Iowa’s agritourism boom is no joke: Corn mazes mean serious business for farmers

When a Massachusetts state senator proposed $5 million to boost agritourism — think corn mazes, wine tastings, and petting zoos — Boston radio hosts laughed it off as a joke. But for Iowa farmers, agritourism is no laughing matter. It is a lifeline in a tough agricultural economy, and one that deserves serious attention from policymakers and the public alike.

Sen. Jo Comerford, a Democrat representing western and north central Massachusetts, filed an amendment to an economic development bill in late July that would bring $5 million “to enhance agritourism‑related cultural and promotional activities.” The amendment was part of a so-called “fun agenda” aimed at creating “economic vibrancy” and shaking off the state’s “Puritan roots.”

But when GBH’s “Boston Public Radio” hosts Jim Braude and Margery Eagan mocked the idea — with Eagan quipping, “I didn’t know there was a need for more corn mazes in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts” — Comerford fired back. She called the segment belittling and issued a public invitation for the hosts to visit western Massachusetts to see the real economic impact of agritourism.

“It belittled something that’s actually quite serious,” Comerford said. “It felt like it missed the mark so significantly.”

For Iowa, the nation’s leading corn producer and a state where agriculture drives the economy, the message hits close to home. Agritourism — which includes corn mazes, pumpkin patches, hayrides, farm-to-table dinners, and u-pick orchards — has become a growing revenue stream for family farms struggling with tight margins, rising input costs, and federal policies that often work against them.

Why agritourism matters for Iowa farmers

Iowa farmers face many of the same challenges as their Massachusetts counterparts, though on a much larger scale. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Iowa lost more than 1.5 million acres of farmland between 2017 and 2022 — a rate that mirrors the national trend but carries outsized consequences for a state that relies on agriculture for one in five jobs.

Agritourism offers a way for farmers to diversify their income. A corn maze, for example, can draw thousands of visitors each fall, generating revenue from admission fees, concessions, and on-site sales of produce and crafts. Wine tastings at Iowa’s growing number of wineries, many of which are farm-based, attract tourists and locals alike. Petting zoos and farm tours educate the public while providing a steady stream of cash.

“Anybody who cares about farming should be quite alarmed,” Comerford said, citing a state report that found two in three Massachusetts farmers operate at a loss. “Once farmland goes, it’s nearly impossible to get it back.”

In Iowa, the situation is similarly dire. The state’s farmers face high fertilizer and energy costs, which Comerford rightly blamed on the Trump administration’s trade policies and deregulation push. While Trump’s tariffs were intended to protect American industry, they drove up input costs for farmers and disrupted export markets. The administration also cut direct payments to farmers and slashed the USDA budget, leaving many producers without a safety net.

The east/west divide: A lesson for Iowa

Comerford’s frustration with the Boston media’s dismissiveness reflects a broader “east/west divide” that resonates in Iowa, where rural communities often feel overlooked by coastal elites. “There is an echo chamber inside of the Route 128 bubble,” she said. “It’s hard for us in western Massachusetts to pierce through sometimes.”

Iowa’s farmers know that feeling well. National media coverage of agriculture often focuses on corporate farms or the latest commodity prices, ignoring the day-to-day struggles of family operations. Agritourism, however, is a story that connects rural and urban Iowans — a chance for city dwellers to experience farm life and for farmers to build relationships with their customers.

“I just wanted more from such an important outlet and important spokespeople who have significant platforms,” Comerford said. “I wanted them to see farming, a rural way of life, as equally worthy of their serious discussion.”

What Iowa can learn from Massachusetts

Massachusetts’ $5 million agritourism proposal, while modest, could serve as a model for Iowa. The state already has a thriving agritourism sector, with events like the Iowa State Fair, pumpkin festivals, and corn maze attractions drawing millions of visitors each year. But there is room to grow.

State lawmakers could consider targeted funding for agritourism promotion, tax incentives for farmers who diversify, or grants for marketing and infrastructure. Such investments would not only support family farms but also boost local economies by attracting tourists who spend money on lodging, food, and other activities.

Comerford’s amendment ultimately passed alongside other “fun agenda” items, including one to re-establish “happy hour” alcohol discounts and another exploring an international soccer tournament. The bill is now in conference committee, with lawmakers working toward a final version for the governor’s desk.

Meanwhile, a producer at GBH has reached out to Comerford’s office about scheduling a visit for the radio hosts to western Massachusetts. “It was heartfelt,” she said of her invitation. “I wanted them to see farming, a rural way of life, as equally worthy of their serious discussion.”

For Iowa, the lesson is clear: Agritourism is not just fun and games. It is a serious economic tool that can help keep family farms viable, preserve open space, and strengthen rural communities. And it deserves to be treated as such — by media, by policymakers, and by the public.

Frequently asked questions about agritourism in Iowa

What is agritourism and why does it matter for Iowa?

Agritourism is the practice of inviting the public onto farms for educational and entertaining activities, such as corn mazes, wine tastings, and petting zoos. For Iowa, it provides a critical source of supplemental income for family farms, helps preserve farmland, and connects urban consumers with rural producers.

How does agritourism help Iowa farmers financially?

Agritourism generates revenue through admission fees, on-site sales, and related spending by visitors. It allows farmers to diversify beyond commodity crops, reducing their reliance on volatile markets and federal subsidies. In a state where many farmers operate at a loss, agritourism can make the difference between staying afloat and selling out.

What can Iowa lawmakers do to support agritourism?

State lawmakers could allocate funding for agritourism promotion, offer tax credits for farmers who diversify, or provide grants for marketing and infrastructure improvements. Such policies would encourage more farmers to explore agritourism and help existing operations expand, boosting local economies across the state.