Ag Business Development
- starting a value-added business
- new uses, new opportunities
- business topics
- value-added agriculture topics
Missouri Department of Agriculture
Ag Business Development Division
P.O. Box 630
1616 Missouri Blvd.
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Toll-Free Number:
(866) 466-8283
abd@mda.mo.gov
www.mda.mo.gov
Ag Business Development
Equine
The equine industry in Missouri ranges from hobby horseman to professionals who make their living operating ranches or training horses for show. Horsemanship is a popular project with 4-H and FFA members but can also provide a business opportunity for entrepreneurs. Many entrepreneurs are finding that offering horseback riding lessons, trail-riding opportunities, boarding facilities and reproduction services provide profitable value-added businesses.
Resources:
- Resources for Beginning Horse Owners (American Quarter Horse Association)
- “Unique Niches: Agritourism in Britain and New England” (University of California Extension)
- University of California Small Farm Center and Partners Launch Agricultural Tourism Project has a number of resource guides to help farmers implement agritourism strategies, including “What is Agri-tourism?”, “Top Marketing Ideas for Agritourism Operations”, and “Adding Value and Personalizing Your Services”
- Entertainment Farming and Agri-tourism (Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas)
Associations and Organizations:
- Missouri Equine Council
- American Quarter Horse Association
- American Paint Horse Association
- American Horse Council
- University of Kentucky-Equine Research
Examples of Equine Value-Added Businesses:
- Flickerwood Farms, Inc. & Arena
- Meramec Farm Cabins, also see their article in Horse & Rider Magazine, June 2000
- Green Acres Riding Stables