PULLMAN, Wash. — This winter women farmers in Washington state will have the opportunity to participate in an agricultural workshop offering inspirational stories, practical advice on how to improve their management skills, and networking opportunities with other women entrepreneurs. The Women in Agriculture conference is slated for Feb. 11 and will broadcast two engaging speakers to 16 different locations throughout the state. The new localized format of the conference is designed to let women involved in agriculture benefit from a statewide conference while still meeting their on-farm duties.
“Women are uniquely tasked with the demands of both farm and family, which can make travel to one state location a challenge,” said WSU Douglas County Extension Director and chair of the conference Margaret Viebrock. “This new approach allows us to offer our headline speakers at all locations, while also making the conference specific to each region.”
Keynote speakers will be Lyn Garling, owner of Over the Moon Farm, and Rita Emmett, the author of “The Procrastinator’s Handbook.” Garling, a farmer who got started later in life, will share about being a “woman farmer” today and how her challenges, inspirations and frustrations have contributed to her success. Emmett will be detailing how to “Blast Away Procrastination” in order to be more successful at work, in relationships and in life. Emmett is a fun, persuasive speaker who argues that procrastination is not a character trait, but simply a habit.
Garling and Emmett will be joined by local presenters who will talk about their risks and challenges with farming, including how to stay focused, keep current on market trends, the latest production methods and financial management.
Registration for the conference is $25 and includes a copy of “The Procrastinator’s Handbook,” an opportunity to be listed in the conference brochure to increase networking opportunities, and lunch during the event. The deadline to register for the event is Jan. 25 by mail or online. Website registration is now available online at www.womeninag.wsu.edu. To receive a print brochure in the mail, contact Margaret Viebrock at 509-745-8531 or viebrock@wsu.edu. Women farmers and producers, supporting spouses and aspiring farmers are encouraged to attend. Agriculture students and farm interns are also welcome to participate.
The conference is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the WSU Extension Western Center for Risk Management Education.
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