“Starting the Conversation” will be the theme of this year’s Women in Agriculture Conference on March 23 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Washington in southeast Iowa.

Starting the conversation, especially on a tough topic, can be daunting. That’s why this year’s conference aims to get women of all ages feeling more confident in broaching a tough topic such as farm succession and transition planning, or mental health struggles.

The conference is hosted by Iowa State University Extension’s Washington County office and the Washington County Women in Agriculture advisory board. Women from other counties are welcome to attend.

Lineup of speakers

“We are looking forward to our sixth Women in Ag Conference, and we have a great lineup of speakers to help attendees feel more comfortable and confident in starting the conversation,” says Rebecca Vittetoe, ISU Extension field agronomist in southeast Iowa and a member of the Washington County Women in Agriculture advisory board.

The conference will feature these presentations:

Mind shift. Ron Rabou, a Wyoming farmer and entrepreneur, will challenge attendees to look at things through different lenses without compromising who they are, what they believe and what’s important to them.

Open communication. Liz Hulsizera, a fifth-generation Illinois farmer and grain originator, will lead the session on the “Importance of Having Open Communication.” She will discuss how to talk about struggles, especially with mental health, and will draw on personal experiences and the impact it has had on her family and farming operation.

Tackle the tough stuff. Rena Striegel, president of Transition Point Business Advisors, will share strategies for communicating your succession plan. Attendees should leave this session feeling more confident in communicating goals, ideas, thoughts or concerns related to a transition.

Tax benefits for ag. Elaine Turner, a CPA specializing in small-business and agriculture taxation,

will share her expertise in ag taxation and how to maximize tax benefits in agriculture.

Register early

It’s best to register in advance to reserve your place. On-site registration and check-in start at 8:30 a.m. March 23. The conference program will begin at 9 a.m. and will conclude at 2:15 p.m.

If registering by March 16, the fee is $25 for adults and $15 for students. A light breakfast and lunch are included. Registrations after March 16 and walk-ins will be accepted based on availability, and the registration cost is $35 for adults and $25 for students.

For more information or to register, call the ISU Extension and Outreach Washington County office at 319-653-4811 or visit Women in Agriculture. The conference is made possible thanks to ISU Extension, the Azariah and Martha Foster Heritage Endowment, Hills Bank and other local sponsors.

Source: Iowa State University