The Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association has unveiled its 2026 programming lineup aimed at strengthening Wisconsin’s fastest-growing tourism sector.
Headlining the announcement is the Growing Wisconsin Conference, scheduled for Jan. 18-20 in Wisconsin Dells. The event serves as a hub for farm owners and industry stakeholders to network and discover new ways to revitalize rural economies.
Since its founding in 1993, WATA has championed agricultural tourism as a vital tool for farmland preservation. By opening farms to the public, families can generate the diverse revenue streams necessary to keep their land operational for future generations.
To support this mission, WATA is launching several member-focused initiatives throughout January:
- Peer-to-Peer Mentoring: Starting Jan. 21, this program connects seasoned ag-tourism veterans with newcomers to share best practices.
- Social Media Marketing Workshops: Beginning Jan. 22, these sessions are designed to help farmers increase their digital footprint and attract more visitors.
- Business Readiness Tools: For those considering entering the industry, WATA has released a comprehensive “Getting Started” plan and video guide to help families assess the viability of agricultural tourism on their land.
WATA encourages farmers, educators, and community leaders to join the association to bolster its advocacy and marketing efforts. Members gain access to exclusive resources, including the Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Resource Guide, a dedicated podcast series, and specialized blogs.
For registration details or to learn more about the upcoming conference, visit https://wiagtourism.com/.
For direct inquiries, contact Executive Director Sheila Everhart at (608) 774-1354 or via email at [email protected].
