Insuring Your Agritainment/Agritourism Operation

For modern farmers, opening the barn doors to the public for Agritainment (or Agritourism) has become a source of revenue. Activities like corn mazes and pumpkin patches diversify income, but they also introduce a massive increase in liability exposure that your core farm insurance policy was never designed to cover.

The critical question is not if you need specialized coverage, but which coverage you need to close the gaps in your existing policy.

The Farm Policy Blind Spot

Standard Farm and Ranch Liability policies are designed to cover accidents related to traditional farming activities. They protect you from claims related to planting, harvesting, and routine operations.

However, most traditional policies include specific exclusions for commercial or non-farming activities for which the public pays a fee. When a visitor pays to enter your property for entertainment, you take on the responsibility to proactively search for hazards and protect them from harm.

This is where a specialized Agritainment Liability endorsement becomes essential.

Protecting Specific Agritainment Attractions

The level of risk—and the corresponding coverage needed—varies dramatically based on the type of activity you offer:

1. Hayrides, Sleigh Rides, and Farm Tours

These activities involve transportation and moving equipment, which brings significant risk.

• Key Risk: Injury to guests due to equipment failure (tractor or wagon), driver negligence, or falling off the ride.
• Coverage Focus: You need premises and operations liability that specifically covers the use of the wagon or sleigh to transport guests, especially since hayrides that go off-premises may require higher-level commercial auto coverage. Waivers are not always enough to protect the farm if negligence is proven.

2. Corn Mazes, Pumpkin Patches, and U-Pick Operations

These are considered premises liability risks because they involve high foot traffic and environmental hazards.

• Key Risk: Slips, trips, and falls on uneven terrain, hidden holes, or poorly lit areas.
• Coverage Focus: Your policy needs strong Premises Liability to protect against claims from customers who are injured while navigating the maze, picking produce, or falling on the property.

3. Petting Zoos and Animal Interaction

Introducing guests to animals brings unique risks related to animal behavior and disease.

• Key Risk: Animal bites, kicks, or communicable disease exposure from animals that you own, such as goats or horses.
• Coverage Focus: You need an Animal Liability extension that covers third-party bodily injury and property damage caused by your animals.

4. Concessions, Food, and Beverage Service

If you sell products—from jam and fresh produce to hot dogs and beer—you assume a new risk category.

• Key Risk: Foodborne illness, contamination, allergic reactions, or injury/damage caused by an intoxicated guest.
• Coverage Focus: You will need Product Liability (for food/goods sold) and, if serving alcohol, Liquor Liability.

Steps to Minimize Agritainment Risk

Obtaining the right policy is only one step. Your insurance carrier will look favorably on businesses that actively manage risk:

1. Conduct a Risk Assessment: Identify every hazard for every single activity, from your parking lot to the petting zoo area.
2. Use Clear Safety Signage: Post rules and warnings appropriate and tailored to each activity (e.g., “Caution: electric fence”).
3. Document Everything: Keep detailed records of safety inspections, staff training, equipment maintenance, and any minor injury/incident.
4. Review Exclusions: Work with an experienced agent to explicitly identify the gaps in your current farm policy and purchase a customized Agritainment plan that plugs those holes.

Don’t let a season of fun become a year of financial stress. We specialize in tailoring agritourism policies to protect your farm’s unique blend of agriculture and entertainment.

Ready to secure your peace of mind before opening day? Contact Hitchings Insurance for a risk review today.