Come to the 2013 Women in Agriculture Conference

Washington State’s women farmers are invited to attend a locally based statewide agriculture conference offering speakers, practical advice, and collaborative discussion on how to improve farm management skills in addition to networking opportunities with other women ‘farmtrepreneurs’.

“Growing Your Successful Farm Business” will be held February 23 at 21 different locations throughout the state, including at Johnson Park (the old Rosburg School) in Rosburg. The conference begins at 8 a.m. with a light breakfast and ends at 4 p.m. with a catered lunch available for $8.

“Women are uniquely tasked with the demands of farm, family, even a job, which can make long-distance travel a challenge,” said WSU Douglas County Extension Director and conference chair Margaret Viebrock. “This new approach allows us to offer our headline speaker at all locations, while also giving each site the opportunity to customize programming to address the farming challenges unique to that region.”

Keynote speaker Trini Campbell, owner of Riverdog Farm in Guinda, California, will share her experiences of beginning farming in 1990 on two rented acres to now owning a diverse 500-acre organic farm. Campbell will discuss her strategies for facing farming’s multiple challenges of managing labor, financial planning, and dealing with crop loss and market instability, while still balancing with family obligations.

Another session focuses on helping producers become better prepared financially to take advantage of opportunities to grow as well as survival techniques during economic downturns. In addition, a local producer panel at each location will discuss their own personal risks, challenges, and opportunities, including the strategies and financial tools they use to manage risk.

Registration for the conference is free if done through WSU Wahkiakum County Extension by February 18, Call 795-3278 or email carrie.backman@wsu.edu. Registration will be $25 if purchased online or at the door. Registration includes a copy of the book Farmer Jane – Women Changing the Way We Eat and a catered lunch. To register online, visit http://www.womeninag.wsu.edu.