Geared specifically for women interested in agriculture and rural issues, the 2018 Women in Ag Leadership Conference will be Nov. 26-27 on the campus of Iowa State University in Ames. The two-day event takes place at the Iowa State Center in the Scheman Building.

This year’s theme is the “Conversations of Leadership.” Sponsored by ISU Extension and Outreach, the conference is open to any woman interested in farming and agriculture, says Madeline Schultz, manager of the ISU Women in Ag Program. Cost to participate in all conference activities and meals is $30 for students and $60 for all others. 

An optional tour of the ISU campus and ag facilities will be from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Nov. 26. This year’s tour highlights the department of agricultural and biosystems engineering.  

At 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Nov. 26, attendees can take part in a workshop on building and marketing their personal brand. Dinner and networking activities follow the workshop.

Lineup of speakers
Nov. 27’s activities are from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Lunch and networking activities are included. The day starts with Janine Bruder’s keynote presentation on “Why It’s Important to Have REAL Conversations” and concludes with Amanda De Jong’s capstone presentation on “When Conversations Open Doors, You Better Walk Through.”

Throughout the day, more than 10 general session and concurrent session speakers will cover various leadership topics — from conflict resolution to farm transition to career conversations to organizational leadership.

Also, six women from across Iowa will be honored as the 2018 “Women Impacting Agriculture.” Farm Credit Services of America is a key conference sponsor.

The full conference agenda and other details are at the ISU Extension and Outreach Women in Ag website.

Source: Iowa State University