As agriculture continues to evolve, many Missouri farmers are looking beyond traditional production practices to create new opportunities for their operations. Agritourism professionals from across the state will gather for Missouri Farm Bureau’s 2026 Agritourism Conference in Hermann on July 12-14. While attendees look forward to networking and education sessions, the event serves a larger purpose: strengthening the future of agritourism through business development sessions and facility tours.
Agritourism encompasses a wide and varied range of experiences. From wineries and cheese factories to farm tours and campsites, agriculture professionals looking to break into the agritourism sector have many opportunities to pursue. While agritourism allows farmers to find alternate income streams, its main purpose is to connect consumers directly to agriculture.
This three-day conference will offer attendees the chance to learn from successful operators, develop their business skills through workshops, and visit agritourism destinations throughout the host region.
The event will kick off on Sunday, July 12, with a dinner and remarks by MOFB President Garrett Hawkins at Hermann Farm Stone Barn. The Agritourism Bus Tour will take place on Monday, July 13. Attendees will tour facilities such as Thierbach Orchard, Heritage Valley Tree Farm, White Mule Winery & BNB, Cool Cow Cheese, and more. On Tuesday, July 14, attendees can develop their business skills through presentations on marketing, taxes, USDA investments, and insurance coverage.
As more consumers seek a closer connection to where their food comes from, the importance and relevance of agritourism increase. Many families have little direct interaction with modern agriculture, making agritourism a valuable bridge between farmers and the public. Agritourism also contributes to the local economy. Visitors often support nearby restaurants, retail businesses and lodging establishments while traveling to rural destinations. For many communities, agritourism offers opportunities to showcase local culture, history and agricultural heritage, while also encouraging economic activity beyond the farmyard.
