Is this conference really for me?

Well, that depends. Are you…

• A farmer, rancher, or landowner exploring ways to welcome visitors and diversify your income?

• A tourism professional or DMO curious about how agritourism can drive economic growth and create authentic experiences in your region?

• A representative from a government agency or land management organization looking to support rural development, recreation, or conservation goals?

• An educator, researcher, or university extension staff member working at the intersection of agriculture, tourism, community engagement, or education?

• An entrepreneur, small business owner, or creative collaborator interested in working with land-based businesses to craft products, experiences, or marketing strategies?

• A nonprofit or community leader focused on building rural vitality, supporting local food systems, or strengthening place-based economies?

  If you answered yes to any of the above—this conference is for you.

What to Expect

We’ve designed this conference to be practical, welcoming, and worth your time. You’ll hear from people doing the work—farmers, tourism leaders, educators, and partners—who are building agritourism ventures that make sense for their land, business, and communities.

Across two days in Bozeman, you’ll have the chance to:

• Join sessions and panels that tackle real-world topics—insurance, marketing, business planning, partnerships, funding, and more

• Take part in an optional farm tour (Nov 20) to see firsthand how Montana agritourism operators are putting ideas into action

• Attend our social evening with local food, conversation, and opportunities to connect informally

• Build your network with people from across the state who share your interest in land-based business and tourism

• Leave with tools, contacts, and next steps you can put to work right away—whether you’re just getting started or growing something established

Speakers & Sessions for November 21

We’ve invited speakers who know what it means to build something real— on the land, in community, and right here in Montana.

From farm tours to breakout sessions and panel conversations, you’ll hear stories, swap ideas, and pick up practical tools rooted in local experience. Whether you're testing the waters or knee-deep in agritourism already, there's something here for you.

Our Conference Day kicks off with a keynote that gets right to the heart of it.
Matt Skoglund is the founder of North Bridger Bison, where he and his family raise 100% grassfed, field-harvested bison in Montana’s Shields Valley. A former conservation lawyer turned regenerative rancher, Matt’s journey blends bold pivots with a deep sense of place. He’ll share what it means to welcome visitors, sell direct-to-consumer, and stay rooted in values along the way.

As Matt puts it: “I’m passionate about ranching in Montana, connecting people to where their food comes from, and opening their eyes to all of the amazing benefits that ranching provides the greater public.”

After the keynote, we’ll dive into a full day of sessions—each one designed to offer something real and relevant, no matter where you are in your agritourism journey.

We’ve grouped our breakout sessions into three learning tracks to help you make the most of the day:

• 🌱 Planting the Seed — for those just getting started or clarifying the basics

• 🌻 Out in the Field — for folks actively hosting and growing their visitor offerings

• 🌾 The Long View — for established operators thinking long-term about pricing, sustainability, and legacy

Each breakout round includes one session from each track. You’re welcome to follow a single path—or mix and match based on what speaks to you.

Breakout Sessions – Round 1

• 🌱 Agritourism 101: What You Need to Know Before Opening the Gate (speakers Erin and Jon Turner, Turner Farms 406) An essential primer for those new to the field - terms, trends, and truths.

• 🌻 From Field Trips to Farm Camps: Welcoming Groups with Purpose (speakers Laura Garber, Homestead Organics and Mike Jetty, Indian Education for All) Tips and tools for hosting schools, clubs, and camps with confidence.

• 🌾 Passing the Torch: Succession Planning on the Farm or Ranch (speakers Dr. Marsha Goetting, MSU Professor, Estate planning and Tana Canan, Mahlsted Ranch) Legal, emotional, and practical guidance for ensuring your legacy grows.

Breakout Sessions – Round 2

• 🌱 Show Me the Map: Building Your Business Plan (speakers FADC) Foundational guidance business planning, an overview of the business structures, and some basic financial considerations.

• 🌻Events That Work: Planning Outdoor Gatherings with Heart (and Backup Plans) (speakers Eric and Emma Wicken, Montana Working Lands Project) From farm tours to land-based workshops — how to host events that are educational and logistically sound.

• 🌾Pedal to Profit: Organizing Farm-to-Farm Cycling Events That Power Local Food Economies (speakers from Mission West, MMAPP, and the Clark Fork Pedal & Farm Tour) A two-wheel tour of what works: How Montana communities are turning farm-to-farm cycling events into powerful agritourism experiences.

Marketing Panel - Join a panel of marketing do-ers as they share tips, tools, and stories from the field.

Panelists include:

• Jennie & Seth Becker – Stickleg Ranch

• Jackson Stewart – B-Bar Ranch

• Erin Austin – Abundant Montana

Roundtable Working Lunch

Grab your plate and join a topic table. Chat with peers, share insights, and get your burning questions answered.
Facilitated discussions include:

• Building Visitor Readiness

• Community-Based Partnerships

• Ask-the-Experts: Resources, Insurance, and More

Breakout Sessions – Round 3

• 🌱 Better Safe Than Sorry: Insurance & Risk Basics for Agritourism (speaker Eric Goldstein, G5 Insurance) What you need to know to protect your guests — and your business — from day one.

• 🌻 Making It Memorable: Hospitality and the Guest Experience (speakers TBC and Vicky Soderberg, Cygnet Strategies) Learn how thoughtful details and genuine welcome can turn guests into your biggest supporters.

• 🌾 In Their Boots: The Good, The Hard and The Worthwhile (speakers from operations across Montana, including Grey Cliff Mills, Longview Lavendar Farm and Primrose Station) A candid conversation with seasoned agritourism hosts about what really happens when you open your gates to the public—the moments that shine, the ones that challenge, and why they keep doing it anyway.

Research Plenary with Institute for Tourism & Recreation Research (ITRR) (speakers Glenna Hartman & Elena Bigart )
What do we know about agritourism in Montana? What are visitors looking for—and how can we respond?

Coffee & Conversation Finish off a very busy day with informal chats, fresh ideas, and time to connect with fellow attendees.

Support the Future of Agritourism in Montana
Sponsoring the Montana Agritourism Conference is more than a marketing opportunity—it’s a chance to invest in a growing movement that connects working lands, local food, tourism, and community vitality. Whether you're a business, nonprofit, agency, or individual championing rural Montana, your support helps us unlock new opportunities for connection, collaboration, and innovation.

The conference brings together farmers, ranchers, tourism professionals, educators, and partners from across the state. Sponsorship offers visibility, meaningful engagement, and the chance to build relationships with leaders shaping the future of agritourism in Montana.

Interested in tabling at the event?
We welcome exhibitors who align with our mission. Special rates are available for nonprofits, educational institutions, and government agencies.