March 19, 2026
Mt. Sterling and Williamsport, Ohio
2026 Ohio Agritourism Conference
Join a group of your peers to learn more about how they run their agritourism operations and event center. The annual Ohio Agritourism Conference focuses on donut production and sales to increase your bottom line, learning how AI can assist you in reaching the right customers for your farm, and providing your input on the opportunities and trends facing Ohio agritourism operations in the coming years.
Join us to share your input, learn from your peers, and see how other businesses are operating in Ohio.
Cost: $35 per person
Interested in sponsorship opportunities? Click HERE to download a sponsor form.
Agenda
| 9-9:15 a.m. | Welcome – Christie Welch, Chris Zoller, Lohstroh Family |
| 9:15-10 a.m. | The Story of Lohstroh Family Farm |
| 10-11 a.m. | All About Donuts George & Christin Lohstroh, Lohstroh Family Farms Kerry Sullivan, Jacquemin Farms Noah Lynd, Lynd Fruit Farm |
| 11-11:30 a.m. | Travel to The Old Barns at Dry Run Farms 20521 Pherson Pike, Williamsport, OH 43164 |
| 11:30-12:30 | Lunch |
| 12:30-1 p.m. | The Old Barns at Dry Run Farms Story – Justin and Adrian Barns |
| 1-1:45 p.m. | Powering Your Digital Marketing with AI Melissa Carter, Business Development Specialist OSU South Centers |
| 1:45-2:30 p.m. | Hot Topics in Agritourism: Ready to grow your agritourism operation? Join us to unlock strategies to hire and empower a rockstar team, learn about industry trends, and dive into fresh opportunities to grow your business. Rob Leeds and Christie Welch, OSU Direct Agricultural Marketing Team |
| 2:30-3:15 p.m. | Agritourism Peer Exchange: Connect with fellow Ohio agritourism operators in a facilitated discussion about real-world challenges—from visitor management to regulations. Share your experiences, trade practical strategies, and help shape future training and resources for the industry. Hannah Scott, Program Director, CFAES Center for Cooperatives |
| 3:15-4:30 p.m. | Celebrating America 250 and Agriculture - Lacey Bonar Hull |
| 4:30 p.m. | Wrap-up, evaluations, and safe travels home |
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Lohstroh Family Farms15632 OH-56 Mt. Sterling, Ohio |
The Old Barns at Dry Run Farms20521 Pherson Pike Williamsport, Ohio |
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Lohstroh is a multigenerational family farm built on a long tradition of vegetable, grain, and livestock production. What began as a small vegetable operation has grown over the decades into a diverse farm featuring corn, soybeans, wheat, hay, cattle, goats, and a beloved pumpkin crop. Now located in Mt. Sterling, the farm continues to expand its offerings with a welcoming fall market and family‑friendly activities. |
The Old Barns at Dry Run Farms is Central Ohio’s newest unique wedding venue, featuring three beautifully redesigned historic barns and an 1816 log cabin reserved exclusively for the couple on their wedding night. Each structure has been carefully relocated and reimagined to create one‑of‑a‑kind event spaces and on‑site lodging across 70 acres of peaceful farmland. Blending rustic charm with modern elegance, the venue offers a relaxed, private atmosphere by hosting only one wedding per weekend. |
Questions?
Call Christie Welch at 614-247-9725 or email welch.183@osu.edu