CONGRATS BARN RECIPIENTS!

Kansas Tourism is proud to highlight six remarkable recipients of the 2024 BARN (Barn Adaptation and Restoration Needs) Grant. These innovative businesses are transforming underutilized or historic barns into vibrant agritourism destinations, enriching our state’s rural landscape. From family farms expanding their offerings to breathing new life into historic barns, these grants help bolster local economies while preserving Kansas’ agricultural heritage. Stay tuned as these barns evolve into new spaces for education, recreation, and unique experiences, continuing to make Kansas a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists alike!

AGRITOURISM FAM TRIP

Kansas Tourism is excited to embark on an all-inclusive Agritourism Familiarization (FAM) Trip from October 1-4, where we’ll eat, sleep, and play at registered agritourism locations across Northeast Kansas to spotlight the state's diverse agritourism offerings! This initiative brings travel writers and influencers from across the US to experience Kansas' rich farm-to-table experiences, outdoor activities, and unique agricultural attractions. By sharing their journey, these writers help promote Kansas as a prime destination for agritourism, reaching new audiences and enhancing the visibility of our state's agricultural treasures. This trip is part of Kansas Tourism's ongoing efforts to support local producers and boost rural economies by attracting more visitors to explore the state's rich agricultural landscape. Stay tuned for next month's newsletter to see all the fun locations we visit!

READY, SET, GROW!

Pumpkin season is almost here in Kansas and that means it's time to update our pumpkin patch page. We try to provide visitors with the most up-to-date information about where to visit pumpkin patches in Kansas! Be sure to check out our list and make sure you are on it if you have a pumpkin patch! If you have recently added pumpkins to your operation shoot me an email at kelsey.wendling@ks.gov and we will make sure to get you added!

Are you looking for ways to improve your marketing or small agritourism business but aren't sure how?

We are excited to invite you to participate in the K-State Global Food Systems Seed Grant project, which provides financial support for agritourism operators in Kansas to engage in three different learning opportunities to help you achieve just that!

• Center for Rural Enterprise Engagement Insight Summit (digital marketing online course)
• College of Business Administration microcredentials (business planning and strategic innovation)
• KSU Wildcat Consulting (business development plans). 

To indicate your interest in a learning opportunity and engaging in the research, please click the button below!

For questions, contact either kelsey.wendling@ks.gov or nlhill@ksu.edu

TASTE OF KS ON THE GO!

Kansas Tourism had an incredible time at the 2024 State Fair, where we proudly unveiled the brand-new Mobile Visitor Center! The Mobile Visitor Center will be traveling across the US, bringing the story of Kansas to everyone it meets. A special highlight of the unveiling was the launch of our recipe cards featuring delicious recipes made from Kansas specialty crops. Each card also highlights the wonderful agritourism locations, making it easier than ever for visitors to find you! 

These recipe cards will be handed out at every stop the mobile center makes, sharing Kansas’ rich agricultural heritage far and wide. Whether we’re at a state fair, festival, or event, visitors from across the US will have the opportunity to discover the flavors of Kansas and learn about the incredible agritourism experiences that await them!

RECENTLY ROAMED

Exploring the incredible destinations, you provide is one of the highlights of my job! Getting the chance to visit and experience your locations firsthand helps me better understand your needs and allows me to better market your operations to visitors! In the past month, I had the pleasure of visiting:

Click the link below to discover more!

Prairie Band Ag

If you'd like me to visit your site next, feel free to reach out via email or phone, and I'd be delighted to arrange a visit. Let's discuss how I can further support you and your operation!