By Andi Anderson
The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Women in Ag Leadership Conference is welcoming participants from across the agriculture community for its upcoming two-day event.
This year’s theme, “Leading with Resilience,” reflects the strength and innovation of women who continue to shape the future of agriculture. Early bird registration is available through Nov. 14.
Organized by an advisory committee of past attendees, the conference begins Wednesday, Dec. 3, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and continues Thursday, Dec. 4, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event includes speakers, workshops, mentoring opportunities, and educational tours.
Committee member Luci Sheriff expressed excitement about this year’s lineup of programs. She said, “We have planned an incredible lineup of speakers and workshops. Whether you are a farm producer or work in agriculture, whether you're young or old and whether you've been farming for five years or 50, we have something for everyone.”
The conference will open with Gabrielle McNally from the American Farmland Trust. As a social science director and Women for the Land advisor, her storytelling aims to inspire women to lead with confidence. Participants will also have the chance to join Iowa State University campus tours focused on drones, forestry, horses, greenhouses, turfgrass, winemaking, the Ag 450 Farm, and the ISU Creamery.
Workshops will feature interactive mentoring, a women managing farmland panel, crisis management exercises, and leadership strategies. The first day will close with a message from Brenda Clark Hamilton, founder of Fresh Coffee Professional Growth Programs.
Thursday’s schedule begins with keynote speaker Kiley Fleming, founder of outSIGHTin and executive director at Iowa Mediation Services. Her message will encourage attendees to face challenges with resilience and strength.
The Women in Ag program will also honour the 2025 Women Impacting Ag recipients: Tamara Deal, Darcy Moulsby, Natalie Paino, and Loretta Reimers. The afternoon panel will spotlight regenerative agriculture with insights from Keri Carstens of Jord Bio Science and Professor Lisa Schulte Moore of Iowa State University.
Breakout sessions will cover policy, financial security, team building, mentoring, farm safety, estate planning, workplace challenges, and current farm financial conditions. Capstone speaker Julie Kenney, CEO of the Agribusiness Association of Iowa, will conclude the event.
Regular registration is $160 for adults and $70 for students, with fees increasing after Nov. 14. Scholarships are available, and support from sponsors like Farm Credit Services of America helps keep the event accessible.
Photo Credit: iowa-state-university
Categories: Iowa, Rural Lifestyle