As traditional agriculture faces labor shortages, aging farmers and economic pressure, a growing number of Mississippi farms are turning to agritourism to stay afloat. By welcoming visitors for hayrides, corn mazes and school field trips, farms like Seward Farms in Lucedale are creating jobs, educating the next generation and boosting local economies.
Seward Farms, a third-generation operation, has expanded its business model over the past 20 years by opening its gates to thousands of tourists each season. What began with a single corn maze in 2002 now includes more than 20 activities, a seasonal event calendar and an event venue that seats up to 500.
“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,” said Susan Seward, who co-owns the farm with family members.
Farms grow more than food
Mississippi has more than 31,000 farms covering 11 million acres, but 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.
“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 said.
She said students learn about the crops grown on the farm — peanuts, cotton, corn, wheat and oats — and what they are used for. In the fall alone, the farm hosts around 10,000 students.
That educational mission has taken on greater urgency as the average age of a Mississippi farmer reached 59.6 in 2022, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
A boost to local economies
The shift to agritourism has also become an important local economic driver, according to Seward. 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 said 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 said their presence contributes to the broader local economy. She said out-of-town guests often stay in Lucedale or eat at local restaurants, generating revenue beyond the farm itself.
Building community connection
While agritourism contributes to economic development, visitors say it also helps bring people together.
Kerry Lion, who lives in Pass Christian, has been bringing her grandchildren to Seward Farms for five years. She said the farm is one of the few places where children can 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.”
Seward said 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.
