What comes next for agritourism in Minnesota? University of Minnesota Extension hopes to gain insights from a survey targeting current and prospective producers in agritourism. Agritourism – the intersection of agriculture and tourism – offers an ever-growing range of options to those seeking to open their farms and property to visitors. “We really want to understand their needs and available resources,” says DeeDee LeMier, Extension educator in community economics and tourism. Across Minnesota, agritourism is following both time-tested paths such as pick-your-own berries as well as innovations like yurt camping on farms. Food- and event-based agritourism like pizza farms and farmstead weddings are growing popular, too. Resources and background on agritourism are available through a multi-agency effort underway in Minnesota. Strategizing on behalf of agritourism are: Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Minnesota Department of Health, Explore Minnesota Tourism, Renewing the Countryside
Compost can be a valuable source of organic matter for farmers. It can improve the soil’s ability to absorb and store water as well as hold plant nutrients. Applied at heavy rates, compost can also contribute nutrients and salts to the soil. When using large volumes of compost, we recommend testing it in a lab first. These tests can help you to make informed decisions about nutrient management and avoid salinity issues. If buying in bulk from a composting facility, growers should ask the seller for a compost analysis report. It can be difficult to understand how the numbers in your compost report from a laboratory should inform management decisions. Our team developed a new webpage to help growers navigate these reports. Check out the page here. Photo: Oregon State University, Flickr