AMES, Iowa – The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Women in Ag Leadership Conference takes place at the Gateway Hotel and Conference Center in Ames. The two-day event begins on Wednesday, Dec. 4, from 11:15 a.m. to 8 p.m. and continues Thursday, Dec. 5, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. This year’s theme, “Breaking Ground, Seeding Success,” reflects the hard work women put into their agricultural careers and the rewards they achieve.
“Women are leading and strengthening agriculture from the farm family table to the national board room. Two-thirds of Iowa’s women farmers have full or part-time off farm careers. The leadership conference is a unique opportunity to learn with and from successful farmers and successful women in agribusiness,” said Madeline Schultz, Women in Ag program manager.
Karen Rawson, the new deputy state executive director at the Farm Service Agency, and Angie Treptow, senior vice president of retail customer experience at Farm Credit Services of America, will be featured on a luncheon panel discussing leadership in financial careers and how to support agriculture during challenging years like the one we are currently experiencing.
Three entrepreneurs who carved out their own niche in agriculture are featured breakout session speakers. Laura Cunningham, Skyview Farms; Natalie Paino, Hightail Delivery; and Meredith Nunnikhoven, Barnswallow Compostable Vases and Flowers, will share their journey through business growth and their hopes for the future.
Shelly Kruse, executive director of strategic relationships at Growmark, brings her extensive experience of serving on over 25 boards of directors and providing guidance to many more to this year’s intensive workshops. She will teach attendees an eight-step cycle that outlines best practices for building and sustaining highly effective boards.
Keynote speaker Heather Malenshek, CMO at Land O’ Lakes Inc., is one of the country’s most influential chief marketing officers. Malenshek is proud to support farmers through this 103-year-old cooperative business. She’s on a mission to tell the story of innovative American farmers and why they are so critical.
Kiley Fleming, executive director at Iowa Mediation Services, is a favorite speaker returning this year to talk about leading as a communicator. She’ll explore what it means to use leadership skills during critical moments that require effective communication.
“In all, the leadership conference features over 26 speakers, as well as offering five campus tours, Red Cross First Aid Certification and networking with inspiring women in agriculture,” Schultz said.
Early bird registration is available through Nov. 22 and saves $20. Regular registration is $140 for adults and $80 for students. Scholarships may be requested. Farm Credit Services of America and all other sponsors help to keep the cost of this conference affordable.
View the full program and register online.
The ISU Extension and Outreach Women in Ag Program improves the quality of life in Iowa by providing research-based educational programs to expand agricultural enterprise, improve natural resource management and support the community of women in agriculture. Visit the Women in Ag Program website to learn more.
–ISU Extension
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