Women in Agriculture Conference to be held in Washington

WASHINGTON — “Beyond the Fields” is the theme for this year’s Women in Agriculture Conference, to be held at the Jim and Evelyn Eash Banquet Room at the Washington County Fairgrounds on March 21, 2026.

The event is being hosted by the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Washington County office, along with the Washington County Women in Agriculture Advisory Board.

This year’s conference aims to equip attendees with practical tools, fresh perspectives, and inspiring stories from women shaping agriculture today.

“We are looking forward to our eight Women in Ag Conference, and we’ve got a great lineup of speakers to help attendees think beyond the fields,” said Rebecca Vittetoe, ISU Extension field agronomist and member of the Washington County Women in Agriculture Advisory Board.

Sessions and presenters for the 2026 conference include:

“Growing the next generation: Leveraging Programs for Beginning Farms” with Sara Adrian, a loan officers with the Farm Service Agency and Tamny Nebola with the Iowa Finance Authority.

“Estate and Succession Planning for Farm Families” with Kristine Tidgren, director of Center of Ag Law and Taxation at Iowa State University

“From Freezer Beef to Farm Brand: Real Talk on Building a Business, a Brand, and a Life” with Ashley Recknor, farmer and owner of Purple Ribbon Beef from Britt, Iowa

“Communication Styles: Real Colors®” with Shannon Bielicke, Extension and Outreach Ag and Natural Resources Program Coordinator in Johnson County

“Season of a Farm Life: Love, Loss, and Finding Purpose” with Joan Maxwell, farmer and owner of Cinnamon Ridge Farms

Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. with the conference program beginning at 9 a.m. and will conclude by 3 p.m.

The conference is open to all, and the fee to attend the conference is $25 or $15 for students. A light breakfast and lunch will be included. The early registration deadline is March 14. Late registrations and walk-in registrations will be accepted based on availability and the registration cost jumps to $35 or $25 for students.

To learn more or secure your spot, call the ISU Extension and Outreach Washington County office at 319-653-4811 or register online at go.iastate.edu/YMF1GK. Early registration is encouraged.

The conference is being made possible through generous support from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, the Azariah and Martha Foster Heritage Endowment, Hills Bank and other local sponsors.