VACATION FARMS 

 by Leslie Criswell 



An increasing number of rural people are 

 opening their homes tx) guests who are willing to pay 

 for vacations in the country. Extra bedrooms in the 

 home, or cabins, can attract interested families who 

 enjoy vacations in the wide 0{>en spaces where there 

 is an opportunity to observe farm and ranch operat- 

 ions, ride horses, take leisurely walks, and commune 

 with nature. 



A vacation farm is a privately owned farm 

 which provides guests with sleeping and eating acco- 

 modations as well as vacation activities. Some vac- 

 ation ranches are actually "working" ranches with 

 extra rooms for rent. Many vacation farm and ranch 

 operators start by taking in guests as a "sideline" to 

 commercial operating to supplement the family in- 

 come. A "client" following is usually developed 

 over a period of two or three years. 



Vacation farms have a special appeal to the 

 whole family, a place they can vacation together, 

 where they can relax in a country atmosphere, visit 

 with friendly people, dine on country food, where 

 the children can experience gathering eggs, feeding 

 livestock, becoming acquainted with farm animals, 

 fishing, and exploring country living. A variety of 

 animals, poultry, and wildlife can be a real attrac- 

 tion for children. This can be educational, ranging 

 from developing a sense of responsibility to gaining 

 an increased understanding of plant and animal life. 



Demand, convenience, and services generally 

 determine rates that may be charged. Surveys show 

 rates range from about $35 to $60 per week for adults 

 and from $20 to $30 for children. Where separate 

 housing is included in the available facilities it is 

 usually rented without meals. Rates usually vary 

 from $35 to $75 per week. Weekend rates are usually 

 about $25 without meals. Where modern plumbing 

 and electricity are not available, housing usually 

 rents for $15 to $25 per week. 



Trail rides and hayrides are usually a highlight 

 of a vacationers time. Folk -dances and camp-outs 

 have a great appeal. Inexpensive recreation facilities 

 should be added for the enjoyment of vacationing 

 guests. 



Vacation farms should usually be located with 

 ready accessibility to towns where medical services 

 and personal supplies may be obtained and travel 

 needs cared for. Living quarters located on an all- 

 weather road is desirable. 



Liability protection and safety are very import- 

 ant considerations. A complete set of records is a 

 necessity for private use and for tax purposes. 



CONSERVATION BENEFITS EVERYONE: 



1. CONSERVATION adds BEAUTY to all the 

 land. 



2. CONSERVATION provides RECREATION 

 for all of the people. 



3. CONSERVATION provides WILDLIFE 

 habitat. 



4. CONSERVATION increases the potential 

 for FISHING AND HUNTING. 



5. CONSERVATION benefits LIVESTOCK. 



6. CONSERVATION is the insurance policy on 

 NATURAL RESOURCES for future genera- 

 tions . 



7. CONSERVATION benefits the LANDOWNER. 



8. CONSERVATION benefits the OPERATOR, 



9. CONSERVATION helps BUSINESS ESTAB- 

 LISHMENTS to thrive. 



10. THE FRUITS of CONSERVATION are 



HARVESTED by EVERYONE. —Arkansas 

 ASWCD Newsletter. 



TAILGATE - MY CREED, MY CONSCIENCE — 



I am a Soil and Water Conservation District 

 Supervisor. I serve all the people of my locality 

 to insure the wise and responsible development of 

 our natural resources. I am not paid for my time, 

 but I am compensated in the knowledge that my ser- 

 vice is important to future generations. I have help- 

 ed to change the face of our nation by healing the 

 wounds inflicted from irresponsible action. I have 

 helped to make American agriculture the most ad- 

 vantageous in the world. By practicing conseri'ation 

 on my land, I have shown others how to develr p theirs. 

 By serving on my District Board, I have give a my 

 fellow farmers and ranchers an opportunity to obtain 

 advice and technical assistance they would net have 

 had otherwise. My District is a legal sub-di.ision of 

 state government, and my actions are in the bc;st 

 interests of the people. I am proud that my r«ei's 

 saw fit to elect me to this position of responsibility. 

 I am a Soil and Water Conservation District Super- 

 visor. 



Wyoming District Newsletter "From the 



Ground Up". 



