Washington hosts Women in Ag conference

WASHINGTON — Around 100 people gathered at KC Hall Saturday for the Iowa State University Extension Office’s Women in Ag conference.

“We have several speakers come throughout the day that talk about everything from grain marketing to succession to farm stress,” said Women in Ag Advisory Board Member Janelle Johnson. “Women hold a huge role in agriculture and always have. ISU extension has always offered really good programming toward agriculture, and we’re just focusing on honing it toward women, so that women can come and learn about everything that’s agriculture and have a day to themselves.”

While all of the attendees were women, many of the speakers were not.

“This year is a little bit more heavily on the male side, but they’re very good speakers,” Johnson said. “That’s our overall goal every year, just to have good educational speakers.”

Extension office field agronomist and advisory board member Rebecca Vittetoe said it was important to have an event aimed at women.

“In general, people tend to think of agriculture as probably being more male-dominated,” she said. “But women have always had a role, it’s not anything new. It’s nice to be able to come together, and you realize you’re not alone, there’s a lot more like you, and you have that networking opportunity.”

Grain Market Expert Elaine Kub, who commuted from South Dakota to speak at the conference, said the content was as important as the people it focused on.

“These are really interesting times and challenging times for farmers, so it’s important to share as much information as I can to help people make some decisions,” she said. “Prices are very volatile right now because of the Russian war and shortages in supplies and persistent drought in North and South America, there’s many factors coming together. And when prices are volatile, it’s difficult for farmers to know what price to sell their crops at.”

Still, she said the event was a welcome change from the norm.

“It’s always a nice environment when women in agriculture get together,” she said. “The conversations flow so well and people are willing to learn from each other and help teach each other. It’s a great environment when it’s a room full of women together.”

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com