Agritourism BRIDGING GAPS With

The Farmyard, located in Parkton, Maryland, is a place where visitors can gather to experience a rural way of living alongside owner Renee Wilson. “Agritourism is my full-time job and lifetime passion,” she shares. Growing up on a farm, Renee always had the support from her parents to pursue her dreams in agriculture. “My parents had two daughters,” she notes. “I see it as a blessing because we didn’t have a brother to do the ‘hard jobs’. We, as females, were empowered by others in the industry. We were expected to do all of the same things and work smarter.”

Renee is a Farm Credit Farmers on the Rise award recipient. “I’m grateful and humbled to be chosen,” she shares. “This was my second year applying and my situation drastically changed from the year prior. While hearing the stories from other participants, my perspective shifted from competitive to appreciative. The honor has incentivized me to ‘keep going’ and encourage other young farmers to pursue their goals.”

Renee is utilizing the award funding for construction of a 40' x 60' metal pole building with two “lean-tos”. The barn provides a dry storage space for hay and feed, as well as box stalls to separate animals. This allows her to remain operational all year-long.

She has found that the farm not only inspires her but others in her community, some with no prior agriculture knowledge. “It has become clear to me that The Farmyard is so much more than just a business,” she expresses.

“It’s having a real impact, creating a place for agriculture and our community to succeed.”

From caring for horses and donkeys, feeding cattle and goats, to community gardening, Renee is developing a classroom experience for visitors to gain much needed knowledge about how farmers work and crops grow.

Renee utilized tools from Farm Credit to create her business plan. “My family has conducted business with Farm Credit for decades and we appreciate the guidance they offer,” she shares. “Having a personal relationship with a trusted source has helped my operation tremendously,” Renee shares. “We’re growing rapidly, and I look forward to expand in years to come.”

You can find more information about The Farmyard on their website, thefarmyardllc.farm