PresentationDegler Farm
May 2021
Why are we here?
Covid made people find local fall activities.
•We saw an increase in our fall activities.
•We want add to our activity list, but discovered these activities are not addressed
by current city code.
•Create a new definition in the city code -“Agritainment” / “Agritourism”
•Create criteria for what defines and is allowed in an Agritainment permit.
•Amend city code to include Agritainment as a New Interim Use for the “A-2” district.
Outcomes:
Background:
9111 Audubon Rd,
Chanhassen, MN 55317
Notable Events
2005
1990
1972
1947 Dean & Lois Degler start their life together
milking dairy cows
Degler Farm hosts school tours from St.
Louis Park.
Begin Pumpkin sales
Active in local 4-H clubs and schools tours
Transition from a dairy farm to a crop
production specializing in blended horse
feed, corn, soybeans.
Meet Degler Farm!
5th Generation Family Farm
2018 First hayrides.
2019 Create first Corn Maze, Hayrides, corn pit
Degler Farm
Agritainment activities
Corn MazeHayrides
Pumpkins for everyone
Degler Farm
Agritainment activities
Gravity Box Basketball
Pumpkins, Corn Pit,
Hayride
Youth Groups
Call To action
•Work with city to create new ordinance as soon as
possible
7
THANK YOU!
Google Reviews
4.8 of 5 Stars
SW news article -2019
Local, family-owned, and family-friendly! This place is a hidden gem and our group of 4 20-somethings had a BLAST! The farm has so many fun
attractions -we did them all over the span of about 2 hours and highly recommend that you try them all as well to get the most out of your
experience! The owners are incredibly kind and welcoming, and so fun to chat with. See you again next year -Abbi
Today I went with my boyfriend, my friend, and my sister to visit on our shared day off, and boy was it a treat. The place wa s great, the owners
very friendly, and the weather worked out (as it is, of course, something they control). I like laying siege to a hillside using a cannon and trebuchet
(the superior weapon). Unfortunately, I could not launch my friend Cameron into the abyss below. Overall great time, and I go t a free pumpkin for
stopping by, which made the day better. Will stop back next year they are open, thanks, Degler (times like, 8 of them)! -Dominic
We had a fantastic experience! The space is smaller and intimate, run by a family. You can feel the love that went into creat ing this place.
Would definitely go back! -Malana
We had a great time here today. The hay ride was excellent. Such a
beautiful property. -Jason
Wonderful place! Most fun I’ve had with my kids! They loved it there! 100%
Recommendation! -Jesse
I launched a pumpkin really, really far (like really far), it was really fun. I'll make sure to visit every
year, and the wife was a fan too! -Dom
Definition –Agritainment
•Agricultural, horticultural, or agri-business activity that allows
organizations or members of the general public, for the purpose of
recreation, education or active involvement to view, enjoy, or
participate in rural activities of a farm or farm related operation.
Uses include corn mazes, hayrides, pumpkin picking, corn pits, hill
slides, pumpkin throwers, lookout towers, zip lines, straw bale
mazes, apple picking, play structures, antique tractors displays, saw
mill demonstrations, hay stacks, kiddie trains, animal rides, sleigh
rides, snowshoeing, maple syrup harvesting, cross country skiing,
mounting biking, sledding hills, are exhibited regardless of
compensation.
Sec. 20-xxx -Agritainment
The following conditions will apply to Agritainment activities.
1) The site must be zoned Agriculture “A-2”.
2) The site must be on and have access to a collector or minor arterial.
3) The minimum lot size shall be 10 acres.
4) The site must have 20% of its land being used as “agriculture” as defined in Sec. 1 -2. “Rules of construction and definitions ”
5) All structures and storage areas must be set back 50 feet from public or private rights -of-way, and 300 ft from an adjacent
single-family residences or a minimum of 50 feet from a side lot line, whichever is greater.
6) Parking plan shall be supplied with permit detailing size, capacity, and location. Parking areas shall be limited to on -site
parking.
7) The maximum number of persons to be using the facility at any one time needs to be tied in the application permit or tied to
80% parking capacity as outlined in the permit plan. This allows variations of seasonal activities layouts.
8) Accessory agriculture buildings used for Agritainment events must meet existing building code, or be approved by the city
engineering department prior to use. Intent is to allow provision for use of existing agriculture building where special buil ding
use is requested.
9) Hours of operation shall be from 8:00 a.m. to half hour after sunset.
10) Retail sales shall be limited to Agritainment related items.
11) All animals must comply to section 20 -264 –(10) “Petting farms”
12) A termination date shall be established for the interim use permit. The use shall be permitted until a particular date, u ntil the
occurrence of a particular even, or until zoning regulations no longer permit it. Prior to the permit expiring, the applicant may
request an extension to the interim use permit by submitting a new application. The renewal application will be subject to al l city
ordinances including any new ordinances enacted after the original approval.
Brief Background:
Degler Farm has an extensive background in farming and educational teaching. Family founded
by multi-generational elementary and high school educators; Degler Farm has a passion for
educating youth. It’s in our DNA. Our mission is to educate local youth on the operation,
economics, and future of agriculture. In this spirit, Degler Farm would like to be more
community facing through the growing area of Agritainment. We want to bring our passion for
education and combine it with farm friendly activities. This “outside the classroom” learning on
the farm is not only instructive, but fun. We see it as another yet another way to reach our
neighbors and local community.
Degler Farm activities
Degler Farm
Agritainment activities
Pumpkin ThrowerSaw millingPumpkin Cannon
Newer Activities