Pick Your Own

Pickyourown.org is a comprehensive online directory that connects users with local pick-your-own (PYO) farms across the United States, Canada, Britain, Australia, and other countries. The website, created by Ben Wentworth, aims to make it easy for individuals and families to find farms where they can harvest their own fresh produce. The platform is free for users and generates revenue through affiliate links, such as being an Amazon Associate.

The website provides extensive listings searchable by region, along with local crop calendars detailing what produce is in season throughout the year. Beyond farm listings, the site is a resource for home canning and preserving, offering over 150 illustrated, step-by-step recipes for jams, jellies, salsas, and more. It also includes information on local weather, general crop pricing, and details about finding related agricultural events like fruit festivals. The business model relies on attracting a large user base to the free directory and monetizing that traffic through affiliate partnerships and advertising.

The concept of PYO farms originated as a way for farmers to reduce labor costs and has grown into a significant segment of agritourism, driven by consumer interest in fresh, local food and farm experiences. Pickyourown.org serves as a digital facilitator in this market, providing a bridge between consumers seeking these experiences and the farmers offering them. The platform also features a section for farm owners to manage their listings and provides information on how to start a PYO business.

Keywords: pick-your-own farms, U-pick farms, local farm directory, agritourism, fresh produce, canning recipes, food preservation, local food, farm listings, crop calendar, family activities, sustainable agriculture, farm-to-table, local farming, fruit picking, vegetable picking, supporting local farmers