Farmers around the U.S. are dealing with increasing costs and some are adapting by venturing into tourism for extra income.
At Lynette Ralph’s horse ranch in Missouri, visitors can stay in a quaint cabin, enjoy panoramic views of the horses, and experience ranch life up close.
Guests have the chance to roam the grounds, interact with horses, or opt for additional horsemanship and riding lessons for a fee.
“You get to experience farm life, with access to horses and barns,” Ralph mentioned.
For her, the experience goes beyond just offering a unique stay; the revenue generated from short-term rentals has been crucial for keeping her ranch afloat.
“Without the rentals linked to the riding lessons, I’d likely have to sell off the horses and even the property,” she noted.
A new initiative from Airbnb and American Farmland Trust aims to support farmers in supplementing their incomes through tourism, as confirmed by representatives from both organizations.
Data from the USDA, shared in Airbnb’s report, indicates that households involved in intermediate farms—often smaller operations reliant on farming as the main source of income—suffered a median loss of about $2,800 from farming in 2024.
David Haight, vice president of programs at American Farmland Trust—a nonprofit focused on preserving farmland—stated that diversifying income streams could be vital for many farming families facing financial strain.
“A lot of families are actively searching for ways to bring in more income, and for some, opening up their farms to visitors is a promising option,” Haight explained.
Interest in farm stays seems to be on the rise. According to Airbnb, online searches for these types of accommodations surged by 61% in the first half of 2026 compared to the previous year.
The average farm stay host earned around $8,000 in 2025, and collectively, U.S. farm stay hosts brought in nearly $120 million. However, it’s worth noting that these figures reflect hosting income rather than profits after deducting expenses.
In Georgia, Gilda Lyon, who hosts farm stays, shared that her rental income has enabled her to build more cabins and invest in her property.
The funds helped her create a greenhouse, begin selling herbs, and maintain blueberry bushes.
“This extra income has allowed me to enhance my farm and expand what I can offer to guests,” Lyon said.
The “Farm to Stay” Grant Program will provide around 25 to 30 grants, each worth up to $10,000. Applications are set to open in November.
Haight mentioned that while the grants might not cover all costs related to hosting visitors, they could assist farmers with expenses like renovating barns for events, putting up fencing, or preparing sleeping accommodations for guests.
The positive impact may also ripple outwards to the communities. Haight indicated that visitors could help boost local businesses by spending at restaurants and shops nearby.
For Ralph, hosting guests has allowed her to maintain her love for horses while looking after her cherished property.
“Thanks to the short-term rentals, I can continue living here and pursue my passions,” she reflected.
