From Farm to Experience: Building Agritourism Success
Discover how agritourism can transform your farm into a thriving, diversified business. Shipley Farms, a 153-year-old family farm in the Western North Carolina mountains, has evolved from a legacy of Hereford cattle, sheep, and tobacco into a modern, value-added operation centered on their Signature Beef brand. Since 2014, the family has successfully integrated tours, events, hospitality, and lodging to support their brand and generate supplemental income.
In this unique workshop, participants will join one of Shipley Farms’ standard tours and experience agritourism in action. The tour will be followed by an open, candid discussion covering what’s worked, what hasn’t, and key lessons learned along the way. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand, this session offers practical insights and real-world inspiration to help you grow your own agritourism venture.
Speaker(s): Gray Shipley, Shipley Farms
Pre-registration through the Caldwell Community College Small Business Center is required. Click here to register
Format: In-Person @ Shipley Farms 1699 Linville Creek Road, Vilas, North Carolina - look for signs for parking and farm store.
Cost: Free
Co-hosted in Collaboration: NC Cooperative Extension, EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems and Caldwell Community College Small Business Center
N.C. Cooperative Extension prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and veteran status. Individuals with disabilities are invited to request reasonable accommodations to participate in Extension sponsored programs and events. Please contact the county Extension office or campus department offering the program at least 14 days prior to the event to make arrangements.