The Pick of the Patch: Agritourism Aids Learning

By Keely Ana Strickland

Louisiana Farm Bureau News

Strawberry season is in full swing and students from across the state have begun traveling to Mrs. Heather’s Strawberry Patch.

For more than 20 years, Mrs. Heather’s has added value to agritourism in Louisiana by serving as a field trip hotspot. Owner Heather Hughes said nothing is more heartwarming than seeing big smiles on children’s faces. Compounding agriculture and tourism helps farmers generate revenue from recreational and educational activities, like “pick-your-own fruit and vegetables” programs.

“It’s not about the adults, it’s about the kids,” Hughes said “The kids come first for us. Everything is about what the kids want to do.”

Hughes has worked tirelessly for years to cultivate a fun-filled, yet educational environment. She believes despite what most adults think, children are always listening and learning. Over the years, many children have even contributed new ideas for Hughes to implement at the patch.

“I had two little boys here yesterday and they were telling me all kinds of other things that I needed to add, such as a fishing pond,” Hughes said. “They give you little ideas that you can do.”

Agritourism has afforded both tourists and residents the opportunity to become involved in Louisiana agriculture. Hughes has continued to enrich the lives of students and parents since the patch opened in 2000.

“This is such an integral part of our culture in Louisiana,” said Arnold Thomas, one of the parents visiting Mrs. Heather’s. “It’s key that students get this experience, especially if they’re not getting that on the home front. It’s great that the school is exposing them to these types of experiences as well.”

Thomas visited on a field trip with his son Caleb’s elementary school. In addition to being a father, Thomas is also an assistant principal and can speak from an educator’s perspective. He expressed his gratitude for experiences like these that children can’t get from an iPad or chalkboard.

“I think that field trips are twofold,” Thomas said. “It serves as an experience for them to be able to get out and enjoy themselves, but there’s always that educational component that’s tied to it as well.”

Thomas explained that field trips to a museum or historical landmarks are great, but there is something unique about children being immersed in agriculture.

“These types of experiences are more hands-on,” he said. “They can get into the rich tradition of the agricultural impacts on our state and what that contributes to our state.”