News Release Distributed 04/24/12

VIDALIA, La. – The LSU AgCenter will hold a workshop for landowners to start or extend an outdoor recreational business on their property held June 6 at the Vidalia Conference and Convention Center at 112 Front St. Registration will begin at 8 a.m., with the program running from 9 a.m. until 3:15 p.m.

The program will feature land management specialists, attorneys and bankers who will provide details on drafting a business plan outline, said LSU AgCenter agritourism coordinator Dora Ann Hatch.

“Although not necessary, participants may find that bringing a laptop computer would be helpful,” Hatch said.

Topics to be discussed include the revenue potential from different outdoor enterprises, landowner testimonials, business plan development, legal considerations and a panel discussion with outdoor enterprise experts.

For more information or to register, contact Hatch at 318-927-9654 or at dhatch@agcenter.lsu.edu. The fee for the workshop is $20 per person or $30 for a couple, due on or before June 1. A lunch is included.

Program sponsors include the Walton Family Foundation; LSU AgCenter; Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry; Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation; Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries; Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism; Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Stations; Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation; Mississippi State University Extension Service and the MSU Forestry and Wildlife Research Center.

Bruce Schultz