Women across the Northwest can learn to be financially strong leaders in farming at the upcoming 2018 Women in Agriculture Conference, organized by Washington State University.
The conference is Saturday, Oct. 27, at 34 locations in Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Montana and Alaska.
This year’s event, “Pump Up Your Financial Fitness,” helps attendees learn how to develop a healthy stream of farm revenue, while networking and learning from their peers.
“Financial management of an agricultural business often takes a back seat to production. But for success as a farmer, it really matters how you manage your cash flow,” says Margaret Viebrock, WSU Douglas & Chelan County Extension Director and chair of the conference. “Learning to strategically project and manage your revenue makes a big difference in farm sustainability.”
Experts will share the best strategies to start projections for next year, monitor cash flow against actual income, manage family living expenses, and use record keeping tools.
Speakers include Kansas State University farm economist Robin Reid and farm analyst LaVell Winsor, both farmers who understand the importance of sound record keeping.
Sarah Beth Aubrey, author, farmer and owner of Aubrey Coaching and Training, will share new ways to prioritize and balance the work between, farming, family and personal time. Her message encourages young women to farm and develop management skills for success.
Each conference location will have a local panel of women farmers who have been successful in their financial management methods. They will explain their best strategies and how they bring balance to daily jobs and responsibilities.
The Women in Agriculture Conference is designed for women who are farming, as well as new and aspiring farmers. Supporting spouses, students, interns or people who own an agriculture-related business are welcome, as are financial lenders.
Registration is $35; Early registration, before Oct. 14, is $30. Registration includes the workshop, light breakfast, lunch and conference materials.
For details, conference locations, and registration, visit the Women in Ag website.