Economic Development
Developing Strong Communities and Leaders
Dan Allen
Agritourism Planning
First Impressions
Recent trends in our area indicate there is a great interest in agritourism operations as family-friendly events and educational opportunities. Farmers in our county are realizing there are economic opportunities in agritourism. Also, Kenton County has a very underutilized recreational resource in the Licking River.
Positive economic impact for agritourism operators. Allow entrepreneurs to create recreational opportunities along the Licking River.
Marketing of agritourist attractions in Kenton County. Assist recreational entrepreneurs as they explore possibilities.
Continue with the annual Kenton County Farm Harvest Tour, and Today's Heritage Farm Tour, and survey of the landowners along the Licking River.
Initial Outcome: Increased revenue for Farm Tour participants, and start up a local agriculture tourism organization.
Indicator: Start up new ventures and continued interest in the Farm Tour.
Method: Survey
Timeline: Ongoing, September 2017, September 2018
Intermediate Outcome: Opportunity for agritourism expansion.
Long-term Outcome: Reliable family farm income.
Audience: Residents of Kenton County
Project or Activity: Bull Soundness Exams
Content or Curriculum: Farm Demonstration
Inputs: Kenton County Agents
Date: April 2018
Audience: Residents interested in Agritourism
Project or Activity: Field Trips to Agritourism Operations, Kenton County Farm Harvest Tour, Farm Heritage Days
Content or Curriculum: CED Publications
Inputs: Kenton County ANR Agent, and UK Specialists
Date: Various/ongoing
Audience: Equine Owners
Project or Activity: NKY Equine Conferences
Content or Curriculum: One-day Seminar, UK SpecialistsInputs: Ag Agents of NKY
Date: November 2017
Author: Daniel Allen
Major Program: Ag Marketing
A 2016 study by UC Davis about buying directly from farmers has a disproportionately large impact on the local economy. This study concluded that buying directly from a farmer has about twice the impact on the local economy as ending a dollar on food that goes through a middleman—like a supermarket. Saturday, September 16, 2017 was the seventh annual Kenton County Farm Harvest Tour. While there were 16 attraction this year, there were 12 farms that participated in the far