It’s Not Just Crops and Cows Anymore!Diversifying Ag-Enterprises
for Sustainability
Dr. Steve Burr, Director Institute for Outdoor Recreation and Tourism
Utah State University
Jody Gale, Area Agent Agricultural Economic Development Utah State University Extension
Service
Galaxy II National Extension Conference Salt Palace Convention Center Salt Lake City, Utah
September 22, 2003
An Economic Struggle!• Many of America’s farmers and ranchers
have been struggling economically to continue to make their operations viable.– Fickle markets– Low prices– Changing
environmental conditions
– Global competition
Some Success in These Changing Times
• One Successful Approach— Diversifying operations beyond agricultural production.– Generates additional income
for ag-operators.– Enhances overall rural
economic development.
Value-Added Products and Services
• Value can be added to various ag-products produced and sold to increase profit potential, through specialized production, packaging, and marketing.
• Value can also be added by providing various services or experiences of interest to visitors.
• One area is the development of an ag-operator’s agricultural, natural, and heritage resources for outdoor recreation and tourism opportunities.
Changing Societal Values Development and Use of our Natural Resources
• More and more emphasis is being placed on the value of amenity resources.– Scenery and aesthetics– Opportunities for a
diversity of recreation experiences
– Providing habitat for wildlife
– Preserving biological diversity
New “Niche” Markets• Some ag-operators have been able to
take advantage of these changes to develop new “niche” markets to meet a growing demand in the area of ag-tourism by providing a variety of unique experiences.– Ag-Tourism and Ranch Recreation– Camping, fishing, and hunting– Outdoor recreation activities– Wildlife viewing and birdwatching
Natural Resources-Based Recreation and Tourism
• Based on Utah’s natural resources and amenities.
• Opportunities exist for a variety of recreation and tourism-related activities:– Outdoor recreation activities– Festivals and special events– Educational activities– Business opportunities
Trends in Natural Resources Based Tourism
• Develop a Package of Tourism Experiences
• Natural Allies:– Outdoor Recreation– Agricultural Tourism
and Ranch Recreation– Nature Tourism– Heritage Tourism
Outdoor RecreationRemains among the
top purposes for leisure travel in the
U.S.
Almost 80% of tourists say scenery is one of their top considerations in selecting a destination for travel.
Outdoor Recreation Trends 1982-2000
Source: 2000 National Survey on Recreation and the Environment
Fastest growing recreation activities: birding/wildlife observation walking/hiking/backpacking snowmobiling/OHV driving bicycling/mountain biking snow skiing/snowboarding swimming canoeing, kayaking, rafting
Agricultural Tourism and Ranch
RecreationThe act of visiting a working farm, working ranch, or any agricultural operation or business for the purposes of enjoyment, education, and active involvement in a variety of activities and experiences.
Nature Tourism• Discretionary travel to
natural areas that conserves environmental, social, and cultural values, while generating an economic benefit to the local community.
• Nature tourists spend time and money to experience nature and the outdoors, and learn more about a particular destination with a concern for minimum impact and sustainability.
Heritage TourismDiscretionary travel to areas rich in significant cultural and heritage resources worthy of preservation.
It’s Not Just Crops and Cows Anymore!Diversifying Ag-Enterprises for Sustainability
• Potential opportunities in diversifying ag-enterprises for sustainability.– Ag-tourism and ranch recreation– Wildlife activities– Festivals and Special Events– Unique Agri-Marketing
Guest Presenters
• Diane and Jay Tanner, Box C Ranch, Grouse Creek, Utah A Working Ranch nestled in the Grouse Creek Mountains in the Great Basin of remote northwestern Utah
• Troy and Susan Haviland, Haviland’s Old West Adventures “Duding Adventures”—Covered Wagon Rides, Horseback Riding, Chuck Wagon Dinner, and a “Foot Stompin’ Music and Knee Slappin’ Comedy of the Ol’ West” Show.
Guest PresentersRoger, Mike, and Steve Osguthorpe Red Pine Adventures, Park City, Utah
Snowmobile Tours, Sleigh Rides, and Horseback Riding Associated with Park City Area Winter and Summer ResortsRaymond Heaton
Color Country Outfitters and Long Valley Cattle Drive Alton, Utah
Trophy Hunting and an Authentic American Western Cattle Drive
Guest Presenters
• Wes Shields, Private Lands/Pubic Wildlife Coordinator Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Wildlife and Habitat Conservation Partnership Aspects
• Jake and Lenny Harward, Harward Farms, Springville, Utah Unique Agri-Marketing Aspects of Sweet Corn and Hay Production in Utah Valley and Salt Lake Valley
Rhonda Thompson, Executive Director American West Heritage Center, Wellsville, Utah Agricultural and Heritage Festivals and Special Events
It’s Not Just Crops and Cows Anymore!Diversifying Ag-Enterprises for Sustainability
On To The Presentations!
Questions and Discussion
Dr. Steve Burr
Associate Professor of Recreation ResourcesDirector, Institute for Outdoor Recreation and
Tourism Extension Specialist in Outdoor Recreation and Tourism
Institute for Outdoor Recreation and Tourism College of Natural Resources
Utah State University
5220 Old Main HillLogan, Utah 84322-5220Office: (435) 797-7094FAX: (435) 797-4048
E-mail: [email protected]
Visit the IORT Website at www.cnr.usu.edu/iort
Institute for Outdoor Recreation and TourismCollege of Natural Resources
Utah State University