Ag women stay WILD at annual conferenceAg women stay WILD at annual conference

Women from around North Dakota connect at the annual Women in Leadership Development conference, put on by the North Dakota Farmers Union, to discuss the growing seasons and how to support others in the industry.

“Our goal for our program is to encourage women to step up and be leaders in their community, and have women get out there and be empowered,” says Chelsey Jacobson, NDFU member relations specialist, about the WILD conference.

The day’s events included “The Farm Babe,” aka Michelle Miller, as keynote speaker, leadership and communication activities, a panel of women in agriculture, and craft activities for participants.

“Women in small communities are always involved; they always step up,” says Jane Opdahl, another member relations specialist. “We want to come together and encourage these women to gain strength from each other and support each other.”

Encouraging advocates

Miller shares similar sentiments. “On social media, we have the power to connect with people from all walks of life, and there’s no wrong way to advocate for agriculture,” she says.

Her speech focused on encouraging women involved in agriculture to share their lifestyles and advocate for the industry online. “What are you passionate about? You as women are the most trusted voice, are well respected and carry that legacy through multiple generations of the farm,” Miller says. “Appreciate that, and remember that your story is compelling.”

Participants enjoyed time for small-group discussion around their struggles and triumphs on the farm, and a panel of farm wives and mothers working in agriculture shared their stories:

To find out more about NDFU’s grassroots work, visit ndfu.org.