Focusing On Ag Couples Darlene Miller County Extension Director Hamilton-Wayne-White Extension

Goals Develop a weekend activity that would: Provide a relaxing weekend for couples Provide educational information about agriculture-related businesses Provide educational opportunity on relationships

Where Did The Idea Come From? I had heard a few other Extension offices had organized a farm couples day. Sometimes, the men went their way and women went theirs once they reached the destination. I liked this idea, but wanted the couples to participate in all the activities together and I wanted it to be a weekend. I wanted to do a couples retreat to focus on relationships. So, I decided to incorporate the two ideas.

Target Audience Landowners who are actively involved in farming Both husband and wife are actively involved in the farming operation Couples between the age of

Target Destinations Ag-Related businesses within 2 hours Variety of businesses New and innovative businesses Free or no charge for tour Unique restaurants for meals Reasonable overnight accommodations

Timing of Event End of fall harvest Prior to cold weather Potential 3-day weekend After high school football and before high school basketball Around other Extension programs

Planning the Event Determined best date for event Contacted potential tour locations Contacted potential lodging facilities Contacted charter bus service Developed invitation Sent invitations

Actual Itinerary Tour of ethanol plant Dinner, lodging and relationship presentation at Amish Village Tour of wood carving shop Lunch on Ohio River Tour of winery Antique shopping

Relationship Presentation Goals Fun Something both men and women would be interested in and enjoy Talk about the importance of taking time to focus on the needs of your partner Not too long or too serious Participation from participants – not a lecture

Relationship Presentation Farm Machinery Maintenance – Or Something Like That! Icebreaker Identified why time is taken to maintain farm equipment Directly compared these reasons to why time should be taken to maintain a relationship

Relationship Presentation Farm Machinery Maintenance – Or Something Like That! Couples participated in all the discussions. To wrap up, I read the book “Fannies Dream” (and gave everyone a copy of the book). The presentation was a tremendous success. Couples had a lot of fun, yet had the opportunity, in a non-threatening way, to think about the importance of spending time with their partner.

Pro’s and Con’s Very difficult to schedule last minute Very difficult to recruit farm couples Very difficult to find things of interest Very difficult to create relationship program Lots of fun Tours were very informative Couples bonded Relationship presentation was extremely well- received

Evaluations Extremely positive Couples enjoyed all aspects of the program Couples want to go on another trip this fall Every time the couples see me, they ask if I have planned the next trip

In Summary Difficult to plan and recruit, but well-worth the time and effort Held spring dinner for participants to brainstorm about potential dates and locations for fall trip I look forward to this becoming an annual event