Building Agritourism from the Ground Up: Inviting You to the Table
Sustainable Agriculture
Kimberly Woodring
Shelby
Abstract
Montana has seen a surge in tourism in recent years, influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic and the popularity of Yellowstone, according to the Montana Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research (ITRR). This increase presents an opportunity to not only showcase Montana’s stunning landscapes but also educate visitors on sustainable agriculture. Agritourism, which transforms farms and ranches into destinations for education and recreation, sits at the intersection of these trends. It offers producers a way to diversify their income and support additional family members on the farm or ranch.
Recognizing this potential, the Montana Agritourism Fellows Program was established in 2022 through a partnership between the Montana State University Department of Agricultural and Technology Education and funding from a Western SARE grant. The program engaged 14 fellows from nine Montana communities, providing hands-on experiences at four sustainable agritourism operations across the state. Participants received training in management, business development, media relations, and other critical areas.
In 2023, the fellows organized Montana’s first agritourism conference, Building Agritourism from the Ground Up: Inviting You to the Table. This event covered key topics such as launching an agritourism business, marketing strategies, funding opportunities, and public engagement. Featured speakers included Cole Mannix, founder of the Old Salt Co-op; Nick DeCastro, founder of LandTrust; and representatives from the University of Montana’s ITRR. The conference brought together professionals from tourism, agriculture, education, and community development, earning an average participant rating of 4.64 out of 5.
This workshop will explore how the Montana Agritourism Fellows Program led to the inaugural conference and the formation of the Montana Agritourism Association, a statewide network of agritourism operators. Survey data from the program and conference will be shared, which may provide insights for those interested in developing similar initiatives.
By fostering connections between agriculture and tourism, Montana’s agritourism efforts create new opportunities for producers while educating visitors about the state’s agricultural heritage. As interest in agritourism continues to grow, programs like these will play a crucial role in shaping its future.
Authors: Kimberly Woodring, Shannon Arnold
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Kimberly Woodring MSU Toole County Extension Agent, MSU Extension Toole County, Montana, 59474-1920
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Shannon Arnold MSU Department of Agriculture and Technology Education Professor, MSU Department of Agriculture and Technology Education Professor, Montana, 59717