Welcoming guests onto your farm can strengthen community ties, build customer loyalty, and bring in extra income. But whether you’re hosting harvest tours, u-pick events, or school groups, preparation matters.
These six must-haves for hosting visitors on your farm will help ensure safety, comfort, and a smooth experience for everyone involved.
1. Clear Visitor Parking
Guests need to know exactly where to go the moment they arrive. Poorly marked or inadequate parking creates confusion and can block equipment routes or emergency access. Designate a gravel or mowed area with clear signs at least 30 feet from the main road.
If you’re expecting more than ten vehicles during peak hours, consider bringing in a volunteer to help direct traffic and keep the flow organized.
2. Handwashing and Restroom Access
Every visitor expects clean and accessible restrooms, especially families with young children or school groups. Portable toilets alone won’t cut it. At a minimum, install one handwashing station with running water, soap, and paper towels.
Check and restock restrooms every two hours during visiting hours. Keeping things sanitary isn’t just courteous; it’s also a health requirement and one of the most commented-on details in online reviews.
3. Signage That Works
Chalkboards and handwritten signs may look quaint, but they’re often hard to read or weather-prone. Durable, easy-to-read signage should mark parking, entry points, restrooms, and major activity zones.
Include your hours and pricing in bold near the entrance. Color-coding signs by area—such as produce, animals, or tours—can help guests navigate without constantly asking staff for directions.
4. Safe and Walkable Paths
Even short distances can feel unsafe if the ground is uneven. Establish walking paths that are at least four feet wide, using bark mulch or packed gravel for traction and drainage.
Be sure to fence off irrigation ditches, animal enclosures, and machinery storage. Gates should stay latched between groups, and any potential hazard should have a visible warning sign.
5. Visitor-Friendly Merchandise
Selling farm goods adds revenue and gives guests something to take home. Set up a small display with easy-to-grab items like local honey, canned goods, or small CSA boxes. Here are some tips for farmers packaging organic products to consider: use compostable containers for produce when possible, and label all items clearly with both the harvest date and farm name.
Replenish stock every Saturday morning and track which items sell best. Over time, this can become your most profitable visitor-day setups.
6. Staff and Safety Briefings
Anyone working on visitor days should know emergency protocols. Hold a five-minute meeting before opening to cover child safety, animal behavior, and first-aid basics. This discussion prevents confusion and ensures quick responses in case of an unexpected issue.
For farms larger than five acres, use two-way radios rather than relying on cell service, which can be unreliable.
Reliable Safety Is a Must-Have
Hosting families, school groups, and tourists is a privilege and a responsibility. These six must-haves for hosting visitors on your farm are more than conveniences. They help protect your guests, your team, and your reputation. If you’re cutting corners in any area, it may be time to reevaluate before your next open gate.
