Agritourism Boosts Economy and Education in Lucedale
The Rise of Agritourism in Mississippi
As traditional agriculture faces challenges such as labor shortages, an aging workforce, and economic pressures, many farms in Mississippi are finding new ways to sustain their operations. One of these strategies is agritourism — a growing trend that allows farms to welcome visitors for activities like hayrides, corn mazes, and school field trips. This shift not only helps farms stay afloat but also creates jobs, educates the next generation, and boosts local economies.
Seward Farms: A Model for Agritourism
Seward Farms, a third-generation operation located in Lucedale, has been at the forefront of this movement. Over the past 20 years, the farm has transformed its business model by opening its gates to thousands of tourists each season. What started with a single corn maze in 2002 has now expanded into more than 20 activities, including a seasonal event calendar and an event venue that can accommodate up to 500 people.
Susan Seward, who co-owns the farm with family members, shared her perspective on the importance of agritourism. “Educating the public about farming and getting the word out there — and also making a very cool, awesome place to come and play … really brings everybody together,” she said.
Educating the Next Generation
Mississippi is home to more than 31,000 farms covering 11 million acres, yet few residents have regular contact with agriculture. At Seward Farms, children from prekindergarten through high school visit on field trips to learn how food is grown and harvested. Students gain insight into the diverse crops grown on the farm, including peanuts, cotton, corn, wheat, and oats, and how these products are used in everyday life.
“They learn about what we do here, how we are very diversified here on our farm, and how all of that rolled in together actually makes their day a lot easier,” Seward explained. In the fall alone, the farm hosts around 10,000 students.
This educational mission has become even more critical as the average age of a Mississippi farmer reached 59.6 in 2022, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Boosting Local Economies
The shift to agritourism has also become a vital economic driver for the region. Seward Farms hires about 80 employees each fall, plus 50 more for seasonal events like Haunted Nights. Additional staff are brought on for spring and winter attractions, including Spring on the Farm and Breakfast with Santa.
“We never have enough time,” Seward said. “The cattle have to be fed every day and watered every day when the crops are ready to be harvested.” She added that having extra hands during tourist season helps balance farm operations with visitor demands.
Many visitors travel an hour or more to reach the farm, and Seward noted that their presence contributes to the broader local economy. Out-of-town guests often stay in Lucedale or eat at local restaurants, generating revenue beyond the farm itself.
Building Community Connections
Beyond economic benefits, agritourism also fosters community connections. Kerry Lion, a resident of Pass Christian, has been bringing her grandchildren to Seward Farms for five years. She praised the farm for offering children a rare opportunity to interact with animals, see crops growing, and learn about rural life in a hands-on way.
“I think it’s bringing alive something that you don’t normally get to see anywhere else,” she said. “It’s a great opportunity for kids to experience other animals too that they wouldn’t normally get to see.”
The farm also serves as a social hub for people from different areas and backgrounds. “It’s a big community event — whether it be the hayrides or getting to know people,” she said. “It’s a great opportunity to meet new people.”
Katelyn Hager, a first-time visitor from Mobile, Alabama, said Seward Farms reminded her of growing up in the Midwest. “Being here just is like a feel of home,” she said. “Every child kind of needs something like this. It’s like a typical fall fun activity, so I feel like it’s actually fun for any age.”
Diversifying Income and Fostering Awareness
Seward emphasized that agritourism helps farms diversify their income and agriculture. Facing pressure from consolidation, climate change, and urban sprawl, agritourism offers farms a rare opportunity to diversify their income while also fostering public awareness and support.
This approach not only sustains individual farms but also strengthens the agricultural sector as a whole. By engaging with the community and educating visitors, farms like Seward Farms are ensuring that the future of agriculture remains vibrant and relevant.
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