Reflections About Opening Our Farm in 2011

This year we opened our farm to the public for group and school tours, birthday parties and ten Open Days. Since this was our first year, we didn’t know exactly what to expect. It ended up being a terrific experience with about 550 people visiting our dairy. With one year of agritourism under our belt, we’re already planning events, displays and activities that will enhance visitors experience next year!

One of our visitors makes a friend in the milking parlor

Duane Hastings, and his 1957 Farmall 450, take visitors on a hayride tour

The hayride was a highlight - Thanks to Duane Hastings and my Dad for driving!

Our 2012 event calendar is posted on the Hastings Dairy website. We have some new events next year such as Cow Tales Adventure & Storytime for children 5 years and under, Cow Camp for children 10 years and under and Dawgs at the Dairy which is a nighttime event where we’ll serve dinner. In addition to these new events, we have some themed open days throughout the season. 

The Junior Dairyman play area is lots of fun!

The dairy products display with the cows being milked in the background

The Dairy Facts display

Our family really enjoyed hosting visitors this year. It was a neat experience to share our farm with others. The visitors seemed to have fun getting up close and personal with our cows and calves and had lots of good questions. We’re located in northeast Ohio, so we had a variety of weather at our events; everything from hot to cold to wet to windy. But even on rainy and cold days, we had a few brave visitors. 

Garrett, Becky Emmons and Jack at the Admissions tent

Our original admissions tent was distroyed by a strong wind after the first open day, so it was replaced by an admissions table. . . .  

Jackie Profera, Joe Profera, Jack and Garrett play cards while waiting for visitors

The swing set was made by Taylor Emmons and Lad put it in the ground

My sons tested all the creations on our farm-themed playground

The original corn box was on the outdoor playground, but it was such a wet year, we had to replace the corn twice because it was getting soaked. So the cornbox was moved to the porch so it would stay dry.....

The cornbox and corn play area on the front porch

My dreams of opening our farm would not have been a reality without the help of many people. Lad’s parents, Duane & Pat Hastings, his brother, Lane, and sister-in-law, Diana, helped build the playground and on our open days. My parents, Tony & Carolyn Souza, Becky Emmons, Jackie Profera and Joe Profera all helped on our open days throughout June, September and October. A special thanks to Taylor Emmons for building a fun playground complete with a water trough slide, tire swings and bridges! My husband, Lad, and everyone who works at our dairy contributed to preparing our farm to host visitors. Thank you!

My Mom and Garrett handling the admissions area

My Dad talks to visitors about the freestall barn during the tour

Last week I received a nice surprise at the dairy. It was a box filled with toy tractors, a skid steer, wagons, and more! This generous gift came from Fred Shohayda owner of Cortland Tractor . He was recently at our dairy and Lad shared with him that we’re opening our farm to visitors. So he sent a box of beautiful new farm toys for children to play with in our indoor Junior Dairyman play area. What a wonderful display of support!

The boys of toys donated by Cortland Tractor

Thank you to all our visitors in 2011. We hope you had a great time and will come back again. We look forward to being open in 2012! 

See you next year!