Jan. 19, 2012

Nebraska women will learn to take charge of their futures and invigorate themselves through fellowship, education, innovation and networking during the Women in Agriculture Conference Feb. 23-24 at the Holiday Inn in Kearney.

The theme for this year's Women in Agriculture Conference is "Innovation for the Future." Participants will find dozens of workshops, "funshops," and speakers that will help them develop management skills in every facet of agriculture, said Cheryl Griffith, Nebraska Women in Agriculture coordinator.

"We encourage women involved in any type of agriculture production or those working in the industry to attend this year's conference, Griffith said. "In addition to the workshops, participants also can visit the 22 booths set up for display."

The two-day workshop begins Feb. 23 with 9 a.m. registration. The program will kick off with a welcome followed by keynote speaker Ronnie Green, University of Nebraska vice president and Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources Harlan vice chancellor. One of two keynote speakers, Green will share his vision for IANR.

On Feb. 24, the morning keynote speaker Tina Henderson, director of communications services at Nebraska Farm Bureau, will talk about how farmers and ranchers will continue to be in the spotlight with consumers and how they can tell consumers where their food comes from using social media and speaking to local community groups.

Participants also will be able to choose from more than 30 workshops spread out over five sessions throughout the conference. On the evening of Feb. 23, participants will enjoy a wine tasting sponsored by the Nebraska Winery and Grape Growers Association before dinner and after dinner can attend "funshops." These offer participants a fun way to network and learn in a non-pressure setting, Griffith said.

"We also couldn't do this without our sponsors," Griffith said. "This year's premier sponsors are Reinke Manufacturing, Nebraska Farm Bureau, Farm Credit Services of America and the Nebraska Soybean Board."

Entertainment will be provided by the University of Nebraska at Kearney "Nebraskats."

The conference will conclude after lunch on Feb. 23 with capstone speaker Juli Burney. Burney is a nationally known award-winning teacher, humorist, and author from Nebraska.

Registration and Information

Early registration of $100 per person is due by Feb. 10. Beginning Feb. 11, the fee is $120. The fee includes workshop materials, registration, breaks, lunch and dinner on Feb. 23 and breakfast and lunch on Feb. 24.

A block of rooms has been reserved through Jan. 23 for conference participants at the Kearney Holiday Inn. Call 308-237-5971 for reservations.

For more information or to register visit http://wia.unl.edu/, call 800-535-3456 or mail a completed registration form and check payable to University of Nebraska to Women in Agriculture, UNL Agricultural Economics, 303 Filley Hall, Lincoln, NE 68583-0922.

The Women in Agriculture Conference is presented by IANR, UNL Extension and UNL's Department of Agricultural Economics.

Sandi Alswager Karstens
IANR News