The Huron Expositor, 1995-03-15, Page 69Farm Progress '911. -Page 11A
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Agri -tourism, a popular, growing trend in Perth
by Andy Bader
When an urban visitor confused a
dog with a calf, the ball started
In 1993, agri-tourism began in
Perth County after one of the young
visitors to a pork farm saw a dog
roaming around the yard.
"Look at the calf, mommy," the
unsuspecting child said, within
earshot of the host family. Once the
correction was made, and the joking
subsided, an idea was sparked.
Maybe more people should be
shown what fanning, agriculture
and rural life is all about.
Kelly Nicholson, Agri -Tourism
Coordinator for Perth County, said
things have really started to take off
in the year -and -a -half since the
program began. In fact, Penh's
agri-tourism program - which is
really popular in both the United
States and Europe - is seat as a
leader in the entire province.
"It's certainly growing," she said.
"People are interested in their rural
roots - sitting under an oak tree,
hay rides, fresh air, picking your
own corn or apples.....I realize that
sounds funny, but it's true.
"I can really see the potential for
agri-tourism. Tourism is big
business, especially when coupled
with agriculture."
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Nicholson, 24, of RR 2 Moakton,
said the Perth ager -tourism program
is successful due to thcir solid
partnerships with Perth Federation
of Agriculture, women's institutes,
OMAFRA and the Stratford Fes-
tival.
Nicholson admits that joining
forces with the Festival is an "u-
nlikely" partner, "but it'sworked
out really well. They may stay in
the area longer if they're here for
the Festival, which benefits the
entire community."
She added that the partnership, in
that manner, "makes a neat fit",
especially this year when The
Country Wife - which opens June 2
- is one of the Festival's attractions
this summer.
"After you've seen the play,
spend a day at the farm," she sug-
gested.
Agri -tourism as a whole began as
an educational tool. combined with
the obvious economic development,
through the Perth County Com-
munity Development Council. Last
year, the council and Tourism Strat-
ford were able to secure a $24,000
jobsOntario grant for Nicholson's
position, allowing it to grow quick-
ly and strongly both in Perth and
elsewhere.
-see Harvest, page 12A
Perth County's first-ever Harvest Day was a great success last October, and Included displays
at various farm sites throughout the county for people of all ages to Investigate. Above, this boy
takes time to read the Information on this old windrow lifter. (Mitchell Advocate file photo)
Don't forget DEKALB DAYS
MARCH 20 - 25, 1995
Your DEKALB dealer will be holding DEKALB DAYS
from March 20th to March 25th, 1995. Pay for your
seed during DEKALB DAYS and get a 4% discount
on your. order. You'll also get a special edition
DEKALB Collectors Series Cap.
So plan to visit your DEKALB dealer during
DEKALB'DAYS March 20 - 25. Take advantage of
the savings and the special DEKALB cap offer.
DEKALB Canada Inc. 1-800-567-8068