Agritourism is increasingly becoming a vital component of Missouri’s rural economy, providing farmers with innovative opportunities to interact directly with consumers and diversify their revenue streams. The USDA’s 2022 Census of Agriculture reveals that agritourism generated $1.26 billion nationally—an increase of 12.4% compared to 2017—highlighting the rising popularity of immersive agricultural experiences.
Davin Althoff, Chief Administrative Officer of the Missouri Farm Bureau, emphasizes that small family farms are at the forefront of this movement. These farms are inviting visitors to take part in activities such as picking fruits, feeding livestock, and attending seasonal festivals. Additionally, the growing interest in farm-to-table cuisine and culinary tourism is further boosting agritourism, as more tourists seek to learn about the origins of their food.
To support this expanding industry, the Missouri Farm Bureau is set to organize the 2025 Agritourism Conference from July 13 to 15 in Independence, Missouri. The conference is designed to provide both existing and prospective agritourism operators with practical knowledge and strategies.
Key features of the three-day event include:
– A Sunday reception and keynote speech by Matt Moreland from Red Barn Ranch
– A Monday bus tour to top agritourism destinations such as The Berry Patch and YaYa’s Alpaca Farm, followed by a farm-to-table wine dinner
– Expert-led workshops on Tuesday covering marketing, regulatory compliance, and business planning, with speakers including Maureen Ballatori, Mike Haffner, and Kayden Guymon
Registration remains open until Thursday, July 10, offering various packages from full participation ($150) to single-day tickets.
As agritourism strengthens the connection between farms and consumers, the Missouri Farm Bureau’s upcoming conference is expected to serve as a key resource for rural entrepreneurs looking to expand their operations.
— news from Ozark Radio News
— News Original —
Agritourism Fuels Economic Growth for Missouri Farmers
Agritourism is rapidly becoming a cornerstone of Missouri’s rural economy, offering farmers new ways to connect with consumers and diversify income. According to the USDA’s 2022 Census of Agriculture, agritourism brought in $1.26 billion nationwide—up 12.4% since 2017—demonstrating the growing demand for hands-on agricultural experiences.
Missouri Farm Bureau Chief Administrative Officer Davin Althoff highlights how small family farms are leading this trend, inviting visitors to engage in activities like harvesting produce, feeding animals, and enjoying seasonal festivals. The rise in farm-to-table dining and culinary tourism is also contributing to agritourism’s momentum, with tourists increasingly eager to explore where their food originates.
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To further support this thriving sector, Missouri Farm Bureau will host the 2025 Agritourism Conference from July 13–15 in Independence, Missouri. The event aims to equip current and aspiring agritourism operators with practical tools and insights.
Highlights of the three-day conference include:
Sunday reception and keynote by Matt Moreland of Red Barn Ranch
Monday bus tour to premier agritourism sites including The Berry Patch and YaYa’s Alpaca Farm, concluding with a farm-to-table wine dinner
Tuesday workshops on marketing, compliance, and business planning, featuring experts like Maureen Ballatori, Mike Haffner, and Kayden Guymon
Registration is open through Thursday, July 10, with options ranging from full participation ($150) to single-day tickets.
As agritourism continues to bridge the gap between farm and consumer, Missouri Farm Bureau’s upcoming conference promises to be a valuable resource for rural entrepreneurs ready to grow.