Agritourism: A New SD Trend
Local News
by
Stephany Beshara
last edited on
Friday, March 12, 2010
Even during this rough national economy, South Dakota and the Black Hills have faired well, specifically when it comes to western South Dakota’s biggest source of income, tourism.
But, tourist dollars only go so far, which is why a group of farmers and ranchers are trying to create a new kind of tourism.
It's called agritourism, turning area farms and ranches into more tourist friendly, profitable businesses.
It can be anything from trail rides to pumpkin patches.
Those at the South Dakota Stockgrowers Association say this is one way to bring tourist dollars to parts of the state that normally doesn't benefit.
Silvia Christen, from South Dakota Stockgrowers Association, said, "We would really like to help them get out in to the rural areas and get some of that economic development, the money that is coming in to the area help push that into the rural communities as well."