Farmers Turn to Tourism to Offset Rising Agricultural Costs

As agricultural operations grapple with increasing costs, some farmers are supplementing their income by offering vacation rentals and tourism experiences on their properties. Lynette Ralph, who runs a horse ranch in Missouri, provides cabin rentals and activities such as feeding horses and riding lessons. She stated that the income generated from these short-term rentals has been crucial for her ranch's continued operation.

"If I didn’t have the short-term rentals associated with the riding program, I would have to probably liquidate, sell the horses, sell the property," Ralph said.

To further support this trend, Airbnb and the American Farmland Trust have launched a new grant program designed to help farmers generate additional revenue through tourism. According to data cited in an Airbnb report, farm households where farming is the primary occupation reported a median loss of approximately $2,800 from agricultural activities in 2024. David Haight, vice president of programs at American Farmland Trust, noted that diversifying income streams can help farm families navigate financial challenges.

"Many families are looking for ways to diversify income, and so bringing people out to the farm or ranch for some is a way to help bring in other dollars," Haight said.

Demand for farm stays has seen a notable increase, with Airbnb reporting a 61% rise in online searches for farm stays in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period last year. In 2025, U.S. farm stay hosts collectively earned nearly $120 million, with the typical host earning around $8,000. These figures represent gross earnings before expenses.

Gilda Lyon, a farm stay host in Georgia, has used the income from her rentals to invest in improvements, including building a greenhouse and expanding her herb and blueberry operations.

"The extra income actually has allowed me to invest, in many improvements and to expand the opportunities available for guests," Lyon said.

The "Farm to Stay" Grant Program, a joint initiative by Airbnb and the American Farmland Trust, plans to award between 25 to 30 grants of up to $10,000 each. Applications for the program are set to open in November. Haight indicated that these grants could assist farmers with various improvements, such as renovating barns for events, installing new fencing, or preparing accommodations for guests.

Beyond individual farms, the program aims to stimulate rural economies by encouraging visitors to spend money at local restaurants, shops, and other businesses. Ralph emphasized that hosting guests has allowed her to continue her passion for horses and preserve her beloved property.

"The short-term rental has totally facilitated my being able to stay here and do the things that I love," she said.