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 Lewistown, 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 on Thursday, Nov 5th from 1-5pm to see firsthand how Montana agritourism operators are putting ideas into action

• Attend our social evening on November 5th from 5-7pm 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 6th

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.

Download our Conference Program here

Our Conference Day features two dynamic keynote speakers, each bringing fresh perspectives, practical insights, and inspiring stories to kick off the day.

Dax Schieffer is a Montana-based leader in tourism, economic development, and community engagement, known for advancing the state’s visitor economy and strengthening collaboration across Montana’s travel and hospitality industries. Schieffer grew up in Sidney Montana and is a graduate of Montana State University. Dax is the Executive Director of Voices of Montana Tourism following a 20-year career in hospitality at Big Sky Resort.

Caroline Nelson is the co-owner of Little Creek Feed in Townsend, Montana, where she and her family operate a regenerative ranch and direct-to-consumer meat business. She is also the founder of Little Creek Cowgirl Camp, an immersive ranch experience that gives women the opportunity to build confidence, learn practical ranch skills, and experience authentic Montana ranch life. Caroline is passionate about creating meaningful on-farm experiences that connect people to agriculture and the western way of life.

After the keynotes, 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. Our diverse lineup of speakers offers something for everyone. Join us for nine breakout sessions featuring 18 speakers sharing practical insights, innovative ideas, and real-world experiences. Here is a snapshot of current speakers that will be presenting! Additional speaker and session information will be announced as it becomes available!

Kim Thelen – President of Level Marketing
Session: From Farm to Destination: What Makes People Stop, Visit, and Come Back
Discover what motivates visitors to stop, explore, share, and return—and how to create an agritourism experience that's memorable and marketable.

Sophie Magnuson – Montana State Fund, Safety Management Consultant
Session: Agricultural Safety Resources & Montana State Fund
Learn about Montana State Fund's agricultural safety tools, support programs, and practical resources for reducing risk on your operation.

Caitlyn Kelly - Conservation Specialist, Environmental Attorney, and Regenerative Rancher
Session: Two Businesses, One Ranch: Succession Planning When Agritourism Is Part of Your Operation
Explore how to plan for the future when your operation includes both agricultural production and an agritourism business.

Eric Wickens - Wickens Ranch

Beau Milton - Orion Farmstead

Larry Walsh - Township Road Farm

Elisha Sherman - Greycliff Mill

Tamara Robertson- Manner West

Erin and Jon Turner - Turner Farms

Laura Garber- Cultivating Connections

Susan Joy – Montana Department of Commerce Tourism Grant Specialist

Kim Thelen – Level Marketing President Specialist

Additional speakers, session titles, and descriptions will be announced as they are confirmed.

Producer Panel Discussion: We have an expert panel planned on the “Agritourism and the Evolution of the Family Farm”, featuring Carissa McNamara with Wild Horse Lavender, Todd Barkley with Barkley’s Homegrown, Tana Canen with Mahlstedt Ranch, and more!

Roundtable Discussion/Closing Remarks Finish off a very busy day with 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 sponsorship? We welcome all sponsors who align with our mission! ‍

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