Agritourism is in season!

Autumn is a favorite time to visit farm stands and farms. Hayrides, pumpkin picking, corn mazes, apples and apple cider are some traditions that are part of many happy family memories. Great news!
Sussex County's agritourism is in full bloom.

Sussex...Naturally's writers have had a chance to visit many of the county farms who open their fields and stands to the public. We've talked with the farmers about what it takes to add agritourism to their offerings and what the additional revenue means to their small business. We discovered that beyond the economic benefits, farmers are embracing agritourism for some deeper reasons. Farmers are a passionate group-passionate about agriculture, the land they farm and reconnecting people to their food and how it's produced.
Agritourism accomplishes that and more-adding a vital revenue stream to New Jersey Farms and agriculture.

Long before the first blush of Fall color transforms the landscape, farmers have been planning and planting. Corn, straw, pumpkins, gourds and a bounty of autumn crops have been nurtured throughout the growing season. Apple orchards are tended, the cider press and supplies are check and plans are made to add " a little something special" for this year's visitor to enjoy.

In addition to hosting farm visitors, all the essential farm work must continue to be done. As the final harvest of summer produce is brought in, and one final cut of forage crop is baled and stored for winter feeding, the farmer is also caring for livestock and making field preparations and plans for next year's crop.
It takes a lot of passion, preparation and dedication to bring food to our tables!
Farming is both a business and a lifestyle.
Agriculture in New Jersey contributes significant dollars to our state economy. Farming also contributes significantly to our environmental health. This is not a 9-5, M-F career. So what makes someone choose farming over other professions? It's hard to put into words without sounding poetic or philosophical-but here are some of the reasons straight from the farmers: independence, heritage, respect for nature, stewardship, challenge, being part of the cycle of life, the diversity, personal pride and satisfaction, seeing the fruits of your hard work and knowing you're contributing back.  There you have it!

As for the farmers themselves...they are an unusual and special breed- a cross between traditional values and contemporary professionalism; independent thinkers/ dependent on the land- keepers of old wisdom, innovators and solution finders... genuine people worth taking the time to get to know.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SUSSEX COUNTY AGRICULTURE
visit the online community of the Sussex County Board of Agriculture: www.sussexcountyboardofagriculture.org (Sites to See section of this blog).
No membership is required to join in. The SCBOA site is a neighbor to neighbor place to share info, ideas...even recipes!

We at Sussex Naturally,  encourage you to plan a family trip to the farm this autumn. Pick a pumpkin, grab a fresh made pie, visit your local farm market or farm- take home family memories that will last long after the season passes.
For a local listing of Sussex County Farms and Agritourism destinations visit: http://www.sussexfarmvisits.com/farmveg.htm

*photos: Nancy Hreha

Some Special Agritourism Events
Event	When	Farm Name	City
Fall Family Fun Weekends	10/10/2009 ~ 10/11/2009	Terhune Orchards	Princeton
Pumpkin & Indian Corn Harvest	10/10/2009 ~ 10/10/2009	Howell Living History Farm, Mercer County Park Commission	Lambertville
Family Harvest Weekend	10/10/2009 ~ 10/11/2009	Four Sisters Winery At Matarazzo Farms	Belvidere
Horse Sleigh Farm ~ PIG ROAST Oct 10th, 17th, 24th	10/10/2009 ~ 10/24/2009	Horse Sleigh Farm	Washington
Horse Sleigh Farm ~ HOT AIR BALLOON RIDES OCT 10	10/10/2009 ~ 10/11/2009	Horse Sleigh Farm	Washington
Peaceful Valley Orchards Annual Pig Roast and Blood Drive!!	10/10/2009 ~ 10/10/2009	Peaceful Valley Orchards	Pittstown
Harvest Weekends - music by The Texas Mountain Band!	10/11/2009 ~ 10/11/2009	Peaceful Valley Orchards	Pittstown
Columbus Day - Hayrides will be available!!!	10/12/2009 ~ 10/12/2009	Peaceful Valley Orchards	Pittstown
Get to Know Your Quilts	10/16/2009 ~ 10/16/2009	Howell Living History Farm, Mercer County Park Commission	Lambertville
Quilting	10/17/2009 ~ 10/17/2009	Howell Living History Farm, Mercer County Park Commission	Lambertville
Fall Family Fun Weekend	10/17/2009 ~ 10/18/2009	Terhune Orchards	Princeton
Family Harvest Weekend	10/17/2009 ~ 10/18/2009	Four Sisters Winery At Matarazzo Farms	Belvidere
Flying Pumpkin Festival to benefit America's Grow-A-Row	10/17/2009 ~ 10/17/2009	Peaceful Valley Orchards	Pittstown
Harvest Weekends - Music by the Great Meadows Band!	10/24/2009 ~ 10/24/2009	Peaceful Valley Orchards	Pittstown
Family Harvest Weekend	10/24/2009 ~ 10/25/2009	Four Sisters Winery At Matarazzo Farms	Belvidere
Murder Mystery Masquerade Dinner	10/24/2009 ~ 10/24/2009	Four Sisters Winery At Matarazzo Farms	Belvidere
Cider Making	10/24/2009 ~ 10/24/2009	Howell Living History Farm, Mercer County Park Commission	Lambertville
Fall Family Fun Weekend	10/24/2009 ~ 10/25/2009	Terhune Orchards	Princeton
Harvest Weekends - Music by the Wallace Brothers!	10/25/2009 ~ 10/25/2009	Peaceful Valley Orchards	Pittstown
Autumn Hayrides	10/31/2009 ~ 10/31/2009	Howell Living History Farm, Mercer County Park Commission	Lambertville
Bacon, Sausage & Scrapple Making	11/7/2009 ~ 11/7/2009	Howell Living History Farm, Mercer County Park Commission	Lambertville
Horse Sleigh Farm ~ LASER TAG INSIDE NJ'S BEST CORN MAZE NOV 7 + 8th!	11/7/2009 ~ 11/9/2009	Horse Sleigh Farm	Washington
Disclaimer: The information provided on this wesite is provided by individual farms. Please be aware that certain products / activities / offerings may be seasonal or dependent on weather, and not available at all times. Please call farms prior to visiting to ensure availability.

* From the NJ Department of Ag