With fewer people growing up on farms, agritourism can be an excellent way for farm visitors to connect with where their food comes from and with Iowa’s agricultural heritage. While inviting visitors to the farm is a valuable experience for both farmers and the public, some risks are associated with the practice. 
A free, online course from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach’s Farm, Food and Enterprise Development team is available to help those with on-farm visitors regarding risk management and liability concerns.
“Risk management is an important consideration on every farm, especially those who invite visitors on their property,” explained Kendra Meyer, agriculture and natural resources extension specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach. “Mitigating risk on your farm ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.”
The course contains seven different modules, each discussing a different aspect of risk management for farms with on-farm visitors. Each module contains a video, short activity and a brief quiz, and modules can be completed at your own pace.
Topics covered include:
- Loss Control and Identifying Hazards in Agritainment.
- Beyond the Fine Print: Considering Legal Risks for Specialty Producers.
- Farm Emergency Preparedness Training.
- Protecting Animals and Humans from Biosecurity Risks.
- Food Safety Best Practices: Food, Farm and Consumer.
- Navigating the Food Licensing Process to Farmers Interested in Developing Value-Added Products.
- Pesticide Safety/
While inviting the public to a farm can be rewarding for both visitors and farmers alike, it is essential to be aware of risks and safety concerns, and to have a plan in place to mitigate these risks. To sign up for the free, online course, visit https://store.extension.iastate.edu/product/15787.
Photo Credit: Aleksei Potov/stock.adobe.com
Author:
Kendra Meyer
Agritourism
515-294-9483
ksmeyer@iastate.edu