Farmers across Utah are facing a challenging financial year, but a new grant program aims to provide much-needed support by encouraging agritourism. The "Farm to Stay" grant program, a collaboration between Airbnb and American Farmland Trust, offers for-profit farms up to $10,000 to develop on-site lodging options.
Caroline Scheidell with the Utah Department of Agriculture described the difficult circumstances for farmers, citing rising fuel prices and increasing costs for nearly every operational aspect. These financial pressures are compounded by an unprecedented drought, wildfire issues, and recent hailstorms, which have led to significant crop losses and made it challenging for many farms to maintain profitability this year, according to Scheidell.
Scheidell suggested agritourism as a practical solution to help farmers generate additional income. She noted that this includes any activity designed to attract visitors to a farm, such as seasonal corn mazes and pumpkin patches. The new "Farm to Stay" grant program specifically encourages farmers to utilize their property for overnight guest stays, particularly as an alternative revenue source when crops are lost.
Ashley Brucker with American Farmland Trust highlighted the financial potential of farm stays, stating that in 2025, a typical farm stay host in Utah earned approximately $8,900. Brucker emphasized that this represents a valuable opportunity for farmers to gain an additional financial cushion, allowing them to use the extra income in ways that best suit their individual farm needs.
To qualify for the grant, farms must demonstrate they have been in operation for at least one year. Applicants must also be a production farm and show a profit of at least $1,000 over the past year. This program intends to help financially struggling farms recover and establish a sustainable secondary income stream.
Beyond the financial benefits, both Scheidell and Brucker underscored the broader advantages of farm stays. Scheidell described them as an engaging way for producers to attract visitors, supporting both in-state guests and drawing out-of-state and international tourists to Utah's agricultural lands. Brucker added that these opportunities allow farmers and ranchers to showcase their dedication, their way of life, and their commitment to land stewardship to a wider audience.
The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) and the Utah Office of Tourism are actively working to support the continued development of agritourism in the state. As part of these efforts, a virtual meeting is scheduled for September 24 at 10 a.m. to gather input from individuals involved in agriculture, which will help guide future priorities and initiatives for the sector.
