Women in Ag cultivate confidence

AMES — The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Women in Ag Leadership Conference will take place at the Gateway Hotel and Conference Center in Ames Wednesday, Dec. 4 from 11:15 a.m. to 8 p.m. and 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. The conference focuses on career advancement, leadership development and trending topics in agriculture.

A special feature of the conference this year is the option to take part in a Red Cross First Aid and Life-Threatening Bleeding and Tourniquet Application certification course.

The popular campus tours returns this year. On Wednesday, Attendees can choose from one of five tours highlighting everything from a Victorian-era Christmas at the Farm House Museum to regenerative agriculture at the Bioeconomy Institute.

As the conference opening speaker, Iowa’s homegrown advocate for women in agriculture, Lexi Marek Beeler, will discuss three actions all women can implement to make an impact.

Intensive workshops feature strong women who are leaders and role models. Mastering mental strength to thrive under pressure, leading effectively on the board and managing land and sharing a vision for the farm are key skills they’ll help attendees build.

The day ends with a relaxed dinner, networking and a social hour.

On Thursday, the conference will feature keynote speaker Heather Malenshek of Land O’ Lakes Inc. Forbes named Malenshek one of the country’s most influential chief marketing officers.

The 2024 Women Impacting Ag honorees Chris Cornelius, Julie Kenney, Wendy Johnson and Janette Smith will share their stories. The luncheon panel will feature Angie Treptow and Karen Rawson, leaders in finance and lending, who will share their stories and discuss the farm economy.

The breakout sessions offer topics such as agricultural entrepreneurship, family business transitions, better conversations, the emotional connection of marketing, leading as communicators and growing into farm management roles.

The capstone speaker is April Hemmes. Throughout her 40-year career in farming she has taken on leadership roles, supporting the local FFA chapter and becoming a director on the United Soybean Board.

Early bird registration for Women in Ag is available through Nov. 22 and saves $20. Regular registration is $140.00 for adults and $80 for students.

Scholarships may be requested.

Register online at regcytes.extension.iastate.edu/womeninag. Farm Credit Services of America is a major sponsor.