The Agri-Tourist, My Journey Back to Agriculture

Send us Fan Mail

We all know that things happen for reasons.  And many times, those reasons do not reveal themselves until years later.  Kim & Chuck Goodling moved their family from Vermont to Pennsylvania, in order to eventually make their way back to Vermont and find their current historic farm property, Grand View Farm, in Washington, VT. 

Grand View Farm is a diversified Gotland sheep farm, family homestead, and farmstay bed and breakfast. Kim and Chuck focus on restoring and reclaiming old pastures and rebuilding soil health. They raise their animals in the most natural and environmentally sustainable manner possible and passionately mentor one-on-one with other farmers looking to raise sheep.  

Their focus is on the land, livestock, & building local community…Kim describes that these are the 3 ingredients for a thriving farm. I definitely agree with her that community is vital on both a personal and business level and that local interconnections are required in order for any farm to thrive.                 

Kim produces stunning high quality wool products and also offers private fiber art classes and retreats. One theme that I hear from many of the farm families I interview is how integrated their children become in the farm…not by force…but by their own curiosity.  Kim’s desire is to leave her children with a lifetime love of learning. 

Enjoy my conversation with Kim Gooding from Grand View Farm. 

Grand View Farm, VT
Online Farm Store
Grand View Farm Farmstay

Thank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture.  

• Agri-Tourist.com
• HeartBeet Farms
• Instagram
• About Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast Host
• Global Agritourism Network

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of The Agri-tourist Podcast, we are headed all the way to New Zealand with my guest Marijke Dunselman from Agritourism New Zealand.

Originally from the Netherlands, Marijke has lived in many countries and speaks 4 languages, but decided to build her roots in New Zealand, another country I did not know much about until now!

Marijke’s journey starts in marketing, transitions to tourism, and then she takes the leap of faith and launches her own tourism and eventually agritourism business.  She is the founder of Agritourism.NZ and the Agritourism Academy. Over the past 26 years, she  has worked with hundreds of agritourism operators. Her business is focused on helping farmers to diversify their business through agritourism and helping them market their farms within the tourism industry.  

In addition, she established  the ‘ Agritourism Academy & Community ’ in 2024, a first of its kind.  The Academy is an interactive online community helping farmers and landowners start and grow successful agritourism businesses. It includes all training, planners, resources, networking opportunities, and live sessions.

You can tell, based on her enthusiastic nature and knowledge, Marijke is doing what she loves and is fulfilled when she hears success stories from her farmers. 

Agritourism.NZ
Agritourism Academy

Thank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture.  

• Agri-Tourist.com
• HeartBeet Farms
• Instagram
• About Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast Host
• Global Agritourism Network

Send us Fan Mail

My inspiring guest is Dr. Valeria Klitsounova from Belarus.  Yes, Belarus! That might sound surprising to many, especially during the current times.  But, when given the introduction, I thought this was a very important opportunity to listen and learn.   Obviously my conversation is focused on agritourism. However, the bigger issues of today are at the core of our discussion. Dr. Valeria’s story is truly inspiring and made me stop and reflect on what it means to be an American and how I have access to so many opportunities, especially in business, that I may take for granted at times.

Raised by her aunt and grandmother, Dr. Valeria grew up thinking critically and developed her independence and leadership skills at a young age. She and her husband founded and owned a museum of history and rural culture in Belarus.  The Museum allowed her to share Belarusian history, one of her passions.  After selling the museum, she looked for other opportunities to bring information about Belarus to the world. In 2002, Dr. Valeria introduced the idea of agritourism to Belarus. Her focus was to provide more income opportunities to rural communities throughout the country. She founded the Belarusian Association of Rural and Ecotourism, also known as  “Country Escape,” a nonprofit dedicated to promoting Belarus as a tourist destination. Through her incredible dedication and hard work, Belarus was selected as the Best Agritourism destination in 2016 and 2018 by National Geographic.

When she started Country Escape there were very few farmsteads that supported rural tourism.  Her influence and leadership dubbed her as the mother of agritourism in Belarus. A few years ago, after 20 years leading Country Escape,  the Belarus government required her to close her company, leaving 3000 farmsteads without her support. Now, a few years after closing her company, the tourism industry has under 1000 active farmsteads practicing rural tourism.

Dr. Valeria is now focused on her senior lecturer position at Belarus State University where she instructs students in marketing, advertising, public relations and ecotourism.  In addition, she is on the Board of the Global Agritourism Network.  So, although her company was forced to close, she has continued to pursue what is near and dear to her heart through diverse and impactful means.   

Student travel website
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
Mother of Agritourism in Belarus

Thank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture.  

• Agri-Tourist.com
• HeartBeet Farms
• Instagram
• About Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast Host
• Global Agritourism Network

Send us Fan Mail

I was joined by Beth Kennet, owner of Liberty Hill Farm and a pioneer in the world of agritourism in the state of Vermont and probably worldwide. The farm experience that Beth and her family offer is truly an immersive farm-family experience.  What does that mean?   Well her multigenerational guests, many of whom are returning for over 30 years now with grandkids, truly become part of their 10-room farmhouse in Rochester, VT. That includes eating family meals at the same table every day, sharing food that is sourced from local farms and producers, helping with farm chores, and learning about the real day-to-day tasks of running a dairy farm.                                                               

As Beth describes, it's not unusual for her grandchildren to plop down beside a guest and question them about where they are from or offer them some fresh mint for their tea - that they will run outside and quickly harvest. 

Beth tells us the serendipitous story about how she and her husband Bob found their farm. It’s truly a gem of a story. 

My invigorating conversation with Beth re-affirmed for me my WHY. Why am I so drawn to agriculture and farming?  It’s all about the connections and relationships that it creates.  Beth explained that the connections she has made with people from around the world - her extended family of the heart as she describes -  drives her passion each and every day. Farming and agriculture have sparked so many new relationships for her. And when she connects with people, she has their attention and the opportunity to educate them about the critical importance of KNOWING where our food comes from including the complexities, opportunities and challenges that surrounds that process.

And, as Beth’s home and farm is very much in constant motion and highly energized, this podcast too experiences the high energy environment that Beth thrives in at her farm. Now, let’s hear from Beth, and occasionally from her visiting friend and sister of the heart Lois…

Liberty Hill Farm
Cabot Creamery

Thank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture.  

• Agri-Tourist.com
• HeartBeet Farms
• Instagram
• About Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast Host
• Global Agritourism Network

Send us Fan Mail

The Blueberry Treehouse Farm is a family-friendly, fun, and picturesque event space created by owners Jyl and Rico Rivera in the rural, vibrant community of West Falls, NY (near Buffalo). They have taken a historic farm growing blueberries for over 35 years to the next level by opening it to thousands of visitors.  They combine the farm with their business and passion so visitors can see, experience, and treasure a treehouse for themselves. As parents, the owners of a small business, and creative visionaries, they seek to change the image of a farm to become a cool place to visit often, connect with nature and benefit the entire community.

The farm includes a u-pick organic blueberry farm, The Blueberry Treehouse Cafe, a magical playground (shark and all!), Blueberry Jam concerts...with. more creative fun being planned for the future.

Rico and Jyl have such an amazing energy between them - Rico is the creative contractor while Jyl is the organized implementer and organizer - they compliment each other perfectly.  I had so much fun learning from Rico and Jyl...and I am confident you will too!  Enjoy my conversation with Rico and Jyl!

Blueberry Treehouse Farm
Blueberry Treehouse Cafe
Buffalo Treehouse

Thank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture.  

• Agri-Tourist.com
• HeartBeet Farms
• Instagram
• About Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast Host
• Global Agritourism Network

Send us Fan Mail

It was February 2014 and I left New York in a blizzard, arriving one day early for my first agritourism experience and agricultural chocolate tour in Belize. Our group was staying at the Cotton Tree Lodge in Punta Gorda, Belize.  The hotel was very rustic, located right by the Moho River, surrounded by jungles.

All of our meals were served in the main lodge area.  While eating dinner with some of the other guests, the hotel offered me an upgrade to the jungle cabana for the first night, until joining the rest of the chocolate tour guests.  I hesitated a few moments. I had reviewed the hotel website prior to arriving and recalled reading about the infamous Jungle Cabana, located a quarter of a mile in the jungle, away from the other cabanas. Although I was extremely hesitant spending my first night in Belize alone in the middle of the jungle,  I accepted the upgrade.  I figured that this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience to spend a night alone in the jungles of Belize – what the heck!!!  That is...until the jungle came alive...

Join me as I narrate my first agritourism experience in the Central American country of Belize.  And then meet two women who help manage the Cotton Tree Lodge, one of which was there in 2014 when I first visited.  This trip and my night in the Jungle Cabana at Cotton Tree Lodge certainly produced memories I will never forget!

Cotton Tree Lodge
Uncommon Cacao
Dandelion Chocolate

Thank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture.  

• Agri-Tourist.com
• HeartBeet Farms
• Instagram
• About Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast Host
• Global Agritourism Network

Send us Fan Mail

Dori Scofield is the Founder of Save a Pet Animal Rescue in Long Island, NY - a non profit that has been serving the Long Island community when it comes to dog and cat rescue and rehoming for over 24 years.  Dori’s connection and compassion for animals is and will always be a significant part of her life journey.   I have known Dori for many years - I have watched her lead, innovate, fight for, and be the voice for animals - sometimes vocally but more so through real action.  She most recently manifested her vision  to create an animal sanctuary with the focus on compassion in action for animals facing slaughter. She is putting faces and personalities to these animals.   

Located in Peru MA, Berkshire Farm Sanctuary is spread over 20 acres and is currently the home to several sheep, pigs and goats that are near and dear to Dori’s heart.  Dori has a beautiful farmhouse on the property where guests can stay and connect with the animals and savor the exquisite beauty of the Berkshires.  Dori plans to expand the sanctuary in the coming years to include horses and other animals, host weddings and events, and possibly integrate a thrift store, candle shop, and a place to host local art. However, her mantra in her businesses and many projects has always been that ‘slow and steady wins the race.’ And she is applying that same mantra to Berkshire Farm Sanctuary.   She and her team are focused on creating a sustainable environment for the animals to thrive and happily and healthily live out their lives. 

Berkshire Farm Sanctuary
Save a Pet
Reserve the Berkshire Farm Sanctuary House

Thank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture.  

• Agri-Tourist.com
• HeartBeet Farms
• Instagram
• About Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast Host
• Global Agritourism Network

Send us Fan Mail

I had the pleasure of interviewing Rachael Jones from Locavore Farm.  I have to admit, I didn’t know what Locavore meant before prepping for this interview.  If you don’t know the definition, you will learn about it  real soon!  My interview with Rachel was very compelling.  I related to her on many levels.  

Rachael and her husband had successful careers and lived outside of Chicago raising their kids.  Life was good and starting to go by quickly.  They could have kept this lifestyle going and would have been fine.  But they were unfulfilled in many ways and wanted more out of life.  They took the leap and purchased a farm. That’s a story in itself.  But then they knew they couldn’t sustain a farm through farmers markets and the traditional ‘farming’ means and they also were hungry for community.  So, although there were several financial and regulatory challenges along the way, they embraced agritourism and now bring over 100 guests to their farm on Thursdays and Saturdays to dine on the farm.  This ‘dine on the farm’ experience is truly unique and has created a significant sense of community that is now extending way beyond Illinois and attracting customers from all parts of the country and abroad. Let’s get started and meet Rachel! 

Locavore Farm
Dine on the Land
Farm Stay
Locavore U
Healing Soils Foundation
Potlikker Capital

Thank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture.  

• Agri-Tourist.com
• HeartBeet Farms
• Instagram
• About Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast Host
• Global Agritourism Network

Send us Fan Mail

Will Culler, PhD from Clemson University is the Lexington County Extension Coordinator and also the Director for the South Carolina Ag & Art Tour.  The tour is the largest free farm and art tour in the nation with over 85,000 visitors participating since 2012. The South Carolina Ag + Art Tour is a self-guided tour of farms and markets featuring local artisans at every stop! During the tour, visitors have the opportunity to see first-hand where their food comes from, watch artists in action and purchase their works, enjoy the melodies of local musicians, and learn more about rural life. 

Since Will assumed his Director role in 2019, the tour has expanded into several South Carolina counties.  Will’s agriculture and business background coupled with his focus on education and agritourism makes him the perfect leader to expand the opportunities that the Ag and Art Tour represents and help establish the prototype for communities outside of South Carolina to replicate.  As we discuss, these types of agritourism initiatives bring people together, educate, create connections, and instill a sense of community. Enjoy my conversation with Will Culler and two of his students at Clemson University.

Art & Ag Tour
Art & Ag Tourmap
Will Culler Ph.D.
Clemson University Extension
The Ag + Art Tour, a video
Art & Ag Tour Instagram
Art & Ag Tour Facebook
ACRE - Agribusiness Center for Research and Entrepreneurship (South Carolina Department of Agriculture)
Palmetto Pride, South Carolina’s Anti-Litter Organization
South Carolina Agritourism Association
NAFDMA

Thank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture.  

• Agri-Tourist.com
• HeartBeet Farms
• Instagram
• About Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast Host
• Global Agritourism Network

Send us Fan Mail

My former organic vegetable and sunflower farm had a few revenue channels. The one revenue channel that probably required the most labor was the numerous farmers markets. It was so exciting to make a new connection and add a new market, especially with our mobile farm stand truck. Being a marketer at heart, creating new connections was my favorite part!  

However, I recall the anticipation of market days…waking up super early to harvest, clean, prep, pack the truck, drive to the destination, move all the produce and sunflowers out of the truck to the market destination, setup the market, sell and connect with customers, pack up all the stuff that wasn’t sold, head back to the farm, unpack, sort everything out for donation, sale or compost, and then think about what we needed to prep for the next day.  I didn’t mind the work at all . I actually enjoyed it.  But was it worth the revenue it was bringing in or could my time be used more wisely,...and economically?  The answer was yes and Megan Neubauer describes it perfectly in her book, Pick Your Own Farming, Free Yourself from Farmers Markets and Join the Agritourism Revolution.  Jump right in and learn why agritourism became a no-brainer for her farm and transitioned her to a very profitable Texas farm.

Catchup with Megan, Episode 85.

Pick-Your-Own Farming: Free Yourself from Farmers Markets and Join the Agritourism Revolution!
Pure Land Farm
Pure Land Farm Facebook
Pure Land Farm Instagram

Thank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture.  

• Agri-Tourist.com
• HeartBeet Farms
• Instagram
• About Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast Host
• Global Agritourism Network