Know Before You Go

Follow these tips for a safe and enjoyable farm visit.

1. Plan ahead: Before visiting a farm, check their website or social media page, or call ahead to be sure they are open and for important updates about farm activities, picking conditions, etc.
2. Dress for the occasion: Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a good idea during any time of year. Wear hats and sunscreen during hot, sunny weather and warm layers during the cooler season. Stilettos and high heels aren’t the best choice for your visit, as most farms have uneven ground. If you want to wear heels for a photo, be sure to wear comfortable footwear before and after the photo to reduce the risk of an injury.
3. Consider the weather: Depending on the activity, weather can impact your experience. Berry picking is often best early in the day, rather than in the afternoon, especially during hot, humid weather. Many other farm activities still go on rain or shine, so don’t let that deter you! If rain is in the forecast, it’s a good idea to have umbrellas and rain gear with you in case you need them.
4. Best to leave pets at home: Farmers love pets as much as you do, but outside animals are not allowed in the field per food safety regulations to prevent contamination. If you’ve brought them with you, they’ll generally have to wait in the car during your visit, which may not be safe for you pet in hot, sunny weather. Service animals are allowed at
   farms but must be comply with farm regulations and stay in designated areas. Call ahead to ask about a farm’s pet policy, so you know before you go.
5. Not feeling well? If you’re not feeling well, save your visit for another day.
6. Be sure to check in when you arrive: It’s tempting to head to the strawberry field or play area as soon as you arrive but remember that you still need to let the staff know you are there and to get the information you need for a great visit.
7. Follow farm signage and rules: Please respect the farm’s rules and signage, as well as directions from the farm staff. This is essential to ensure you have a safe visit to the farm.
8. Bugs, Bees & More: Insects are a part of farm life, so you may encounter these during your visit to a farm. Bees do the very important work of pollinating plants, so they are often present. If you are allergic to bees, be sure to come prepared in the event of a string. Gnats and mosquitoes can also hang around, especially in u-pick areas. You can bring along bug spray, just in case it’s needed.
9. Respect the farm animals: Many farms have animals as part of the experience. For the safety of both visitors and animals, please follow posted rules and staff instructions. Do not climb into pens, chase animals, or feed them unless the farm specifically allows it. Animals can be easily stressed, so calm voices and gentle behavior help keep everyone safe and ensure the animals stay healthy and happy.
10. Okay to eat? When picking fruit at a farm, know that food safety regulations prevent the consumption of food in the field. It’s best to wash your hands and the fruit before eating it. Most U-Pick farms have washing stations near the check-out area, where you can wash your hands and the fruit.
11. Can we bring in our own food, drinks and snacks? Every farm has different rules, so be sure to check with the staff first. If allowed, there may be designated areas where you can enjoy food you’ve brought with you.
12. Trees, bushes and produce should be treated with care: Follow directions for picking fruit and be sure to ask if you aren’t sure how to do it. Picking produce the wrong way can sometimes damage the tree or bush and affect future crops, so it’s important to follow directions. Be gentle with placing your fruit in the container as it will bruise.
13. Ask questions – Farm staff are there to help and answer any questions during your visit. Just ask!
14. Respect the farm – The farm is often farmer’s home, so please be respectful of their property. Farms are not public parks, so only enter areas that you’ve been invited to visit. Don’t enter houses or other farm buildings without permission. If you’re unsure, ask.
15. Supervise small children – To keep children safe, they should be accompanied by an adult or responsible individual at all times.
16. Be flexible – Sometimes things may not be as you expected, so a little understanding goes a long way. For example, picking conditions or weather can change at any time, so even though you hoped to pick or purchase berries on a given day, they may not be available when you arrive. Please be understanding that some things are out of a farmer’s control. That’s one reason why it’s always a good idea to call ahead or check social media before your visit.
17. Be patient – Sometimes you may have to wait in line at the farm, especially when the weather is beautiful and there are fun activities to enjoy. Please be patient with the staff and other visitors.
18. Thank the farmer – Be sure to thank the farmer and farm staff for your visit. Running a farm that’s open to the public is hard work, so let the staff know how much you appreciate them and enjoyed your visit.
19. Have fun! – Enjoy your day on the farm!