In autumn, after the corn and apples and potatoes are picked, some farmers harvest an additional cash crop from hayrides, zombie-themed attractions, corn mazes, haunted houses and petting zoos — all major fall- and Halloween-themed staples this time of year.
For example, look at the cannon that launched pumpkins at images of political figures worthy of the shooter’s contempt, said Rusty Rumley, senior staff attorney, National Center for Agricultural Law, University of Arkansas.
Operators tend to be creative people, he said, and may rush to put their ideas into action without pausing to consider risk before the brief harvest festival season ends. “Building a giant potato gun that fires pumpkins 100 yards down a field was a great idea, but did it fall under the insurance policy?” Rumley asked. “Probably not.”
“There are dangers for carriers,” said Kevin Morency, president, Morency & Associates. “Someone gets hurt on the premises, and state laws in most states limit liability due to inherent risk associated with a farm.”