Extension Education: Art Agritourism Offers a Creative Avenue for Producers Looking to Diversify Ag Operations

Economic pressures play significant roles in shaping the agricultural industry. Because of this, many producers seek alternate sources of income to maintain operational success. Producers must also consider educating and inspiring the next generation of agricultural producers and contributors. 

Agritourism addresses both of these needs as an area of alternate income and involves generating revenue through educational and recreational activities offered by agricultural operations. It provides a unique opportunity to diversify sources of income and engage the public. 

Agritourism can take many forms, ranging from farm tours to hands-on workshops and outdoor recreational activities, depending on available operation resources.

While traditional agritourism activities have become well-established, there may be untapped potential to integrate artistic programs into agritourism offerings. 

Using art as a medium to connect people with agriculture may create a unique and educational experience for participants. By collaborating with local artists, Extension educators and art organizations, agricultural producers could develop workshops and events combining art and agriculture education. 

These programs have the potential to build networks of creative professionals and can strengthen community ties which could foster a sense of shared purpose and an enhanced connection to animals and the land.  

In addition, these programs present the opportunity to attract a diverse audience including individuals who may not have previously engaged with agriculture and generate a greater appreciation for agricultural practices including but not limited to food and fiber production. 

Producers and their collaborators could design workshops and events combining art and agriculture in meaningful and impactful ways. Some examples of workshops include nature journaling, agricultural photography or livestock drawings which could provide a creative outlet while educating participants about agricultural practices and the environment. 

Programs can be tailored to the resources available on the farm or ranch and the interests of potential participants. 

For example, a workshop might involve a painting, drawing or sculpture class focused on capturing landscapes and biodiversity in an agricultural setting where farmers and ranchers could showcase their sustainable practices and management strategies. 

Natural materials could potentially be sourced from the farm or ranch and incorporated into artwork, enhancing artistic expression and the connection to the local area.      

Exploring artistic agritourism may help producers meet the dual challenges of economic sustainability while educating the next generation about agriculture and natural resources. 

Through creative collaborations and engaging programs, exploring artistic agritourism as a new source of revenue and a way to foster community connections and inspire a passion for agriculture may be a worthwhile venture. 

For individuals interested in expanding into art agritourism, University of Wyoming Extension Educators Brenna Litynski and Hailey Sorg are working to develop art programming throughout Wyoming. 

Litynski has taught and developed art programming for Extension and is both interested and passionate about developing art programming specific to agriculture and livestock production. 

These workshops would collaborate with and benefit farms and ranches, while educating the public about agriculture at the same time. 

Brenna Litynski is the University of Wyoming Extension agriculture and natural resources educator serving Albany County. She can be reached at blitynsk@uwyo.edu or 307-721-2571.