December 10, 2008

Women in Ag Conference covers it all, from energy to wine

The conference, which begins at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 4 and ends at 3 p.m. Feb. 5, will be held at Swan Lake Resort. It is designed to meet the needs of women in agriculture by addressing personal, family and farm issues that affect their lives, families and farm businesses.

"The conference is packed with great speakers who will inform participants about the importance of trade, rejuvenate spirits and emphasize skills needed for the future of agriculture," said Jerene Gilliam, Purdue University Cooperative Extension educator and conference co-planner. "It's full of information, from agritourism to family health. Whether you're working on the family farm or working in the agribusiness industry, you're sure to find value in attending."

Early registration, due by Jan. 16, costs $75 per person for both days or $65 per person for one day. After Jan. 16, registration costs $125 per person for both days or $100 per person for one day.  Registration includes meals, materials and refreshments. Registration information is available at https://www.agriculture.purdue.edu/wia/conference.html  or by calling (765) 973-9281.

Added this year is a track of information targeting the new generation of agriculture and new ideas, Gilliam said, adding the hope is to integrate the younger generation into agriculture and focus on niche markets that an operation may be able to take advantage of.

A few of the conference topics include:

* Creating a trail of unique tastes, Meredith Easley of Easley Winery.

* Joining together for a common good, Debbie Trocha of the Indiana Cooperative Development Center.

* Arthritis and agriculture, Paul Jones of Purdue's Breaking New Ground.

* Telling your story—Public relations training for your operation, Liz Woodruff of the American Dairy Association and Dairy Nutrition Council.

* Engaging generations, University of Illinois Extension.

* Farm Safety 4 just kids, Tammy Eades of Archer Daniels Midland.

* Wind energy, Jimmy Bricker, Purdue Extension economic and community development educator.

* Is professional farm management right for me? Howard Halderman of Halderman Farm Management.

Swan Lake Resort is located at 5203 Plymouth-LaPorte Trail. Participants who want to stay at Swan Lake Resort can make their reservation by calling (800) 935-5616 by Jan. 20 to get the conference rate of $79 per room per night.

The Women in Ag Conference is sponsored by Purdue Extension, Indiana Farm Bureau and Farm Credit Services of Mid-America.

For questions and more information, contact Stacy Herr, conference chair, at (765) 973-9281, sherr@purdue.edu.

Writer: Julie Douglas, (765) 496-1050, douglajk@purdue.edu

Source: Jerene Gilliam, (812) 752-8450, jerene@purdue.edu

Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Beth Forbes, forbes@purdue.edu
Agriculture News Page

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