Agritourism is a burgeoning industry in Maryland. It refers to activities held on a farm for education, recreation, or active involvement in the farm operation beyond the farmer’s everyday farming activities. It’s an opportunity for the public to visit a farm, learn more about agriculture and just have fun in an ag setting. The Farmyard in Parkton has made agritourism an integral part of its operation.
“My family has been dairy farming for four generations,” Renée Wilson says. “We purchased the 40-acre farm next door in 2021. We use about 10 acres for programs for the public.”
Renée, her parents, Steve and Kelly, and her sister Haley have always enjoyed educating the public about agriculture and finding unique ways to showcase the industry. Renée participated in leadership roles in FFA, the Maryland Dairy Princess Program and 4-H. “When I was a teen, we took a few of our cows to a local studio for a Turkey Hill commercial and it sparked my interest in telecommunications,” she says.
That led her to earn a degree from the University of Florida specializing in News. During her time as a reporter, she recognized misconceptions and misinterpretations regarding the agriculture industry and farmers and knew she could have a positive impact. “I wanted to provide an authentic source of agriculture for the public and took this goal back to the farm, Renée says. “My dad and I started working on projects that we thought the public would enjoy. We know the best conversations about agriculture occur directly between the consumer and farmer.”
The Farmyard has a host of activities with fun for everyone. For horse enthusiasts, they offer riding lessons, equine classes and trail rides. For those looking for hands-on educational classes, there’s everything from a pig class for kids to gardening. Plus, Haley leads a livestock program that teaches children about animal husbandry, nutrition, handling and care. The Farmyard also holds school field trips or travels to local schools and libraries for events. They also host birthday parties and season events like Tractor Day, Easter Egg Hunt and Fall Days. In 2024, the livestock program enabled 50 children to show at local fairs; and the farm provided over 950 riding lessons; taught more than 5,500 children through its programs; and had up to 450 visitors daily at each of its special events.
“I’ve always had a passion for agriculture education and communications, but agritourism and ag involvement bring a completely different dimension to the table,” she says. “I wanted to give people the same experiences and appreciation for farming that we had growing up. Our team loves to get creative and create memorable opportunities.”
Yet, life on the farm does have its challenges — the hardships of COVID, a relocation, a rebuild, a barn that blew down in a storm, an attempted rezoning request; and now, proposed powerlines that would route through The Farmyards’ horse pasture, corn and soybean field, and path that is used for all event hayrides, trail rides and field trips. “With the proposed route, people will not be able to access that back part of my property without walking or driving under the lines,” she says. “I also have a lot of questions about how it will impact the health of our animals and visitors. Yet, we will remain diligent, creative and dedicated to providing authentic agriculture experiences and a positive relationship between consumers and farmers.”
Despite any obstacles, The Farmyards continues to inspire and thrive through resilience and creativity. Their commitment to education, innovation and community strengthens the bond between farmers and consumers, paving the way for a brighter, more connected future.
Hungry for more? Read about the proposed powerlines.
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