This Week's Herman Trend Alert Talent Production and Attraction in 2015

The Herman Trend Alert May 20, 2009 Agri-tourism on the Rise Prompted by the lack of money to spend on vacations, people around the world will turn to agri-entertainment and -tourism—new, highly consumer-focused types of agriculture. These areas may offer additional options for diversification and add stability to farm incomes. To attract these tourists, farmers have invented a wide variety of "entertainment farming" options. Many of us who live in the United States visited Amish farms as children. These working farms featured animals that those of us who lived in cities had never seen in person. Other types of working farms open to the public include those displaying historical re-creations, crop art (including mazes), pick-your-own (u-pick), and herb farms. One unique installation is the "little village" in Stanhope, Iowa. Run by the Carlsons, the tiny community includes a school, general store, church, livery stable, and blacksmith shop. All of the buildings are constructed one-half to two-third scale. Darren Schmall, a California farmer, originated the concept of the "Pizza Farm". A subset of crop art, one field is devoted to a circular arrangement of crops and animals that all represent ingredients. The circle features pie-shaped wedges of pepper plants, wheat, and tomatoes. Other sections house hogs and cattle (representing sausage and cheese). Reportedly, this kind of agri-entertainment is the one of the fastest-growing types of crop art. For example, a Viking farm and archeological theme park in Lerje, Denmark draws locals and tourists who spend as much as a week living on site to take part in the activities. Some farms have additional forms of entertainment onsite, including wagon- or hay-rides, horseback riding, vineyard tours, wildlife watching, skeet shooting, and even the opportunity to personally participate in farm activities. Still another category of agri-tourism is "farm schools/workshops/educational activities". Offering everything from afternoon courses to short-term workshops and full-scale, accredited courses of study, farm schools accommodate interns or apprentices, and some charge tuition for the learning opportunity. Some farm schools are geared toward residential living for people with developmental disabilities. Many small herb or vegetable farms offer classes in cooking, arranging flowers, or making herbal medicines. Our forecast: agri-tourism and -entertainment will increase substantially this spring and summer and stay popular into the fall. Some unemployed individuals will choose to be agri-entrepreneurs to take advantage of this growing trend. Long-term, college and university agricultural programs will also benefit. © Copyright 1998- by The Herman Group, Inc. -- reproduction for publication is encouraged, with the following attribution: From "The Herman Trend Alert," by Roger Herman and Joyce Gioia, Strategic Business Futurists. (800) 227-3566 or http://www.hermangroup.com. The Herman Trend Alert is a trademark of The Herman Group, Inc." IS YOUR EMPLOYER AN EMPLOYER OF CHOICE®? Our effective, onsite seminars, workshops, and consulting can help you get there. We offer 1-, 2-, 3-hour, and full-day programs to help you communicate what it takes to become an Employer of Choice® and inspire your folks to get it done. In the future, being an Employer of Choice® will not be optional. Call Carol at 336-210-3547 to arrange a no-obligation conference call. Email info@EmployerOfChoice.com for more information. Or order the electronic version of the Employer of Choice book on your desktop for only $17.80 @ http://hermangroup.com/store/books_all.html#2. EMPLOYERS AND JOBSEEKERS: MARK YOUR CALENDARS Advertise at or attend VetJobs Virtual Career Fairs. VetJobs, the top veterans' job board, and PSI, the premier diversity job fair producer, are teaming up to launch these VeteransCONNECT events. Early employer registration is now open with employer loading by February 15th. Candidate loading begins March 1st. They anticipate 25-30 employers and have an attendee goal of 2,000 skilled jobseekers. Promoted extensively, early registration for this event begins is open NOW. To register or request additional information, please contact VetJobs at 877-838-5627 or e-mail info@vetjobs.com; they will forward an electronic flyer right away. Employers: Mention the Herman Trend Alert to receive a Bonus. CALCULATE THE HIGH COST OF YOUR EMPLOYEE TURNOVER With our Bliss-Gately tool, you can calculate the many hard and soft costs, down to the last penny. Great for justifying your investments in retention! At only $249/computer or $999 for a 6-site license, it is a real bargain! Visit http://www.hermangroup.com/store/software.html to order yours today! Herman Trend Alerts are produced by the Herman Group, strategic business futurists, Certified Management Consultants, authors, and professional speakers. New subscribers are welcome. There is no charge for this public service. The Herman Trend Alert is received by over 30,000 subscribers in 78 countries, in addition to other websites and printed magazines. Do you enjoy receiving this weekly e-mail update? Contact us about our co-branded Trend Alert service. Click here to sign up for the Herman Trend Alert. Subscribe or Unsubscribe to weekly Herman Trend Alert View this week's Herman Trend Alert Archived Weekly Herman Trend Alerts

[ Home · About · Products · Resources · Media ]

Web site design by WebEditor Design Services, Inc.