The Iowa Women in Agriculture Conference is an annual event that aims to connect and empower women in agriculture. This year's conference will be held on August 3 at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny. The theme for the 18th conference is "Growing Connections," and it will focus on various agricultural issues and current events affecting the industry.
The conference in 2023 will discuss the challenges faced by agriculture due to the current economic and environmental climate. Some of the topics that will be covered include the 2023 Farm Bill, marketing strategies, initiatives for improving soil and water quality, financial outlook, social media advocacy, and strategies for transitioning and succession planning. The goal of the conference is to highlight the important roles that women play in agriculture and recognize their contributions to this dynamic and expanding industry.
The conference will start at 8:15 a.m. and end at 4:30 p.m. Throughout the day, several speakers will share valuable insights. Steph Carlson, who is the legislative director and agricultural policy adviser to Senator Joni Ernst, will lead discussions on the emerging details of the farm bill. Ruth McCabe, a conservation agronomist for Heartland Cooperative and a Nuffield Scholar, will talk about building partnerships between the private and public sectors and how Iowa farmers can participate in programs for improving soil health and water quality.
Naomi Blohm, a senior market adviser at Total Farm Marketing by Stewart-Peterson and a commentator on IPTV's "Market to Market," will provide information about the global and domestic economy, as well as the supply and demand outlook for agricultural commodities. During the luncheon, the first Lifetime Achievement Award in Agriculture by Iowa Women in Agriculture will be presented.
In the afternoon, attendees will have the opportunity to choose from different presentations during breakout sessions. Some of the topics that will be covered include financial overviews and strategies for coping with challenges, the impact of sunset dates on income and estate tax provisions, and strategies for engaging and growing a social media audience. The conference will conclude with a message from Brandi Buzzard Frobose, an advocate for agriculture and a rancher at High Bar Cattle Co., emphasizing the importance of standing up for the agricultural industry.
In addition to the conference, participants can enjoy a complimentary welcome and networking reception on August 2 at Reiman Gardens in Ames. There will also be a preconference tour organized by the Iowa State Extension and Outreach Women in Agriculture Program on the same day.
The early bird registration fee for the conference is $55 until August 1, and $75 after that date. The registration fee covers the preconference tour, the welcome reception, as well as breakfast, lunch, and snacks during the conference. First-time attendees will have a chance to win early bird registration refunds through a drawing on August 3.
To register for the conference, interested individuals can visit the Iowa Women in Agriculture (IWIA) website, register by mail, or register on the day of the conference. Accommodation options have been arranged at the Courtyard by Marriott-Ankeny and the Residence Inn in Ankeny for attendees who require lodging.
The premier sponsor of the 2023 Iowa Women in Agriculture Conference is Farm Credit Services of America, with additional sponsorship from organizations such as the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, Iowa Bankers Association, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Women in Ag, Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Cattlemen's Association, and NEW Cooperative.
Photo Credit: Iowa Women in Agriculture
Categories: Iowa, Business, Crops, Soybeans, Livestock, Hogs