The May 1, 2012 issue of Progressive Dairyman featured an article about dairy operations involved in agritourism through pumpkin patches. Click here to read it. While the idea of agritourism isn't exactly new, the need for a story developed when our editorial team began to realize nearly all of the people featured in "Meet your dairy consumer" last visited a farm by way of a pumpkin patch. Click here to read PD Editor Walt Cooley's explanation. 

The article highlighted the operations of Carlton Dairy Farm in Georgia, Oma's Pumpkin Patch in California and the Maris family in Oregon. Photos used in the article came from Kelsay Farms in Indiana and Stoner's Dairy Farm in Pennsylvania.

The tour also often includes a presentation called "Dirty Jobs with Dr. Lipps," where Colson's sister-in-law Melissa talks about her responsibilities as a large animal veterinarian.

The "fun things" the Colsons provide include a petting zoo, straw maze, a corn box (instead of a sand box) and – the highlight for this kid-at-heart editor – a barrel train.

The barrel train acquisition has a unique story too. Shelley and her husband, Matt, were recognized as Dairy Farmers of America Mideast Area Members of Distinction at the annual meeting in March.

There they met yet another outstanding dairy farm family providing a pumpkin patch, Gunter Farms in Missouri. Lloyd and Jane Gunter, also Brown Swiss breeders, bonded with the Colsons and offered for their son to make a barrel train for Alpine Hills.

The train arrived a month later, much to the delight of a group of youngsters going on a spring dairy tour. The 12-"car" train is able to be pulled by a four-wheeler.

The fall season of 2011 alone brought more than 2,000 visitors to Alpine Hills Dairy Farm. Colson says the family holds regular meetings to brainstorm new ideas and ways to offer an unforgettable dairy farm experience.  

Does your dairy operation host a pumpkin patch or other agritourism activity? Leave a comment below or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to email PD Editor Emily Caldwell.

PHOTOS
TOP RIGHT: Dairy producers across the U.S. have discovered that agritourism through activities like pumpkin patches is a great opportunity to educate consumers about the dairy industry. Photo courtesy of Shelley Colson.

MIDDLE RIGHT: Miss Glimmer serves as the "spokescow" for Chaney's Dairy Barn. Click on the photo to see a video of her. Screen capture from Chaney's Dairy Barn Facebook page.

BOTTOM RIGHT: These two photos depict just a few of the unique activities that Alpine Hills Dairy Farm offers. Photos courtesy of Shelley Colson.