Farmers express views on agritourism
Leroy Abeldt, his wife, and 13-year-old son, Austin, attended the agritourism seminar Friday and Saturday in Tampa.
They have a diversified farming operation about five miles north of Tampa. Hay is a main crop, and they have a large flock of sheep.
Three grown sons also are involved in the operation. They are the fifth generation on a farm which was established in 1903.
The Abeldts have sought additional means to sustain the family farm. They operated a tree farm for a while, and continue to lease land for hunting.
Abeldt sees agritourism as a way to make it possible for all four of his sons to continue on the farm.
He is open to the idea of hosting visitors during sheep-shearing and lambing times and for other farm experiences.
Herb Bartel has worked with land use for 30 years. He lives adjacent to Marion Reservoir and farms organically.
Bartel sees a potential for agritourism in this area.
"I want to see Marion County do this rather than become another suburbia with a house on every five acres," he said.
