Cedar Rapids Gazette in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Iowa agri tourism draws visitors to farm life experiences

Tourists sample six course farm meals and watch border collies herd sheep at Janet Koehler’s Maquoketa farm. Farmers earn per visitor fees, with typical charges from five to six dollars and higher if food is served. The Silos and Smokestacks sites contribute sixty million dollars annually, while Heritage Farm hosts dinners, wagon rides, and cabins. Local families say the programs boost economic development and let city residents see farming life.