“ We know there are some people visiting the ranch who have different views and may not believe in eating meat ,” Combs said . “ We focus on helping them understand that we treat our animals well , provide them with a good life , and provide a safe and nutritious product .”
Every aspect of the ranch revolves around educating youth , adults and families about cattle , beef and other agricultural products . The proximity to the city has developed a tightly knit community between the ranch and urban neighbors .
During the summer , the ranch transitions from traditional school field trips to field trips for local summer camps . For 30 years now , the ranch has offered a summer horse camp program , hosting about 40 campers each week . Kids ages 8 to 17 learn about the basics of horsemanship , animal care and ranch life as they live on the ranch during the week getting a true hands-on experience . In addition to the summer horse camps , the ranch ’ s riding stable , established in the 1960s , offers guided trail rides to adults and children alike .
Other activities include the often-sold-out Family Farm Fun Days , which are held quarterly on weekends and continue the ranch ’ s outreach to the surrounding communities . The semi-annual Diamonds in the Rust Market includes hundreds of antique , vintage and food vendors and attracts up to 15,000 visitors during each weekend event . Since the market started in 2019 , it has become extremely popular and brings a different audience to the ranch , providing one more opportunity to educate consumers . Cowboys on horses welcome attendees as they ride wagons from the parking lot to the event and guests are greeted by the ranch ’ s resident deer and bison .
As school budgets tighten , funding for field trips decreases , but Combs partners with state agricultural organizations such as the Florida Cattlemen ’ s Foundation , Florida Dairy Farmers and Duval County Farm Bureau to sponsor children ’ s visits . The organizations are promoted through signage and social media , and their educational information is given to visitors .
Diamond D Ranch also provides a reason for schools to want to visit by providing resources to teachers before , during and following the field trips and creating on-ranch curricula meeting history and science standards .
Combs ’ advice to producers interested in pursuing on-ranch visits is to understand your location and its proximity to population centers and determine how much time you are willing to commit to the endeavor and be open to the public . Agritourism can be labor intensive , and it is a priority at Diamond D to have enough staff to ensure guest safety .
“ Understanding your audience and getting to know them is important for building relationships and ensuring they will support your efforts ,” Combs suggested . “ Knowing the needs of the community and schools is also essential .”
Combs ’ passion for education doesn ’ t stop at the ranch gate . She dons her cow earrings , cowboy hat and boots when she goes to the store , often striking up casual conversations with people wherever she goes . She is a walking billboard for the lifestyle , and when she engages with the public in an informal way , it makes a powerful difference .
“ When people tell me they don ’ t eat meat , my question back to them is what would the United States look like if there were no cattle and no producers ,” concluded Combs . “ That certainly makes them pause and gives them something to think about .”
Photos provided by Diamond D Ranch . 20 NATIONAL CATTLEMEN DIRECTIONS 2023