When you gather a room full of farmers, dreamers, and doers, something special happens. Ideas flow like craft beer, laughter fills the air, and you can feel the heartbeat of rural America getting just a little stronger. That’s exactly what unfolded October 27–29 in North Platte, Nebraska, at the 2025 Agritourism & Adventure Travel Workshop (A&ATW) — three days of inspiration, collaboration, and authentic Nebraska hospitality, proudly supported by NAFDMA Agritourism Association.

A Warm Welcome and a Toast to Local Flavor

The workshop kicked off at Pals Brewing Company, where wood-fired pizza met locally crafted brews and genuine conversation. Attendees were welcomed by community leaders, including Lisa Burke from Visit North Platte and David Fudge of the Nebraska Tourism Commission, before diving into Fudge’s keynote on “Creating a Festival in Celebration of Nebraska.”

It set the tone for what this gathering is all about — turning local pride into experiences that invite the world into the farm. With sponsors like NAFDMA, Nebraska Land Bank, and Prairie Friends & Flowers, it was a true team effort in showcasing how agritourism thrives when collaboration takes center stage.

Stories That Spark Ideas

Tuesday brought a lineup of sessions that blended passion with practicality. From Travis Byers’ “Turning Your Passion into Profit” to Stephanie Anderson’s story behind Our Lavender Co., every speaker shared a simple truth: success in agritourism grows from a mix of creativity, grit, and heart.

Breakout sessions like “Pedaling Potters Pasture” and the Gravel Biking Nebraska Panel showed how adventure travel and outdoor recreation can complement traditional farm experiences. Attendees didn’t just listen — they swapped stories, shared lessons learned, and left with notebooks full of fresh ideas.

Field to Field Learning

Site visits took participants across the heart of western Nebraska — from Buffalo Bill Ranch to Dusty Trails LLC, Homestead Pumpkin Patch, and Feather River Vineyards — where they explored the art of creating memorable experiences, from family-friendly pumpkin patches to wine tastings under the stars.

Dinner among the vines, followed by an astronomy program reminded everyone that agritourism isn’t just about what visitors see — it’s about what they feel.

Bloom Where You’re Planted

The final day’s stops at Dahlia Valley Ranch Flower Farm and The Milk House wrapped things up with color, creativity, and community. Between the scent of fresh flowers and the taste of Nebraska-made cheese paired with local wine, participants were reminded that agritourism is as much about connection as it is about commerce.

Why It Matters

Workshops like this one strengthen more than business plans — they strengthen bonds. Whether you’re brainstorming new attractions, navigating challenges, or celebrating wins, being surrounded by people who “get it” can make all the difference.

As one attendee put it while boarding the bus home, “It’s not just about learning new things — it’s about remembering why we started.”

NAFDMA was proud to sponsor this year’s Agritourism & Adventure Travel Workshop, joining in the mission to inspire growth, collaboration, and community across farms and rural destinations everywhere.

Learn more about upcoming NAFDMA events and educational opportunities at  NAFDMA.com — where farms, friendships, and fresh ideas grow together.