Women are a vital part of American agriculture, and on Nov. 18, in the Northwest that fact gets some much-needed attention. On that day at more than 40 locations, women can gather to network and learn more about key issues in agriculture.

Each year the conference connects women in the agriculture industry during a single day of networking and learning at locations around Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington. The daylong event kicks off at 8:30 a.m. and wraps up by 3:30 p.m. at all locations. There are more than 20 locations in Washington state alone.

In the event, women connect throughout the Northwest with a unique in-person and remote convention experience.

This year's theme is "We Can Do It" and will feature Alexis Taylor, director, Oregon Department of Agriculture; and Anne Schwartz, owner of Blue Heron Farm in Skagit County, Wash., as keynote speakers.

The day's agenda includes group discussion about a number of topics including farming, business and leadership. In a media statement, Trudi Inslee, Washington state first lady, noted that the conference is a great opportunity to "celebrate the growing role of women in the agriculture industry while also providing an opportunity for women to connect with each other and improve their professional relationships."

The conference is geared toward established, new and aspiring women farmers, and supporting spouses, students, interns or women who own an agriculture-related business.

General registration is $25 until Nov. 5, when it rises to $30. The rate is $20 for ag students, farm interns or FFA and 4-H members. The registration covers breakfast and lunch along with conference materials. Scholarships are available to qualifying women and students interested in attending. All applications are due Nov. 10.

Here's a list of the 2017 locations. You can learn more about the event at womeninag.wsu.edu.

Alaska: Delta Junction, Fairbanks and Palmer

Idaho: Bonners Ferry, Caldwell, Coeur d’Alene, McCall, Salmon, Sandpoint and Twin Falls

Montana: Broadus, Great Falls and Missoula

Oregon: La Grande, Redmond, Roseburg, Salem and The Dalles

Washington: Bremerton, Chehalis, Colville, Coupeville, Des Moines, Elma, Everett, Goldendale, Mount Vernon, Nespelem, Olympia, Pasco, Port Angeles, Pullman, Raymond, Republic, Ritzville, Spokane, Vancouver, Walla Walla, Wenatchee and Yakima

Source: Washington State Department of Agriculture