Agri-Tourism: Great Way to Diversify

One of the best parts of my job is visiting different customers around the world to learn more about their farming operations and how they are using our products. I like meeting the interesting people, sharing their stories and developing a greater understanding of the variety of agriculture while capturing videos for AGCO’s YouTube channel. I’ve blogged about this topic before and hopefully will continue to do so in the future.

My latest trip to the field brought me to the Heartland of the US, to a very interesting operation near Kansas City, MO. The visit was arranged by Doug Vahrenberg of Vahrenberg Implement, our Massey Ferguson dealer in Higginsville, MO. Vahrenberg not only sells  high horsepower tractors to large-scale grain and livestock operations, but also to homesteaders wanting to do their own lawn maintenance with a utility tractor and to specialty farmers using powerful compact tractors, like the the one I visited.

Owner and head vintner, Al Renner told me why he loved the work he was doing at Albonée Winery, and how he was looking forward to ‘retirement’ so he could work full-time tending his vineyard and making wine for his guests. Al and his wife and partner, Bonnie, have learned to diversify their operations by growing the grapes, making the wine, selling it in their charming shop and even offering quaint accommodations in their lovely Country Inn with a spectacular view of the valley below their farm.

Hear him tell his story in this video, plus take a look at more videos on our YouTube channel to learn why his MF 1643 tractor is an important and reliable part of his operation. Oh, and you’ll also hear why he won’t let his wife, Bonnie drive the tractor.

Tell us about your unique farm and how you have benefited by diversifying your operations by commenting below.