Oct 21 2008
Build a Corn Maze
In yesterday’s blog I mentioned building a corn maze to create income for your farm (agritainment). Since you may not know where to start on a project like this, I’m going to give you a few pointers and places to visit to get “corn maze patterns.”
If you’re worried that you need really high tech equipment and a gps to create your maze, don’t worry. You can create great mazes that will attract people without spending a small fortune.
- First, check with your town’s business office to see if it is legal for you to operate a corn maze and get any applicable licenses first.
- Second, get some free corn maze creating software. You can get this free at Corn Mazes America.
- Third, obtain insurance once you’ve decided the scope of your project. Liability insurance will cover you in case someone gets injured while visiting your maze and surrounding property. Insurance will cost in the neighborhood of $1,200.
- Fourth, decide on a marketing plan to get the word out. Options include ads in local newspapers, fliers, brochures, radio ads and creating a website.
- Fifth, decide if you want to have any additional things to do on your property to increase profits, such as hayrides, pumpkin patches, selling cider, haunted houses or pony rides. You may also need additional insurance if you plan to offer rides of any kind and licenses to sell food if you make it on your property.
- Sixth, decide what to charge for admission. Most farmers charge around $6 per person, and are open on weekends only. Most farmers can expect about 3,000 visitors per 4 weekends of operation.
Think you’re interested in this farm business sideline? The USDA figures there will be a 30% growth in the agritourism industry over the next 10 years. Find more resources for this project at these websites:
Precision Corn Mazes - when you want to hire someone to do this for you
~~Charlotte
