Farm Fresh Profits: Grow Your Income with an Airbnb Farm

Key Takeaways:

• The number of farm stay listings has increased 71% since August 2019 as guests seek immersive experiences that connect them with nature.
• Offer unique experiences to increase your farm vacation rental’s appeal, such as interactive activities like egg gathering, gardening, and cooking classes.
• Utilize compelling listing descriptions and photos, leverage social media, and create special packages that cater to various guest interests.

You’ve got the land, the animals, and that peaceful view that people in metropolitan centers dream about. Maybe you’ve even jokingly speculated with your family about how much you could charge city slickers for the rustic experience of milking your cows and doing your farm chores. 

Well, you’re right—people are willing to pay for those types of experiences. Farm stays are becoming one of the hottest vacation rental trends. Whether you’re already welcoming guests or thinking about opening your farm to travelers, there’s a world of opportunity waiting for you.

How do you make the most of it? Running an Airbnb farm is more than just offering a cozy bed in the barn. Guests are looking for more—an experience. They want to gather eggs at dawn, wander through a garden, or simply sit by a fire pit, watching the stars. 

The best part? You don’t need to completely transform your farm to make it work. A few thoughtful touches and smart marketing can take your farm from “nice idea” to a sought-after rural retreat.

If you’re wondering if you need to add Wi-Fi to that old barn or just figure out who your ideal guest is, this guide’s for you. We’ll help you turn your farm into a five-star vacation rental. 

The Growing Popularity of Airbnb Farm Stays

Farm stays—any type of lodging on a working farm—have rapidly gained popularity on Airbnb. These unique stays can range from barns and farmhouses to ranches, each offering a distinct rural experience. As of August 2024, farm stays have grown to 13,229 available listings nationwide. This marks a 71% increase from pre-COVID August 2019, when there were just 7,737 listings.

What types of Airbnb farms are these, exactly? 71% of listings are traditional farm stays, followed by 16% barns, 7% farmhouses, and 5% ranches. Farmhouses are single-family homes on a farm. Notably, they’ve decreased in popularity, dropping from 19% of listings in 2018.

After a temporary slowdown during the pandemic, farm stays saw a resurgence in May 2021 as travelers sought escapes in rural locations. Occupancy rates hit a high of 55.6% in 2021, with an average revenue per available rental (RevPAR) of $127.29. By 2024, occupancy has stabilized at 45.7%, but demand remains strong, especially in states like Texas, California, and New York.

July 2024 saw an all-time high of 165,652 demand nights for farm stays, generating $42.5 million in revenue with an average daily rate (ADR) of $256.31. This highlights the enduring appeal of farm stays as guests seek authentic, nature-filled getaways.

Farm stays are also part of the growing trend toward unique stays, as more travelers look for memorable, one-of-a-kind experiences that offer something different from the typical vacation rental.

Know Your Audience: Who’s Booking Farm Stays?

Picture this: a family pulls up to your farm, wide-eyed and ready for their first taste of country life. The kids can’t wait to feed the animals, and the parents are excited for some hands-on learning about sustainable farming. The next week, a couple from the city arrives, looking for a quiet escape from their urban grind. They’re here for the peace, the fresh air, and a break from the hustle.

That’s the beauty of farm stays—they attract a wide range of guests, all seeking something different. Families, eco-tourists, and urbanites are three demographics you’ll want to target with marketing for your Airbnb farm.

How to Prepare Your Airbnb Farm for Guests

So, you’re thinking about turning your farm into a vacation rental—now what? Do you need to overhaul everything to fit the "farm stay" mold, or can you make a few adjustments and keep the essence of your farm intact? The answer depends on your vision, but rest assured, you don’t have to transform your farm completely to attract guests. Sometimes, small touches make the biggest difference.

Start by making sure your space is guest-ready, focusing on these key areas:

Cleanliness and Safety

Whether they’re staying in the house, barn, or a cozy cabin, guests will expect clean, well-maintained spaces. First impressions count—tidy up your pathways, make sure fences around animals are secure, and clear any potential hazards. Your farm’s charm is in its authenticity, but safety and cleanliness make it truly inviting. Explore our cleaning checklist and our resource on finding the right cleaning service to learn more and get started on this aspect of preparing your vacation rental.

Renovations and Upgrades

Don’t worry, you don’t need a full remodel. Simple, thoughtful improvements to your Airbnb farm can enhance the guest experience without losing the rustic feel. Adding Wi-Fi (because let’s face it, even rural escapes need connection now and again), an outdoor fire pit, or seating areas for stargazing can elevate the stay. Keep it simple—preserve what makes your farm special while adding a bit of comfort.

Insurance Coverage

Before you open your doors to guests, make sure your farm is properly insured. Review your current insurance policies and consider specialized coverage tailored to the unique risks of operating a working farm. 

General liability insurance may not cover incidents like guest injuries from farm animals, equipment accidents, or property damage caused by guest activities. Look for policies that include coverage for agricultural operations, commercial activities, and short-term rentals. 

Consider adding riders, additional provisions or endorsements that extend or modify coverage, for high-risk areas like livestock handling or guest access to restricted zones. Consult with an insurance provider experienced in agritourism to give you peace of mind that your coverage is comprehensive.

Thoughtful Amenities

Little things go a long way in making guests feel at home. Comfortable bedding, fresh linens, and a welcome basket with local goodies or produce from your farm can make the stay feel personalized. Reliable Wi-Fi and farm-to-table meals are also big draws for those who want a taste of country life with modern conveniences.

In the end, it’s about striking a balance between keeping your farm’s authenticity and adding the touches that make a stay comfortable and memorable. You don’t have to change everything—just make sure your farm feels like a welcoming retreat.

Check out our guide on How to Prepare Your House for Airbnb for a more detailed overview of how to get your space ready for guests.

Sustainability Considerations for Farm Stays

Sustainability is becoming a key factor for travelers, especially those seeking a farm stay. By embracing eco-friendly practices and educating your guests, you reduce the environmental impact on your land and create a deeper, more meaningful connection with your visitors. 

Here are a few ways to get started:

• Eco-Friendly Farming: Highlight sustainable practices like organic farming, water conservation, and solar energy. These practices appeal to eco-conscious travelers and protect the health and longevity of your land.
• Guest Education: Offer tours, workshops, or guides related to your farm’s output, whether its animal husbandry, fruit production, or beekeeping. Offering guests the chance to participate in farm life adds value to their experience and aligns with responsible tourism.
• Energy Efficiency: Simple upgrades like LED lighting or energy-efficient appliances can make a big difference in terms of your environmental impact and your energy savings. Plus, it demonstrates your values to guests and can make them feel they made a responsible choice in their lodging .
• Waste Reduction: Implement composting and recycling and eliminate single-use plastics to align your farm with eco-conscious values. If your farm is located in a rural area, managing and reducing waste proactively can mitigate the impact of accumulated waste from frequent foot traffic.

If you’re looking for more ideas on how to make your Airbnb farm even more green, read our article on How to Build a Sustainable House for Airbnb. 

6 Farm Life Experiences to Offer Guests

Here are some charming ways to give your guests an authentic taste of farm life—guaranteed to leave them raving about their stay at your Airbnb farm.

1. Farm Tours and History

Invite guests to explore the story behind your farm with a guided tour. Share the rich history of the land, your journey in local agriculture, and the everyday rhythms of farm life. Whether they’re learning about sustainable farming or marveling at the sheer beauty of the countryside, this immersive experience helps guests connect deeply with your farm and its roots.

2. Animal Interactions

Who can resist a face-to-face moment with farm animals? Give your guests a chance to step into your boots for the day by feeding the chickens, collecting eggs, or even milking a cow. There’s nothing quite like the joy of interacting with animals to bring out the kid in everyone. These moments of animal interaction offer a chance for your guests to learn more about the lifecycle and care of farm animals—a true highlight for families!

3. Gardening and Harvesting

Get guests involved in the rhythm of the land by offering hands-on time in your garden. Whether it’s planting, harvesting, or simply tending the crops, your visitors will relish the opportunity to learn about farm life from the ground up (literally!). There's a deep satisfaction in pulling fresh veggies from the soil—it's farm-to-fork at its finest.

4. Farm-to-Table Cooking Classes

From dirt to delicious, let your guests turn that freshly picked produce into a gourmet meal with farm-to-table cooking classes. Teach them how to prepare seasonal dishes straight from your garden. Not only will they head home with new culinary skills, but they’ll also take a bit of your farm's flavor with them—both figuratively and literally!

5. Nature Walks

For those who want to slow down and take in the beauty of the landscape, offer guided nature walks around your property. Whether it’s bird watching, spotting wildlife, or simply enjoying the peaceful scenery, this relaxing activity lets your guests fully immerse themselves in the great outdoors. Offer resources for guests to explore the property on their own time. Provide a map of walking trails or guest-friendly areas in a guidebook.

6. Rustic Accommodations

Finally, don’t forget to play up the rustic charm of your accommodations. The charm is in the details—vintage quilts, soft linens, and mason jars filled with wildflowers. Add in warm lighting from lanterns, rustic wood furniture, and maybe a crackling fire pit under string lights, and you’ve created a space that feels both inviting and nostalgic. These thoughtful elements turn a simple stay into an experience.

How to Market Your Airbnb Farm to Potential Guests

Effectively marketing your Airbnb farm is essential to reaching the right guests and maximizing your bookings. Focus on optimizing your listing, building social proof, and partnering with local businesses. Here’s how to start.

Optimize Your Airbnb Listing

Your listing is the gateway to capturing guest interest. Craft a compelling Airbnb title and description that highlights the unique aspects of your farm stay, whether it’s the barn where guests will sleep, the chance to interact with farm animals, or the quiet space your property provides. Include keywords like “airbnb farm,” “rustic barn,” and “farm-to-table experience” to boost visibility in search results.

High-Quality Photos

First impressions matter. Use well-lit, high-quality images to showcase your house, barn, and surrounding landscape. Include captions like “Cozy barn nestled in the countryside” or “Peaceful garden perfect for morning coffee” to help guests envision themselves at your property. A mix of exterior shots, interior comfort, and experiential moments (like guests feeding animals) creates a comprehensive picture of the stay.

Detailed Descriptions

Go beyond the basics by painting a picture of the guest experience. Instead of just saying "a quiet farm stay," imply how your location might make your guests feel—rested, rejuvenated, or adventurous, for instance. Highlight what makes your property unique, whether it’s hands-on farming activities, the charm of your accommodations, or the fresh produce guests can enjoy.

Highlight Special Features

If you offer any standout amenities, such as organic produce from your garden, outdoor dining spaces, or a wood-burning stove in the barn, make sure to mention them. These little touches can make a big difference in swaying potential guests who are looking for something extra.

Leverage Social Media and Guest Reviews

Social media is a powerful tool for connecting with potential guests, showcasing your farm stay, and creating a community around your property.

Share Your Story

Use platforms like Instagram and Facebook to talk about the history of your farm and highlight day-to-day farm life. Share photos of your farm animals, snapshots of guests enjoying activities, or behind-the-scenes moments like harvesting crops. This gives followers a real sense of the experience you offer.

Encourage User-Generated Content

When guests share photos or stories from their stay, it builds social proof for your farm. Encourage your visitors to tag you in their posts or leave glowing reviews on your Airbnb listing. Positive guest experiences help build credibility and attract more bookings. Consider offering a small incentive, like a discount on a future visit, to encourage reviews.

Use Keyword and Location Tags

Incorporate relevant keywords like "Airbnb farm stay," "rural getaway," or "farm stay experience" in your social media captions, posts, and descriptions to expand your reach. These keywords help your content appear in search results for people looking for unique stays or rural vacations. Additionally, use location tags in your posts to target potential guests searching for stays in your specific area.

Partner with Local Attractions

Positioning your farm as part of a larger experience can attract potential guests who are looking for more than just a place to sleep.

Promote Local Experiences

If your farm is near hiking trails, wineries, farmers markets, or other local landmarks, mention these in your listing and social media posts. Guests love to know what else they can explore during their trip, and your property’s proximity to these attractions can be a major selling point.

Create Cross-Promotions

Partner with local businesses, such as restaurants or tour companies, to offer exclusive discounts or packages to your guests. For example, a local winery might offer a tasting experience as part of your farm stay package. These partnerships not only add value to the guest experience, but also help build relationships within your community, increasing your farm’s visibility through cross-promotion.

Offer Special Packages or Discounts

Creating tailored experiences through special packages or discounts can help attract a variety of guests and encourage more frequent bookings.

Themed Stays

Offer packages that align with different guest interests. For example, you could create a "Harvest Weekend" where guests participate in seasonal farm activities like harvesting crops, or a "Farm-to-Table Retreat" that includes cooking classes using produce from your garden. Leverage existing holidays, too—a family-friendly Fourth of July weekend package or a Valentine’s Day special can attract families and couples, respectively. These packages give guests a fully immersive stay that feels personalized and unique.

Discounts for Longer Stays

Encourage guests to extend their stay by offering discounts for booking multiple nights. This can help fill your calendar during slower periods while making the farm stay more affordable for your guests.

Seasonal or Group Discounts: Attract more bookings during off-peak times by offering seasonal discounts or special rates for groups. Whether it’s a discount on a mid-week stay or a group package for family reunions, offering flexible pricing can help you maintain a steady stream of bookings.

A polished Airbnb listing, strong social media presence, local partnerships, and tailored packages covers all you need to elevate and market your farm stay effectively. 

Once your farm stay is fully prepared for guests, it’s time to get your hands dirty and start sharing the magic of farm life.