As the days grow shorter, and the leaves begin to don their vibrant hues of red and gold, the arrival of fall in Wyoming signals more than just a change in seasons. For many families across the state, it's a time of anticipation and preparation for a cherished tradition – hunting season. But for the Ferree family, this season holds a deeper meaning. It's not just about bagging trophies; it's a family event that encompasses camping, bonding, outdoor education, and a commitment to wildlife conservation and community support.
For the Ferree family, hunting isn't just a sport; it's a time-honored tradition passed down through generations. Every fall, they gather together to embark on a hunting adventure that strengthens their bonds and connects them with nature in a profound way. It's an opportunity to share stories, knowledge, and experiences that span across decades.
Central to the Ferree family's tradition is the commitment to teaching their children about the great outdoors and hunting safety. This hands-on education involves teaching the next generation about the importance of firearm safety, wildlife conservation, and ethical hunting practices. These lessons instill a deep respect for the environment and the animals that inhabit it. Respect for the animals is at the heart of the family's hunting tradition. They understand that taking an animal's life is a solemn responsibility and a privilege. They aim for clean, humane kills and make sure no part of the animal goes to waste. This respect extends to the animals they choose to harvest, always following ethical and sustainable hunting practices.
Hunting isn't just a recreational activity; it's a way to put food on the table. The meat they harvest during hunting season becomes a vital source of sustenance for their family throughout the year. But it doesn't stop there. They also make it a point to donate a portion of their harvest to those in need within their community.
While hunting is often misunderstood as detrimental to wildlife conservation, they actively engage in practices that contribute to the preservation of Wyoming's natural beauty. They adhere to strict bag limits, follow regulations, and support organizations dedicated to protecting wildlife habitats. For them, hunting is a way to actively participate in the ecosystem's health and balance.
For the Ferree family, the arrival of fall in Wyoming represents much more than just hunting season; it's a time of togetherness, education, and service. Their tradition embodies the essence of responsible and ethical hunting, emphasizing the importance of passing down knowledge, respecting the environment, and giving back to the community. In a world where our connection to nature often dwindles, families like the Ferrees remind us of the deep-rooted bond that can be forged through a shared love of the outdoors and a commitment to stewardship.
There’s a new business in town! Pat & Amy Currie opened Bluff’s Bakery and Currie’s Dining in Pine Bluffs last year and it has taken off. The restaurant is located in the old Rock Ranch location, with a beautiful remodel that is incredibly inviting. The bakery portion offers excellent breakfast/lunch and bakery options during the morning and lunch hours, and then moves to the other side of the facility where it offers an evening dining experience with options from steak to pork ribeye.
The Curries decided to begin this new endeavor because they were ready for a change from full-time health care and to be around more locally for their kids and community needs. They wanted a nice place to eat that was family-friendly. “Pine Bluffs is a great place and we wanted to make it even better and keep people from having to commute for good food!”, said Amy.
Before opening, Curries took on the big task of remodeling the space. Doing most of the work themselves, they spent nearly 5-months completing their vision. Amy commented “Opening one restaurant is hard enough, but we went big and did two! It was quite an endeavor. Much of the equipment needed retrofitting and cleaning and/or we had to purchase new. The biggest success was just making people happy and filling a community need. We are proud to sponsor a multitude of school and community events. This type of involvement is our passion, and we love to help!”.
Family is Currie’s main focus and has been key in starting their business. All their children have committed significant time to the remodel and now work side by side with their parents running both the bakery and restaurant. “They have learned so much right alongside us pursuing our dreams. We hope to leave them a wonderful legacy that they can pass down to their children.”, said Amy. Currie’s offers a full-service bakery and coffee shop with a drive-through. They are available to cater weddings and other special events. Their restaurant is available to host parties of all kinds and meetings. The steakhouse/family dining offers a casual dining experience with classic American dishes, multiple steak options, and seafood. The address is 711 Parsons St. in Pine Bluffs and their phone number 307-245-9353. Call or stop by to experience this amazing new business.
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It’s that time of year when warmer weather, the end of the school year, and more hours of daylight have us ready to hit the road and explore the country. As the pandemic days slip further behind in our rearview mirrors, travelers are seeking new experiences. Among those novel experiences is a new boom for the travel industry and a way for farmers and landowners to bring in extra funds – agritourism. Agritourism, which involves traveling to rural areas to experience farming, ranching, food production, wineries, and rural culture, has become increasingly popular in recent years. In 2022, the agritourism industry was valued at $58.8 Billion; it’s expected to surpass $100 Billion by 20281. With people looking for unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences, there are several forms of agritourism that can help landowners generate additional income. Here are the top agritourism trends to watch out for in 2023.
Sustainable and Regenerative Tourism
In 2023, travelers will be more conscious of their environmental impact and seek sustainable and regenerative tourism experiences. Agritourism, with its focus on farming, food production, and nature, is an ideal sector to embrace sustainable tourism practices. Farms and rural communities can reduce their carbon footprint by using renewable energy sources, reducing waste, and promoting eco-friendly practices. Regenerative tourism, which goes beyond sustainability by actively restoring ecosystems and communities, is also gaining traction. Agritourism can help restore ecosystems and biodiversity by supporting regenerative agriculture practices, which aim to improve soil health and increase biodiversity. Example: Willow-Witt Ranch, Ashland, Oregon
Wellness and Health Tourism
Current trends for health and wellness have also spilled over to the travel industry. Agritourism provides a unique opportunity to connect with nature and promote physical and mental well-being. Farms and rural communities can offer a range of wellness experiences, such as yoga retreats, meditation workshops, and farm-to-table dining experiences. The health benefits of spending time in nature are well-documented, and agritourism can provide travelers with the opportunity to disconnect from the stress of modern life and connect with the natural world. Example: Hidden Villa, Los Altos Hills, California
Experiential Travel
2023 will see a continued shift towards experiential travel, where travelers seek authentic and immersive experiences. Agritourism provides a unique opportunity to connect with local communities and experience their way of life. Farm stays, where travelers can stay on a working farm and experience daily farm life, are becoming increasingly popular. In addition, culinary tourism, which involves experiencing local food and drink, is a growing trend in agritourism. Farmers markets, food festivals, and farm-to-table dining experiences are all ways to immerse yourself in local food culture.
"Agritourism is beneficial to landowners and local communities alike as it connects the consumer to the resource. Many folks have never stepped foot on a farm or have seen where their food comes from," says land broker and RLI member Jeremiah Thompson. "Agritourism creates the opportunity for the public to get a first-hand look at how their food is grown and gets to their table. Many small farms offer the opportunity to pick your own produce and have it prepared on-site, offering a true farm-to-table experience." Example: Blackberry Farm, Walland, Tennessee
Community-Based Tourism
In 2023, community-based tourism will continue to grow in popularity. Community-based tourism involves working with local communities to create tourism experiences that benefit everyone involved. Agritourism provides an opportunity for farmers and rural communities to work together to create unique and authentic experiences that showcase their way of life. Community-based tourism can also help to promote cultural exchange and understanding, as travelers learn about local traditions and customs.
Resources
For owners looking to keep their lands as ranches and farms, generate income, and help the community and public connect to the land, there are many resources available. Agritourism is popular enough that state tourism and agriculture offices offer guides on how to launch a successful agritourism business such as these handbooks from Kansas and Oregon.
Agritourism is poised for growth in 2023. As travelers seek more authentic and immersive experiences, agritourism destinations that offer a range of activities and opportunities to connect with the land and local culture will continue to thrive. By staying on top of emerging trends and investing in the needs and desires of their guests, agritourism businesses can build a loyal following and contribute to a more sustainable and vibrant future for the industry.
If you're looking to invest in land, find a land professional, such as a member of the REALTORS® Land Institute, with the expertise to guide you in making the best buying decisions.
1 From imarcgroup.com