You might find yourself camping in a tent in the trees or at a
campsite you choose for yourself down by the creek. Rustic with
composing toilets or hotel-quality with jacuzzi baths, farm stays
come in many shapes and sizes.
Most of us offer breakfast on the farm. Other meals depend
on how the farm is operated. Participation in chores is
rarely required, however an extra hand is always welcome. Some
farms offer classes in cheese making, spinning, gardening, cooking,
even animal photography! Many are unstructured and expect you
will feel the rythmn of the farm best if you watch and listen.
What a farm stay is not is a bed & breakfast in an
old farm house no longer part of a working farm or ranch.
While the term 'farm stay' is relatively new to Americans,
the media is writing more stories about the experience. Both the
U.S.D.A. and state tourism offices are interested in the
model. In the end, its about helping the farmer and the guest
meet in the middle. Everyone benefits. And, who doesn't like
that?
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From a Farm Stay U.S. blog post August 24, 2009