January 23, 2009

Nebraska women will find a variety of opportunities, workshops, "funshops" and networking in Kearney for the 24th annual Women in Agriculture Conference Feb. 26-27 at the Kearney Holiday Inn. The theme for this year's UNL Extension conference is "Cultivating Dreams, Harvesting Profits." The conference seeks to help participants build dreams and learn how to reap the benefits of those investments, said Megan Voss, Women in Ag coordinator.

The two-day conference begins Feb. 26 with 9 a.m. registration followed by a 10 a.m. welcome. The first keynote speaker, storyteller Susie Oberdahlhoff, will kick off the conference with "Kids, Crops, Sows and Plows; Life Happens." The University of Nebraska at Kearney show choir, Nebraskats, will provide dinner entertainment.

On Feb. 27, Ron Hanson, UNL agribusiness professor, will present "What Happens When Mom Takes Over The Family Farm?" The final keynote address, from Vincent Amanor-Boadu, agribusiness professor at Kansas State University, is "Succeeding Through Tough Times."

The two-day conference features 30 workshop in five sessions. Topics range from the current economic situation to the Farm Bill, grain markets and crop insurance. "Funshops" are optional workshops with a goal of networking and fun. Topics include cyber-shopping, teamwork and cooperation, and scrapbooking.

Registration

Early bird registration of $90 per person is due by Feb. 13. After Feb. 13, the fee is $100. The fee includes workshop materials, registration, breaks, lunch and dinner on Thursday and breakfast and lunch on Friday.

For more information about the conference, including a complete list of workshops, speakers, sponsors and booths, visit the Women in Ag Web site at http://wia.unl.edu/ .

Registration is available online or by mail, phone or fax. Mail completed registration forms with check or credit card number to Women In Agriculture, UNL Agricultural Economics, 304 Filley Hall, Lincoln, NE 68583-0922 or call (800) 535-3456 or fax (402) 472-0776.

Sandi Alswager Karstens
IANR News