Right: A young girl rides a tricycle during a visit to Gross Farms near Sanford Tar Heel Travels Agritourism A rising number of farmers  are welcoming tourists  for fun and profit By Bill F. Hensley

The world should have learned a long time ago that you can’t outsmart a good farmer. How, pray tell, are you going to get the best of someone who earns his living off the land, working with his hands and by the sweat of his brow?

 In farming, often there are times when growing crops, raising livestock and selling to the public has its problems. When the going is tough, a farmer knows how to cope. And coping they are in North Carolina on long-standing spreads from the mountains to the coast. That’s because the agricultural industry — though still strong — isn’t as profitable as it once was, making other income sources necessary for survival.

The situation brought out the best in our farmers and has given rise to a new cash crop in the Tar Heel state, long noted for its great agricultural products and successful farming. It’s called “agritourism,” and it’s a way for farmers to show off their farms, sell their crops, crafts and goods while educating — and in some cases, entertaining — an inspired, interested and curious public.

“Agritourism has been a godsend to many of our farmers,” says Martha Glass of Raleigh, manager of a special new marketing office for the state’s Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. “By catering to visitors, our farmers are making additional income while the industry, as a whole, is not enjoying a prosperous time.”

Glass says that there were more than 100 farms in the state that are available for farm tours. And what could be more fun than for young and old alike to experience the “Old MacDonald” atmosphere of a working farm — the backbone of our existence — and enjoy a field of dreams through a day in the country.

At these designated farms, visitors may start off with a hayride or a wagon ride; see cheese being made; feed a variety of animals, including horses, cows, sheep, goats and chickens; pick their own fruits and vegetables; select a Christmas tree for the holiday season; watch tractors till the soil; learn how crops — cotton, corn, tobacco, peanuts and soybeans — are grown; and take home bags full of fresh-grown produce, jams and jellies. At some farms, there is also horseback riding, fishing and camping.

“And all the while they are learning about farms and farm life,” Glass says. “It is a fascinating experience for everyone, and farms visits are becoming very popular. Some of the larger operations host thousands of guests during a year’s time.”

As visitations increase, modern facilities are being added for the convenience of guests, such as picnic tables and restrooms — even classrooms. And some of the farms offer delicious home-cooked, family-style meals that feature locally grown produce and meats.

“All of this makes for a pleasant day and a unique learning experience,” Glass offers. “It’s no wonder farm visits are catching on so fast.”

Darnell Farms near Bryson City is an innovator in farm tours. The owner, Jeff Darnell, is a genial host who is quick to relate the farm’s history and delve into colorful stories of mountain lore. In addition, he is planning a workhorse event for May 21-23 for about 30 teams of horses, mules and oxen, demonstrating how they work the fields. Each year he stages a “Stawberry Jam” and a Timberfest, to the delight of spectators.

Skytop Orchards in historic Flat Rock has operated for more than 20 years by David Butler and his family. The orchards feature 25 varieties of apples that are available from late August through October, and visitors can watch cider being made. There are also pumpkins, grapes and peaches in season, and picnic tables that offer scenic views of the surrounding mountains. Children love to play with a goat named Daffodil and feed the ducks, geese, chickens and sheep.

Down east, Mike’s Farm near Beulaville, in Onslow County, is open year-round. The former tobacco farm specializes in educational projects that emphasize rural lifestyles from past to present. Mike Lowe and his wife, Theresa, host a variety of hayrides, cookouts, birthday parties and reunions, all with an agricultural theme.

At the Vollmer Farm near Bunn, in Franklin County, you can pick your own strawberries and buy wholesale produce. In the fall, there is a festival especially for the younger set with a variety of rides, entertainment, animal attractions and Halloween fun.

A longtime favorite is the Goat Lady Dairy 10 miles north of Siler City in Randolph County. The goat cheese made here is sold at farmers markets in Greensboro and vicinity and can be purchased on the site. Owners Steve and Lee Tate, and Steve’s sister, Ginnie, the Goat Lady, also feature dinners during the year.

“We are embarking on a campaign to promote all of the in-state farms that welcome guests,” Glass explains, “because visits are educational, enjoyable and have become a major economic factor for our people.”

The late humorist Irving S. Cobb would be proud of the many farm tours throughout the state. Long ago he used to josh with the state’s agricultural leaders, telling them that tourism was the way to go. “It’s a lot easier to pick a tourist than a bale of cotton,” he would grin, “and twice as profitable.”

For more information on North Carolina farm tours, visit www.ncagritourism.com.

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