On August 14th, over 40 attendees participated in an agri-tourism bus tour hosted by the Delaware Farm Bureau and University of Delaware Cooperative Extension. The tour highlighted innovation and entrepreneurship in agriculture by visiting four unique agri-tourism operations across Northern Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Southern New Jersey.
Taiesha Hyacinth, who recently transitioned into agriculture, said the tour was especially valuable to her, “since making a recent career shift into agriculture, cultivation has become as essential to me as breathing. Opportunities like the bus tour are invaluable because they allow me to hear directly from producers and growers about their operations, techniques, and experiences.”
Creativity and adaptability were the common themes among the farms visited, each offering experiences that connect the community with local agriculture.
Duffield’s Farm & Market, located in Sewell, NJ, is a family-run farm offering fresh, locally grown produce alongside homemade baked goods and deli items. Open year-round, Duffield’s features seasonal activities including pick-your-own strawberries, apples, and pumpkins, as well as hayrides, corn mazes, and festive events. The farm has expanded its offerings over time to include birthday parties and a popular farm camp, a concept established by a younger family member now managing the camp. Community involvement is encouraged through events like a scarecrow contest, where nearby schools create scarecrows displayed on the farm and customers vote on their favorites. The farm’s year-round operations are sustained by its deli and bakery offerings.
Linvilla Orchards in Media, PA, is known for a wide variety of fresh fruits such as strawberries, cherries, apples, peaches, and sunflowers, as well as baked goods like pies, donuts, and breads. Visitors enjoy pick-your-own fruit, hayrides, animal visits, pony rides, and seasonal festivals, making it a premier family-friendly destination. At peak season, Linvilla Orchards welcomes 20,000 to 30,000 visitors daily. The farm continuously seeks new ways to innovate and expand, including a recent “sit ‘n sip” picnic experience, a concept introduced by a younger family member, to offer visitors a unique way to enjoy the farm.
Mood’s Farm Market in Mullica Hill, NJ, is a family-run farm offering an extensive selection of locally grown fruits including cherries, berries, peaches, and grapes. Their market also features homemade apple cider and cider donuts. The farm is known for its wide range of you-pick options, now offering over 180 varieties of crops chosen in response to customer demand. Patti Mood shared, “you just try something, and if it fails, it fails; if it kind of works, then you tweak it and try again.” This philosophy reflects their commitment to innovation and adapting to customer preferences.
Ramsey’s Farm in Wilmington, DE, offers fresh seasonal produce, Wagyu beef, and a variety of locally grown plants. Welcoming 400 to 500 visitors daily in the fall, the farm is a seasonal attraction featuring hayrides, a corn maze, pumpkin picking, barnyard animals, and festive activities like pumpkin painting and bonfires. Recently, Ramsey’s opened a new location in Pennsylvania called New Roots. Stewart Ramsey emphasized the importance of creativity, noting the success of new offerings such as goat yoga, and said, “Your possibilities are limited by your imagination.” He also highlighted the value of building strong customer connections by sourcing local products to create a convenient, one-stop shopping experience.
To wrap up the day, Hyacinth reflected on how meaningful the experience was as a new business owner. “With affordable farmland becoming scarce and conventional practices dominating much of U.S. agriculture, connecting with these individuals is vital—not only to learn, but also to grow and carry forward their knowledge for the next generation of agricultural enthusiasts. This tour was particularly meaningful because I am no longer just a consumer, but a business owner. I was extremely grateful to hear from farmers who have excelled in this craft.”
From scarecrow contests to goat yoga, the tour showcased just how creative and essential local farms continue to be in our communities. To learn more about Delaware Farm Bureau and upcoming events, visit defb.org.
