By Davin Althoff, Chief Administrative Officer for Missouri Farm Bureau. Agritourism—the intersection of agriculture and tourism—has become a vital part of the rural economy in Missouri and the United States. According to the USDA’s 2022 Census of Agriculture, U.S. farms and ranches generated an impressive $1.26 billion in agritourism income, marking a 12.4% increase from 2017 when adjusted for inflation. With 57% of U.S. counties reporting agritourism income, it’s apparent that these niche agricultural enterprises are becoming a mainstay in the industry and a major source of revenue for those farmers and ranchers. This growth is being driven by a wide variety of things. Small family farms are at the heart of the movement, offering intimate, hands-on experiences like feeding animals, harvesting produce, or participating in seasonal farm festivals. These authentic interactions provide opportunities for families from urban areas to experience a unique glimpse into rural life. In 2024, farm-to-table dining continues to lead agritourism trends, offering meals made from fresh, local ingredients. Culinary tourism, including cooking classes and food production tours, is also growing rapidly. Visitors are seeking experiences that allow them to understand where their food comes from—often right from the soil beneath their feet. From a generational perspective, agritourism presents a meaningful opportunity for family farms to create new revenue streams. Agritourism allows families to diversify their operations by turning the farm into an engaging destination for visitors. To support and expand these efforts, Missouri Farm Bureau (MOFB) is hosting the 2025 Agritourism Conference from July 13–15 in Independence. This three-day event is tailored for farmers currently involved in agritourism and those interested in entering the field. The conference begins with a Sunday evening reception and dinner, featuring remarks from MOFB President Garrett Hawkins and a keynote by Matt Moreland of Red Barn Ranch. Monday’s full-day bus tour includes stops at notable agritourism destinations like The Berry Patch, YaYa’s Alpaca Farm, and Colonial Gardens, capped by a farm-to-table wine-pairing dinner hosted by the Missouri Wine & Grape Board. Tuesday offers educational workshops, including sessions on marketing, legal compliance, and data-driven business planning. Highlights include speakers Maureen Ballatori, Mike Haffner, and Kayden Guymon. Registration is $150 for the full conference, or attendees can opt for the Monday bus tour ($80) or Tuesday workshops ($70). Online registration is available through Thursday, July 10, after which participants must contact Julie Waldrop at julie.waldrop@mofb.org or 573-893-1417. As agritourism continues to flourish, MOFB’s 2025 conference offers valuable resources, networking opportunities, and real-world insights for farmers looking to diversify and thrive in this rapidly evolving sector. |