Spring Break
Colorado farms, ranches benefit from Western appeal
CSU agricultural sciences look for money to flow from agritourism, agri-tainment
Erin Smith
Issue date: 3/23/09 Section: News
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During an educational seminar on agritourism in Colorado's Agricultural Research, Development and Education Center in Fort Collins, forward-thinkers discussed the scope of tourism based on agricultural resources and its potential in Colorado.
"It's to help (students) understand the modern complexity of agriculture and what it's going to take in the future to stay profitable," said Kraig Peel, doctor and co-director of the Western Center for Integrated Resource Management graduate program, adding that agritourism is just another piece of that complexity.
The WCIRM, which sponsored the event, incorporates concepts from multiple disciplines to teach a broad view of agriculture, Peel said.
Gary May, the owner of May Farms in Byer, said he opened a 10,000-square-foot event center on his land three years ago in order to maintain his family's hold on it as Denver began to crawl eastward. May spoke at the conference about his business, several marketing strategies and the entertainment options that many farms and ranches can offer to visitors. Listing activities like archery, fly-fishing or hunting, May coined the activities "agri-tainment."
He added that his event center often hosts weddings, corporate retreats or Quinceañeras, a coming-of-age ceremony in Latin culture.
"It's all over the chart, and it's all ag-tourism," May said.
"If you embrace what is unique in a community … people want to visit that," said Dawn Thilmany McFadden, a professor of agriculture and resource economics who spoke at the seminar.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Andrew Cobosco
posted 4/29/09 @ 7:01 PM MST
Gary May is a crook! He lies about his us of tax wright offs for his own personal use and he screws everyone over. Gary May is scum of the earth!
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