Haycation Enthusiasts Take Vacation Farm Stays
Agritourism Provides Second Income for U.S. Farmers
Apr 17, 2009
Looking for something a little different to do this summer? A lot of travelers are looking for new and authentic ways to vacation close to home. Many are fed up with the hassles of planning, packing, and spending a fortune. Why not take a haycation – traditionally called a farm stay – and see what living on a farm is all about?
What Is A Haycation?
Haycations are rural vacations where visitors spend a few days (or more) learning all about farm life. The popular practice in Europe is called agritourism, and it's catching on in the United States, especially for the traveler on a budget.
The benefits of a haycation work for both the farmer and the tourists. Despite stringent insurance requirements and staying abreast of health codes, the option to allow visitors to work on the farm and learn about agriculture provides the farmer with an extra means of income. But learning how to grow crops and tending livestock isn't the only 'entertainment' farmers have to offer. Children and adults learn to milk cows, gather eggs, pick vegetables, and clean barns, too.
If the idea of doing chores does not appeal to the city-bred tourist, then farm haycations have alternative benefits to offer. Visitors may only want some time to sit back and relax, and soak in the country atmosphere. Still other guests might have a more purposeful agenda: For the artist and photographer a farm provides a bounty of inspiration, and writers most certainly enjoy the peaceful tranquility.
Benefits of A Haycation
- Learn about agriculture, organic gardening, and how a farm is run.
- Show financial support as well as appreciation for US farmers.
- Children learn where food comes from before it's processed and packaged for the grocery store.
- Farm work provides excellent health benefits, especially exercise.
- Rural atmosphere provides a peaceful escape from city stress.
- Guests can see livestock animals up close.
- Some farms have petting pens where small children can pet animals.
- Visitors learn all about farm machinery.
- Guests learn about wildlife, natural resources, and the preservation of the Earth
Guests stay in the farmhouse, a bunkhouse, or perhaps even a guest house on the farm property. Depending on the type of farm and how much the person wants to 'get involved' in the work, guests should inquire about what to wear. Jeans, sturdy shirts, and boots are generally acceptable when tending animals and working in the fields. If one doesn't want to invest in boots, then a good pair of sturdy walking shoes and heavy socks will do, especially if horseback riding is part of the plan. Leave jewelry and cell phones in the house.
Consider the Non-Beneficial Elements of a Haycation
- If one does not have the proper clothing, especially for helping out on a livestock farm, then a shopping trip for the proper attire will cause added expense.
- Allergies to animal dander, hay, wildflowers, dust, and/or weeds may be reason enough to find another type of vacation.
- Fear of large animals may keep one off a ranch or livestock farm, but it's still possible to enjoy the view of cattle grazing from a distance. Visiting a produce farm or berry farm is a great alternative.
- Very small children have to be watched constantly around animals, tools, and machinery. Guest quarters may not be childproof.
Types of Haycation Farms and Estimated Cost
- Livestock Farms. Cattle, horses, goats, pigs, chickens, sheep, just to name a few choices.
- Produce or Field Farms. Vegetables of a specific kind or a variety, depending on the area.
- Nut Farms and Other Crops. Pecans, peanuts, cotton, and more.
- Berry Farms. Every kind of berry, especially strawberries and blueberries.
- Tree Farms. Apples, peaches, citrus, and many other fruits.
The cost of a haycation depends on the type of farm, guest accommodations, and services offered. Some farms offer cooking classes, and farm workshops. Other farms might offer basic horseback riding or roping demonstrations. Guests might have complete kitchens for cooking meals while other farms provide meals based on what's available from the garden. Costs vary considerably, but figure at least 75.00 per person per night. Some places may charge 600.00 or more per week to stay in a guest house.
Haycationing provides visitors with the opportunity to get involved in farm life. Depending on the type of farm visited, guests can help with everything from grooming horses and feeding cattle, to picking berries, corn, or peaches. Consider the environment before taking a haycation and any additional costs. Farmers enjoy teaching others about agriculture and rural living. Visitors can expect to learn a lot while enjoying the fresh air and having a great time.
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