By Andi Anderson
Agritourism is rapidly growing in Ohio, offering farmers new opportunities to diversify and sustain their businesses. Jeff Probst’s family, who has owned farmland in Warren County for 85 years, is one of the many success stories in this booming industry.
After decades of traditional farming, Probst and his parents ventured into agritourism about 25 years ago, starting with a you-pick strawberry operation and a small garden center. Despite initial challenges and failures, their efforts have paid off, turning their farm into a thriving business.
Today, Probst's Blooms & Berries farm market offers a variety of attractions, including you-pick berry patches, a petting zoo, a beer garden, and an on-site bakery.
Probst's family was at the forefront of a trend that has seen the number of agritourism operations in Ohio nearly triple between 2002 and 2022. By 2022, nearly 900 farms in Ohio were generating income through agritourism, more than any other Midwestern state.
The growth of agritourism in Ohio can be attributed to several factors. Many farms are at an inflection point, facing shrinking profit margins from traditional crops and the challenge of sustaining multiple households.
Agritourism offers a way to diversify income streams, allowing farmers to find new revenue opportunities without the need to expand land holdings, which has become increasingly difficult as suburbanization spreads.
Ohio's steady population growth and the increasing difficulty of purchasing land have also contributed to the rise of agritourism. The industry has proven to be highly profitable in the state, with income from agritourism operations jumping more than 1,000% over the past two decades to exceed $32 million.
The appeal of agritourism extends beyond traditional farming families. Jason Pratt, a retired Marine, turned to agritourism after moving back to Fairfield Township, Ohio.
He started with beekeeping and honey production before expanding into blackberry farming. His Indian Springs Berry Farm is now a bustling hub for families eager to pick their own fresh, juicy blackberries.
Agritourism isn't limited to food production, either. Anne Sullivan, who operates a flower farm near Cincinnati, has big plans for the future. While she currently sells bouquets at farmers markets, she envisions hosting photo shoots, bouquet-making nights, and even weddings on her farm as part of her agritourism venture.
As Ohio's agritourism industry continues to grow, more farmers and newcomers alike are finding ways to diversify their operations and connect with their communities. The future looks bright for this vibrant and expanding sector.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-livingimages
Categories: Ohio, General, Rural Lifestyle