January 12, 2009

Women in Ag Conference offers diverse agenda, networking

The 2009 conference will feature sessions and networking opportunities focused on meeting the needs of women in agriculture by addressing personal, family and farm issues that affect their lives, families and farm businesses. It also will feature keynote and cap note speakers — both of whom will help to rejuvenate participants with humor and real-life testimonies.

"We really encourage women to come to the conference to not only network with other women with similar interests and careers, but also to renew their interest in agriculture," said Jerene Gilliam, educator, Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service Scott County, and conference co-planner. "The speakers and sessions will encourage the women and emphasize the worth of their contributions on the farm or in agribusiness."

This year's keynote speaker, Michelle Payn-Knoper, will present "Celebrating Agriculture," a talk that uses humor, personal testimony and even a few kick boxing moves to keep participants from feeling worn out by their roles in agriculture.

"Michelle is a dynamic speaker and a real advocate for agriculture," Gilliam said. "She's very excited about agriculture, rural America and celebrating the connection to the land. She will motivate and encourage attendees with stories from her life on the farm, lessons from working across the industry and key ways to fight back for the future of agriculture."

The close of the conference will feature Nan Crockett Valentine, with her presentation "Breakaway Laughter."

Crockett Valentine is an author, consultant and executive coach.

"Nan is always motivational and she'll end the conference on an encouraging and humorous note," Gilliam said. "She has a real knack for teaching others how to use humor as a tool for dealing with daily struggles."

In addition to the keynote and cap note speakers, Jamie Price from the United States Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service will speak about the rollout of the 2007 Agricultural Census results, which will be published Feb. 4.

Early registration is $75 per person for both days or $65 per person for one day and is due Monday (Jan. 26). After Monday, registration is $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.

Swan Lake Resort is located at 5203 Plymouth-LaPorte Trail. Hotel reservations at the resort are available at a special conference rate of $79 per room per night by calling (800) 935-5616 by Jan. 20.

Purdue Extension, Indiana Farm Bureau and Farm Credit Services of Mid-America sponsor the conference.

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

Writer: Jennifer Stewart, (765) 494-6682, jsstewar@purdue.edu

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

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