Jan. 17, 2011

“Taking Charge of Our Future” will be the theme for this year’s Women in Ag Conference Feb. 17-18 in Kearney.  This year's event celebrates 26 years of empowering women in the agriculture industry.

Dozens of workshops, "funshops,” and networking opportunities will be offered, said Cheryl Griffith, Women in Ag Conference spokesperson.

The conference, which will be held at the Holiday Inn at the I-80 exit, begins Feb. 17 with 9 a.m. registration followed by a 10 a.m. welcome and presentation by keynote speaker Gloria Schaefer.

Schaefer, a professional communicator, motivator, and team builder, has a passion for helping others tap into their own inner excellence, Griffith said. She connects with the audience, encouraging them to believe in themselves and maintain a positive outlook on life.

On Feb.18, Lynette Brown, extension assistant from Furnas and Harlan counties, will take a humorous look at agriculture, discussing why “A Little Ag Won’t Hurt You.”

The capstone speaker on Feb. 18 will be entertainer Georgeann Wearin from Hyannis. She will be sharing the woman’s point of view on the ranching way of life through her unique humor and music.

Participants will be able to choose from more than 35 workshops over five sessions throughout the two-day conference. Topics range from animal welfare advocacy, business feasibility, farm pet health, crop insurance and marketing, to smart phone applications, reading maps for government programs, and managing with arthritis on the farm.

As in the past, two optional evening "funshops" are available to provide for networking.

Registration

The early registration of $90 per person is due by Feb. 4. Afterward the fee is $110. The fee includes workshop materials, registration, breaks, and four meals.

To register or for more information about the conference, including a complete list of workshop and speaker biographies, conference sponsors, booths, and lodging information, visit the Women in Ag website at wia.unl.edu and register on-line. Participants also can call (800) 535-3456, fax 402) 472-0776, or mail Women In Agriculture, UNL Agricultural Economics, 304 Filley Hall, Lincoln, NE 68583-0922.

Program sponsors include UNL Extension, Reinke Manufacturing, and Farm Credit Services of America.