Michigan Agritourism Convention marks 20th anniversary with education, farm tours

Michigan’s agritourism community will gather March 10–11, 2026, at the Bavarian Inn Lodge in Frankenmuth as the Michigan Agritourism Association marks the 20th anniversary of its annual statewide convention.

The 2026 Michigan Agritourism Convention will bring together farmers, educators, industry partners and service providers involved in farm-based tourism, including U-pick operations, farm markets, tours, events and educational programming. The event also is aimed at farms considering agritourism or expanding existing operations.

“The convention is a true celebration of the agritourism farmers who make our state so special,” said Janice Benson, executive director, Michigan Agritourism Association, in a release. “For 20 years, this gathering has helped farms learn from one another and adapt to changes in consumer demand, regulations and business opportunities.”

Convention activities begin the morning of March 10 with educational programming and an agritourism trade show that will remain open throughout the day. The schedule includes general sessions, exhibitor engagement and networking opportunities, followed by afternoon off-site farm tours. A hosted dinner and networking event is planned for Tuesday evening. Programming resumes the morning of March 11 with additional education sessions, breakout workshops and a closing keynote address in the early afternoon.

A key feature of the 2026 convention will be the introduction of the Michigan Agritourism Toolkit, a new resource designed to help farms address business growth, marketing strategies, education programming and regulatory considerations.

2026 Michigan Agritourism Convention speakers

Speakers scheduled for the 2026 event include:

• Michele Payn, author and speaker, who focuses on strengthening connections between consumers and agriculture
• Suzi Spahr, executive director, NAFDMA International Agritourism Association, who will discuss national and international agritourism trends
• Rusty Rumley, senior staff attorney, National Agricultural Law Center, who will address liability and legal considerations for agritourism operations
• Ben LaCross, president, Michigan Farm Bureau, who will speak on policy and organizational support for farm-based businesses
• Mike and Dede Beck, owners, Uncle John’s Cider Mill, who will share insights from operating a diversified agritourism destination
• Greg Shooks, owner, Cellar 1914, who will discuss on-farm hospitality and visitor engagement
• Jimmy and Grace McMonagle, owners, Kreps Apple Barn, who will share perspectives on seasonal agritourism and retail operations
• Kassie Grasmanis and Amy Kett, co-owners, Bowerman Blueberries, who will discuss managing U-pick and retail-focused agritourism experiences

Breakout sessions and tours

Breakout sessions will cover topics including land-use and right-to-farm considerations, agritourism liability, youth education and on-farm learning, marketing and visitor engagement, and hands-on workshops tied to agritourism offerings.

Off-site tours scheduled for March 10 will give attendees firsthand exposure to a range of agritourism models. Stops include:

• Weiss Centennial Farm, a working dairy with family-oriented attractions
• Leaman’s Green Applebarn, an orchard and bakery operation
• Country Roads Farm, which features seasonal U-pick and agritourism activities
• Bavarian Inn, where a behind-the-scenes tour will highlighting food production and hospitality operations

Founded in 2006, the Michigan Agritourism Association is a nonprofit organization focused on education, promotion, advocacy and networking to support agritourism farms across the state and strengthen rural economies.

Details and registration information for the 2026 Michigan Agritourism Convention are available online.