Citing difficult economic conditions, the board of directors for the Big Island's Parker Ranch Inc. announced the end of its agricultural tourism efforts on Oct. 27.

"The company will refocus its efforts on its two core business lines: livestock production and land resource management," Parker Ranch Inc. Board Chairman Peter Moynahan said in a statement. "This new direction will require that the ranch transition out of its noncore businesses including general real estate brokerage, tours of the ranch and its historic properties and retailing."

Parker Ranch officials said the change is designed to eliminate nonprofitable businesses and cut operating costs.

Covering more than 130,000 Big Island acres, Parker Ranch is the fifth-largest cattle ranch in the U.S.