When you think of non-traditional ways of making money from agricultural products, you may think of jams, jellies and relishes.

But recent projects evaluated by the Agricultural Development Center at The University of Tennessee are related to the growing industry of “entertainment farming.”

This doesn’t mean farming because you enjoy it. It means letting visitors pay you to enjoy something on your farm.

“Your imagination is the only limit,” said Rob Holland, feasibility specialist with the Agricultural Development Center. “Entertainment farms may offer tours, storytelling, Halloween festivals, fee hunting or fishing, camping, farm vacations, petting zoos, pumpkin painting, cornstalk mazes, nature trails and sites for corporate picnics.”

But Kent Wolfe, the center’s marketing specialist, cautioned, “Research has shown that you have to offer something unique to succeed in an ‘agritourism’ business.”

Also critical to success is the adoption of a marketing approach for the business that matches the business identity with the traveling public’s expectations. “Customers aren’t just interested in the produce available,” he said. “They’re interested in the total package. They want special services–not all of which have to be free–plus the friendly, local atmosphere.”

Holland said the center recently assisted dairy farmers Celeste and Albert Blackburn in the evaluation and planning of their Old Mill Pumpkin Patch in Jefferson County. Mrs. Blackburn said, “The ADC’s market research was excellent—a survey of school teachers in the surrounding five counties and a population study within 30 miles of the farm.”

Joel and Sarah Vaden also turned to the ADC for assistance in planning their Windy Knoll Farm in east Knox County. It features barnyard Olympics and a hayride to the pumpkin patch. They also offer a petting zoo of potbellied pigs, goats, sheep and chickens.

Frank and Twilia Preston’s Hillcrest Orchard and Farm Market in Dandridge has long been in “agri-tainment” by hosting school groups. They turned to the ADC this year for assistance in evaluating the feasibility of automating the production of their apple butter and distributing it through chain supermarkets.

The Prestons also recently expanded their agri-tainment farming activities by hosting a two-day festival at their market.

Did this get your creative juices flowing about what you might do on your farm? Visit the Web site of the Center for Profitable Agriculture at <http://cpa.utk.edu/default_1.htm> or call the Center at (931) 486-2777 or e-mail them at cpa@utk.edu