Workshops for outdoor business owners & landowners coming to two locations
By Ryan McGeeney
U of A System Division of Agriculture
Jan. 31, 2017
Fast Facts:
- Workshops in Alicia and Morrilton
- Opportunity to learn about business planning, liability and habitat management
- Registration for either workshop $30 for individuals, $50 for couples
(446 words)
LITTLE ROCK — Arkansans interested in earning additional income from farm or agricultural land, recreational property or timberland are invited to either of two workshops from the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture in partnership with Mississippi State University and the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute in February and March.
Becky McPeake, extension wildlife specialist, said rural entrepreneurs in Arkansas have a number of opportunities to make a little extra money from land resources they typically take for granted, whether in the Delta or the hills.
“Many landowners already know that hunters are willing to lease land for the hunting opportunity,” McPeake said. “How much you can charge depends on the types of services you provide, habitat quality, number and quality of game species, the distance to urban areas, and other factors.”
The Advanced Outdoor Business Workshop for Landowners is scheduled for Feb. 23 at the Stan Jones Mallard Lodge in Alicia. The workshop will offer attendees the opportunity to talk directly to experts and business owners, learn about different outdoor businesses, and gain insights into developing a business plan, legal liabilities, marketing and more.
Agritourism, agritainment, and nature tourism are other types of outdoor businesses that are increasing in popularity, said Bryce Baldridge, Lawrence County agriculture extension agent.
“Even if you already have a waterfowl lease or another type of outdoor business, this workshop can serve as a refresher, or offer new ideas for expanding your business,” Baldridge said.
“Not everyone is successful,” Baldridge said. “We typically advise anyone interested in starting an outdoor business to start small.”
“It takes a certain type of individual, plus an understanding of liability and insurance. We recommend preparing a business plan and understand your market first, to help determine if an outdoor business is for you,” McPeake said.
The Business Workshop for Landowners is scheduled for March 9 at the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute in Morrilton. The workshop, in partnership with the institute, will cover some of the same topics, but will focus on habitat management for forest landowners.
McPeake said that when investigating entrepreneurial opportunities, landowners should consult with a wide array of professionals for insight.
“Take the opportunity to talk to your local county extension agent, local county forester, a private lands biologist with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, your District Conservationist, and other professionals when preparing your plan,” McPeake said. “Each professional has a different perspective and can assist landowners with writing a plan free of charge.
Registration for each workshop is $30 per individual, or $50 per couple. To register for the Feb. 23 workshop, contact Becky McPeake at 501-671-2285 or rmcpeake@uada.edu. To register for the March 9 workshop, contact the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute at 501-727-6257.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs to all eligible persons without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
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Media Contact: Mary Hightower
Dir. of Communication Services
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2126
mhightower@uada.edu
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