Women in Agriculture Conference to Be Held in Washington, Iowa

"Starting the Conversation” is the theme for this year’s Women in Agriculture Conference, to be held at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Washington on March 23.

Sometimes, starting the conversation, especially on a tough topic, can be a big and daunting first step. That’s why this year’s conference aims to get women of all ages feeling more confident in starting the conversation, even on tough topics like farm succession and transition planning or mental health and struggles.

The conference is hosted by the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Washington County office and the Washington County Women in Agriculture Advisory Board. Women from other counties are welcome to attend.

“We are looking forward to our sixth Women in Ag Conference, and we have a great lineup of speakers to help attendees feel more comfortable and confident in starting the conversation,” said Rebecca Vittetoe, field agronomist with ISU Extension and Outreach and a member of the Washington County Women in Agriculture Advisory Board.

The conference will feature four speakers: Ron Rabou, a Wyoming farmer and entrepreneur; Liz Hulsizer, a fifth-generation Illinois farmer and grain originator; Rena Striegel, president of Transition Point Business Advisors; and Elaine Turner, certified public accountant specializing in small business and agriculture taxation.

Rabou will begin with a “Mind Shift” session, which will be a thought-provoking, interactive presentation as Rabou challenges attendees to look at things through different lenses without compromising who we are, what we believe and what’s important to us.

Following Rabou, Hulsizer will discuss the “Importance of Having Open Communication.” She will discuss the importance of not being afraid to talk about struggles, especially the topic of mental health. She will draw on some of her personal experiences with mental health and the impact it has had on her family and her family’s farming operation.

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