What Is Agritourism? Why We're Inviting You to the Farm

When my family bought the land that would become Mission Farmstead, I thought our biggest job would be farming: raising cattle, caring for the soil, growing good food. I imagined a place where animals could thrive, where the land would be treated with respect, and where we could build something that mattered. But what I didn’t realize right away was that farming today is not just about what you grow or raise. It is about who you invite into the process.

That is where agritourism comes in.

Agritourism is a simple idea, but it has a powerful impact. It opens the gates, invites people in, and helps rebuild the connection between the land, the farmer, and the community. It gives families the chance to experience real farming, not just read about it. And it helps us pass on a deeper understanding of food, land, and responsibility to the next generation.

Here’s what it means to me, and why I believe it will be a vital part of Mission Farmstead’s future here in Cincinnati, Ohio.

What Is Agritourism?

Agritourism is the blending of agriculture and tourism. It means welcoming visitors onto working farms or ranches for educational, recreational, or hands-on experiences. In short, it’s farming that includes the community.

It can take many forms:

• Farm tours
• School field trips
• Farm-to-table dinners
• Community festivals
• U-pick gardens or orchards
• Workshops and classes
• Outdoor family activities
• Educational activities for kids
• Family farm day events

Agritourism bridges the gap between consumers and producers. For me, it’s not about creating a petting zoo or an entertainment venue. It’s about real, meaningful farm experiences that connect people to the land, the animals, and the food system they are part of.

As someone building a regenerative ag farm, I see agritourism as a way to demonstrate our values in action. Regenerative farming is rooted in healing — healing the land, the soil, and our food systems. By welcoming others in, I can show what that healing looks like, one pasture, one tour, and one conversation at a time.

In short, agritourism is a great way to learn about farming through hands-on events, educational tours, and seasonal experiences at an ag farm in Ohio, where families can explore farm life up close and connect with the principles of regenerative agriculture.

Why Agritourism Matters

Agritourism matters because most people today are disconnected from where their food comes from. It’s not just a talking point. It’s a real problem. And it’s one I want to help fix.

Most kids have never stood in a pasture, touched healthy soil, or seen animals raised on grass-fed principles. Most families shop for food in a store, wrapped in packaging, with no idea of the work, care, and stewardship behind it.

When I imagine opening the farm to visitors someday, I’m not just picturing a tour. I’m inviting people into a bigger story:

• A story of regeneration: Healing land that has been worn down
• A story of responsibility: Raising animals humanely and with respect
• A story of community: Feeding people in a way that supports local health and the local economy

This story isn’t theoretical. It’s lived out through the regenerative principles we plan to follow — rotational grazing, composting, cover cropping, and caring for every square foot of soil as if it matters. Because it does.

These are the stories that change how people think about food. And they are stories worth telling. Agritourism allows us to share these values firsthand, creating moments that stay with people long after they leave the farmstead. 

Whether you’re searching for things to do with kids near me, hoping to visit a farm near me, or just curious about farming life, agritourism invites you in.

How Mission Farmstead Will Practice Agritourism

We are still early in our journey, but here’s what agritourism will look like on our farm as it grows:

School Field Trips

Once the land and infrastructure are ready, I plan to invite local schools to see firsthand how regenerative farming works. Kids will get to learn about pasture rotation, soil health, animal care, and why farming matters, not just from a textbook, but by seeing it come to life. I want these visits to be both fun and eye-opening. There’s no better classroom than a field.

Farm Tours for Families and Adults

In the future, I hope to welcome families, neighbors, and curious visitors to walk the land, meet the animals, and ask questions about what it means to farm sustainably. If you’re looking for farm experiences near me or farm activities for kids, we hope to provide a meaningful answer. These tours won’t be scripted or polished. They’ll be real and honest, focused on learning, sharing, and sparking new ideas.

Farm School for Homeschool Kids

Once we’ve found the right educator to partner with us, I’d love to offer a farm school for homeschoolers. These sessions will use the land as a classroom — combining nature, practical skills, and character-building. The goal is to give kids a chance to learn by doing and take ownership of their growth. Imagine a farm day where a child learns to care for a chicken, plant a seed, and build a compost pile.

Seasonal Farm Festivals

I’d love to celebrate the changing seasons with on-farm events that bring people together: harvest celebrations, pasture walks, and educational workshops focused on everything from composting to cooking with local meat. These moments can create tradition, foster pride in local agriculture, and bring fresh energy to the land.If you’re ever looking for a farm festival near me or an ohio farm to visit, we want to be the farm you think of.

Agritourism is not something I plan to add on top of the farm work. It will be woven into the mission. Not a sideshow, but part of the story.

Why I Believe in Opening Our Farm

When I was growing up, farms were not places people visited casually. They were workplaces, often closed off, sometimes intentionally private. And I get why. Farming is hard, and it’s personal.

But at Mission Farmstead, I want to do things differently.

I want people to see the work that goes into raising ethical, grass-fed and finished meat. I want to build trust by showing our practices openly. I want to create space for learning, questions, and connection. And I want my kids, and other people’s kids, to grow up understanding what it means to care for land and animals.

Regenerative farming isn’t just a method. It’s a mindset. It’s about giving back more than you take. That’s what I hope people experience when they visit someday. Not just the mechanics of farming, but the heart behind it.

Most of all, I want to create a farm that serves not just my family, but the community around us. A farm that welcomes visitors, teaches new things, and inspires change.

How You Can Be Part of the Agritourism Movement

If you have ever wondered where your food comes from, agritourism is your invitation to find out. Whether you live in the city, the suburbs, or nearby in the country, there is something powerful about stepping onto a farm and seeing it all firsthand.

• Visit a local farm like ours (we’ll announce our visiting schedule soon!)
• Bring your family to a farm tour or event
• Encourage your child’s school to partner with local agriculture
• Support farms that are doing things transparently and responsibly

Every time you step onto a farm, you help rebuild the relationship between people and the land. You become part of a movement that values community, connection, and care.

The Future of Agritourism at Mission Farmstead

Agritourism is not a side project for me. It will be part of how I fulfill my mission.

I believe farms should not just feed bodies. They should feed minds, hearts, and communities.

By opening the gates and welcoming you in someday, I hope to create a place where people can see, learn, and reconnect: to the soil, to the animals, to the work, and to the people behind their food.

This is just the beginning. I look forward to the day when I can welcome you here.