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: steve.burr@usu.edu

Visit the IORT Website at www.cnr.usu.edu/iort

Institute for Outdoor Recreation and TourismCollege of Natural Resources

Utah State University