Young women invited to agriculture forum in Northern Indiana

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Young women who are interested in agricultural careers will have the opportunity to learn about their future roles in the industry at the Young Ladies of Agriculture Northern Indiana Forum.

This event is open to girls and young women in grades 8-12 and is held in conjunction with the Midwest Women in Agriculture Conference. It will take place Feb. 22, 4-8 p.m. at the Swan Lake Resort, 5203 Plymouth LaPorte Trail, Plymouth.

“We started the event to provide an opportunity for young ladies interested in agriculture to learn about career opportunities available to them,” says conference organizer Kelly Heckaman, director of Purdue Extension-Kosciusko County. “We hope we convey a message that you don't have to grow up on a farm to be involved in a career in agriculture.”

Dairy consultant and agriculture advocate Laura Daniels will give the keynote address on “Ten Life Hacks for Women in Agriculture,” where participants will learn to use their values to obtain a purposeful and fulfilling career.

The training will include a session on choosing colleges and careers to fit their skills. Attendees will also be able to network with Midwest Women in Agriculture members in a discussion about the future of agriculture.

Indiana FFA Southern Region Vice-President Emily Dougherty will give the closing presentation on “Realizing a New Vision for Agriculture.”

Registration for the forum is $10 per attendee and includes dinner. Each attendee or group is allowed to bring one adult guest free; registration for additional adults is $10. Space is limited to the first 100 applicants.

The schedule of events, more details, and registration forms are available at http://bit.ly/PurdueYLAForum. Registration forms must be mailed to the Kosciusko County Extension Office, 202 W. Main St., Warsaw, by Feb. 15.

For more information, contact Heckaman at 574-372-2340 or kheckaman@purdue.edu. 

Writer: Mikaela Wieland, mwieland@purdue.edu 

Source: Kelly Heckaman, 574-372-2340, kheckaman@purdue.edu  

Agricultural Communications: (765) 494-8415;
Darrin Pack, dpack@purdue.edu 
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