MOSCOW, Idaho — University of Idaho Extension offices in Idaho Falls and Bonners Ferry will offer local venues for participants to join the 2014 Women in Agriculture Conference planned simultaneously at 28 locations in Washington, Idaho and Oregon March 15.
This conference addresses topics including farm business decision-making, using financial records to improve the bottom line and problem-solving for change. The theme is “Change Happens: Make It An Opportunity.”
“Times have changed, bringing opportunities for women to expand their role in the field of agriculture,” said Barbara Petty, University of Idaho Extension eastern Idaho director in Idaho Falls. She is coordinating the event there.
“Conference participants will learn strategies to improve their agriculture business, hear inspiring life stories of other women producers and enjoy opportunities to network with peers,” Petty said. “Whether you are young or old, are involved in a multi-generational operation or just beginning, this one-day event will help you navigate change, which is constant in agriculture.”
This year’s keynote speaker is Heather Darby, a seventh-generation owner of the 200-year-old Darby Farm in the Lake Champlain Islands near Alburgh, Vt.
She will share her strategies for success. The 130-acre diversified farm produces a wide array of vegetables and fruit, a small apiary, CSA program and farm stand, and operates a custom grazing service for local organic dairies.
Darby will discuss how change has been a constant in her operation, presenting her with a variety of opportunities related to financial issues, organizational management, employees, starting a family and handling risk management issues related to weather, prices and work-life balance.
At Idaho Falls, University of Idaho Extension will offer a video link to the event at the University Place Campus March 15 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. MDT. More information is available from Petty by calling (208) 529-8376.
At Bonners Ferry, University of Idaho Extension Boundary County will sponsor a local tie-in from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. PDT at the office at 6447 Kootenai St. More information is available from Jennifer Jensen at (208) 267-3235.
Jennifer Jensen, Boundary County Extension educator, is hosting the Bonners Ferry event. “We are pleased women farmers and ranchers in northern Idaho will have the opportunity this year to participate in the Women in Agriculture Conference organized by Washington State University,” she said. “This is anopportunity for local women to network with other women producers in the area. In addition to networking, you will have the opportunity to learn from other producers’ experiences. You’ll have the opportunity to listen to the keynote speaker which is broadcast to all the sites and then listen to local presenters speak on changes in their operations and on taking on new capital expenses.”
The registration fee is $25 before March 1 and $30 after. Click here to learn more, view specific event locations, or to register.