24th WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE REGIONAL CONFERENCE

Women across the region coming together to EDUCATE, ENGAGE, EMPOWER.

February 12, 2025 will mark our 24th Annual MidAtlantic Women In Agriculture Regional Conference. The conference's goals are to provide women involved in agriculture an opportunity to come together to learn about current issues and topics so they can make informed decisions concerning their agribusinesses and family lives.

SAVE THE DATE!
DATE: February 12, 2025 | Wed.
LOCATION: Chesapeake Bay Beach Club, 500 Marina Club Road, Stevensville, MD
TIME: 9:00AM to 3:30PM
REGISTRATION: https://2025womeninagconf.eventbrite.com
SPONSOR OPPORTUNITY: https://2025wiasponsor.eventbrite.com

More Details coming soon!

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the event, please contact Kate Welch on or before January 29, 2025 at 410-822-1244 or mwelch12@umd.edu.

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Women In Agriculture Regional Conference Archives

2024

2024 WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE CONFERENCE

You are cordially invited to join us to celebrate 23 years of the 2024 MidAtlantic Women in Agriculture Conference. We have social time with other women in agriculture from the region.

Photos (Flickr)

 Conference

February 15, 2024  |  9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 

About the Conference

WIA 2024 AGENDA

 

2023

2023 WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE CONFERENCE

You are cordially invited to join us for tea and a luncheon to celebrate 22 years of the 2023 MidAtlantic Women in Agriculture Conference. We have social time with other women in agriculture from the region.

Photos (Flickr)

 Conference

February 16, 2023  |  8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 

About the Conference

 

Schedule
9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Coffee and Technical Check-Up
10:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. Welcome
Jenny Rhodes & Shannon Dill, University of Maryland.
10:15 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.  

Dr. Megan SiebelDirector, Virginia Agriculture Leaders Obtaining Results (VALOR) and Centre for Cooperative Problem Solving (CCPS), Virginia Tech


 

Dr. Seibel is the director of the VALOR Program at Virginia Tech, which is dedicated to fostering leadership and capacity building for Virginia’s largest private industries.  As an Extension Specialist, she promotes stakeholder development and advocacy as outcomes of decision-making and problem-solving leadership around complex issues. Dr. Seibel is the Director and Co-Founder for the Center for Cooperative Problem Solving (CCPS) at Virginia Tech and an Associate Fellow of the Occupational Research Centre in the U.K. utilizing the KAI with coaching of educational supervisors, practitioners, community leaders, and student organizations to enhance effectiveness in program and service delivery. Megan and her husband farm beef cattle and winegrapes in Virginia and have three grown children.

 

11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Break & Stretch with Phyllis Johnston of Every Body Yoga
 

11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Darlene Goehringer, Pop's Old Place

 

Pop's Old Place is a Century Family Farm, located in Dorchester County Maryland.   They raise grass fed & finished beef, lamb, woodland pork, and free range laying hens and sell their products directly from their farm market . This allows their farm patrons to get to know them and their farming practices firsthand.  Their goal is to produce nutritious, and delicious food for their family, and their community, while focusing on soil health, animal welfare, and environmental stewardship.


 
12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.

Lunch & Tea Hat Contest

1:15 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Nikko Brady, Director of Agriculture and Environmental Affairs, State of Delaware

 

 

Nikko Brady is the Director of Agriculture and Environmental Affairs for the State of Delaware. Before serving in this role, Nikko was Deputy Secretary for the Delaware Department of Agriculture. Where she managed the Department’s legislative, regulatory, and policy initiatives; and advised the Secretary on topics related to the Department and broader agriculture industry. A key component of this work is the Delaware Council on Farm and Food Policy, which she and the Secretary created in 2018. Nikko’s current scope includes agricultural and environmental projects like tree planting and forest stewardship, preserving agricultural and natural lands, food security, renewable energy, and working closely with municipalities to support local priorities.

Nikko has led recent projects to build local food supply chain capacities and enhance Delaware’s food system. Including launching the First State Food System grant program; and expanding Delaware’s Farm to School Program to enhance opportunities for farmers, including small scale producers to enter new markets in Delaware namely local retail stores, charitable feeding and nutrition programs, and restaurants. She holds a degree in Environmental Analysis & Policy, a master’s in City Planning & Urban Affairs, and a certification in Applied Sustainability. Nikko is also an active board member of the Eastern Shore Entrepreneurship Center and Growing Hope Globally. 

 

2:00 p.m.  Wrap up and Door Prizes!

2022

2022 WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE CONFERENCE

The Conference was held February 11, 2022 at the Queen Anne's County 4-H Park. 

Photos (Flickr)

 Conference

February 11, 2022  |  8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 

About the Conference

You are cordially invited to join us for tea and a luncheon to celebrate 21 years of the 2022 MidAtlantic Women in Agriculture Conference. We will have speakers and panelists to discuss resiliency, farm stress management and social time with other women in agriculture from the region. 

Schedule
9:30 a.m.  Doors Open
10:00 a.m.  Welcome
Jenny Rhodes & Shannon Dill, University of Maryland
10:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.

Dr. Alexander Chan

Observe, Engage, Share - Stress Management Resources for Farmers

 

This presentation  covers the farm-specific warning signs of overwhelming stress, how to respond sensitively to someone in distress, and what resources are available to support this issue in the farming community. The presenter is Alexander Chan, Ph.D., LCMFT, who works as the mental health specialist is for UME's Family & Consumer Sciences program. Alex has worked for 5 and a half years with Extension, and was formerly the 4-H Educator in Prince George's County.

 

10:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Farm Resilience Panel

  • Mary Lou Brown, Poultry, Farmer at Maple Breeze Farm
  • Sharon Redding, Loan Officer, MidAtlantic Farm Credit
  • Stevi Saathoff, LGPC - Licensed Clinician, For All Seasons, Inc. 
  • Danielle Baur Farace, Exec. Director, MD Soybean Board, DE Soybean Board, Atlantic Soybean Council, & MD Arborist Assoc. 
     
11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Lunch & Tea Hat Contest
 
12:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Ginger Myers

Change, Pivot, Covid - Where do we go from here?

Ginger is a life-long farmer who has been married to John for 41 years with two grown married children and five grand babies. She retired in July 2021 from University of Maryland Extension as the Marketing Specialist for Agriculture and Food Systems and as the Director of the Rural Enterprise Development Center.

1:00 p.m.  Closing Remarks and Door Prizes!

2021

2021 WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE CONFERENCE

Virtual
The conference will be held through the zoom platform.

Photos (Flickr)

virtual Conference

February 12, 2021  |  8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. 

About the Conference

The MidAtlantic Women in Agriculture Conference will celebrate 20 years in 2021! And while we cannot celebrate together in person, we did not want to miss an opportunity to meet. 

We are excited to announce nationally known agriculture advocate Michele Payn. We will have some time for breakout sessions to network and close with our own Susan Truehart Garey with her experience with Nuffield.

Schedule
8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Coffee Half Hour and Technical Check-Up
8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Welcome
Jenny Rhodes & Shannon Dill, University of Maryland; Tracy Wootten & Laurie Wolinski, University of Delaware
9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Opening: Celebrating the Resiliency of Agriculture: Celebrate the people, promise, and passion of agriculture.

Michele Payn
 

Michele will shed light on food, mental health, and agriculture issues- and what they mean during and after COVID-19. Michele will help you bring hope, healing, and humor to address the stress of ag folks.

 

Michele Payn, CSP, connects the people and science of food and farming as principal of Cause Matters Corp. She is known for being a community catalyst, a passionate advocate for global agriculture - and antagonizing people into action. Michele has worked with farmers in more than 25 countries, raised over $5 million in sponsorships for agriculture education, and founded AgChat and FoodChat on Twitter. She is the author of three books: Food Bullying, an IPPY gold medal winner; Food Truths from Farm to Table, an IPPY bronze medal winner; and No More Food Fights!. She also hosts the Food Bullying podcast. Michele's degrees are in Agricultural Communications and Animal Science from Michigan State University. She has earned the Certified Speaking Professional designation, awarded to less than 10% of professional speakers globally. She resides with her 'city slicker' husband and cow-loving daughter on a small farm in central Indiana. She enjoys Registered Holsteins, the MSU Spartans, and making memories with friends around the table. Michele connects conversations around the food plate at www.causematters.com and socially through @mpaynspeaker.

10:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.

Break
 

10:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Breakout Sessions 
Time to network and catch up, discussion items from the keynote.
10:30 a.m. to 11: a.m.

Susan Truehart Garey: Kent County Extension Director & Extension Agent- Animal Science and State 4-H Animal Science Program Coordinator

 

Susan Truehart Garey, animal science agent with University of Delaware Cooperative Extension, became the second UD staff member named as a Nuffield International Farming Scholar. Garey is a 1998 graduate of UD’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Garey has spent 18 to 20 months networking with other scholars, traveling internationally, conducting research, and sharing academic scholarship on her chosen topic. The Nuffield International Farming Scholar is a competitive program that began in 2014 as an expansion of the original 1947 Nuffield Farmers Program. The program originated as a vision of British automaker William Morris, Lord Nuffield. He understood the value of global education exchange, and his initiatives continue to encourage and promote global learning and leadership in agriculture.

11:00 a.m.  Wrap up and door prizes!

2020

2020 WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE CONFERENCE

DOVER DOWNS HOTEL & CASINO
1131 N. Dupont Highway, Dover, DE

Photos (Flickr)  Program (pdf)  Conference Schedule (pdf)

Preconference

February 12, 2020  |   1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Participants can choose between two topics for an interactive hands-on workshop.

OPTION A

Mindfully Managing Stress and Building Farm and Farm Family Resilience 

Farm and farm families experience ordinary and extraordinary stress due to the nature of the farm business.  Join us to explore tools you can use to identify your resilience factors and how they can be used to manage change and stress in your life. Discover some important information about the impact of stress on our bodies and then some strategies to reduce stress and bring mindfulness to you and your family’s life. Connect with others as we learn to adapt when life becomes overwhelming. 

Option B

From Farm to Market: Tips and Tools for promoting, displaying, and selling produce

Marketing to consumers is an important way to communicate your farm's products, value, and production methods. Join this interactive session to learn best practices in marketing to sell more at farmers' markets and farm stands.  Small group discussions and hands-on activities such as sign-making and creating eye-catching displays will be part of this session.  Free resources will be distributed for use at markets and farm stands. The second half of the workshop will review popular social media platforms and trends to create content that will showcase your product and engage current and future customers. We will also look at some apps to enhance your photographs, and other cool, animated attention-getting mobile applications.

Harness Racing Reception 

February 12, 2020  |   6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Stay Late, Come Early

Included in the price of the Preconference Ticket OR the Main Conference Ticket you are invited to join us for our Harness Racing Reception.  Appetizers will be provided, with a cash bar available.  The event is free, but please RSVP by purchasing a "free" ticket below so that we have enough food for everyone!

Main Conference

February 13, 2020  |  8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

Schedule  (download pdf)
8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Vendor Setup
8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Registration/Visit Vendors
9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Opening

9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

Keynote Opening
Historic Lewes Farmers Market

Helaine Harris, and Nancy Staisey 

https://www.historiclewesfarmersmarket.org/

10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Breakout Session 1 
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Breakout Session 2
12:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Lunch/Visit Vendors

1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Keynote Lunch

A Regional Aquaculture Story
Kelley Phillips Cox, Phillips Wharf

https://phillipswharf.org/

2:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. Breakout Session 3

3:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Keynote Closing

Connecting Agriculture and Community                                                                      
Beth Brewster, Chesapeake Culinary

https://carolineculinaryarts.org/

4:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Door Prizes Survey                                                                                                                
Breakout 1: Topic and Presenter (10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.) Presentation         
From Field to Mouth: Using your Forage Analysis for Optimum Nutrition                  
Dr. Amanda Grev and Dr. Sarah Potts, University of Maryland
 
A We Bring the Barnyard to Your Backyard
Ashley Winterstein, Party Animals LLC
 
Niche Crops: From Farm to Distribution
Roxanne Wolfe, Shore Gourmet
 
Farm Succession Basics
Paul Goeringer and Mayhah Suri, UMD
 
What’s in a Label? How to Communicate Quality and Value                                               
Dr. Clinton Neill, VT
 
Breakout 2: Topic and Presenter (11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) Presentation (pdf)
Are Mid-Atlantic Farms Prepared for the FSMA Produce Safety Rule Inspections?
Meredith Melendez, Rutgers
 
An On-Farm Processing Journey
Ali Dziedzinski, President of Hundred Acre Farms, LLC
 
Garden Smarter, Not Harder - Accessible Gardening
Karen Abate, Megan Pleasanton, Tracy Wootten, Delaware State and University of Delaware
 
Important Steps to Take When you have a Bad Year
Jennifer Feindt, Samantha Steele, and Stacie Warner, MidAtlantic Farm Credit
 
Farm to School and Beyond, Aimee F. Beam, Delaware Department of Education  
Breakout 3: Topic and Presenter (2:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.) Presentation (pdf)
Soil: Give your farm a Strong Foundation                                                                              
Neith Little and Dr. Sarah Hirsh, UMD
 
Sustainable You: Keeping Your Self Healthy and Bold
Phyllis Johnston, Every Body Yoga, RYS
 
Grow your Brand!
Stacey Laine Photography
 
Tax Breaks and Best Practices for Agricultural Accounting
Lisa Hastings, Faw Casson
 
Mooving Forward: A Delaware Dairy Story
Taylor Vanderwende and Morgan Messick Vanderwende
 

2019

2019 WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE CONFERENCE

DOVER DOWNS HOTEL & CASINO
1131 N. Dupont Highway, Dover, DE

Photos (Flickr)  Program (pdf)  Conference Schedule (pdf)

Preconference

February 12, 2019  |   1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Family Farm Legacy: Keeping the "Family" in your Farm

Presentation: Connecting Through Effective Agriculture Communication: Building Trust, Respecting Voices, Engaging New Audiences
Jamie Tiralla and Susanne Zilberfarb
https://www.allagmedia.com/wia

Main Conference

February 13, 2020  |  8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

About the Conference

Schedule  (download pdf)
8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Vendor Setup
8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Registration/Visit Vendors
9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Opening

9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Keynote Opening
Lt. Governor

Bethany Hall-Long

10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Breakout Session 1 
11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Breakout Session 2
12:15 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Lunch/Visit Vendors

1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Keynote Lunch
Science Denial & The Consumer
(Download pdf)
Roxi Beck
The Center for Food Integrity

2:15 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Breakout Session 3

3:15 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Keynote Closing
Balance! Dairy Farming and Destination Weddings Co-Exist in Harmony                

Ingrid Hopkins
Owner, Covered Bridge Inn

4:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Door Prizes Survey
Breakout 1: Topic and Presenter (10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.) Presentation (pdf)
Designing Cover Crops to Work for Your Farm
Dr. Sarah Hirsh
University of Maryland
Download pdf
Your Key to International Agriculture
Sequoia Ireland, NCBA CLUSA
Taryn Devereux, University of Maryland
Download pdf
Practicing Mindfulness and Intentional Harmony
Maria Pippidis
University of Delaware
 
Tax Reform Impact on Agricultural Businesses and Families
Lisa Hastings
Faw Casson
 
Why Perceptions Drive Buyer Behavior…and How to Communicate Value in Prices
Kim Morgan
Virginia Tech
 
Breakout 2: Topic and Presenter (11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.) Presentation (pdf)
Designer Ditches 
Lisa Wool
Nanticoke Watershed Alliance
Download pdf
Smartphone Mobile Studio
Michele Walfred
University of Delaware
Download pdf
There is No Fruit Without the Root: Building a Healthy Foundation for Yourself        
Phyllis Johnston
Everybody Yoga
 
Important Steps to take when You Have a Bad Year
Lisa Cunningham, Jennifer Feindt, and Stacie Warner
MidAtlantic Farm Credit

 
 
Farmers Markets to Food Hubs: Direct Marketing for Small Farmers
Elizabeth Beggins
Chesapeake Harvest
Download pdf
Breakout 2: Topic and Presenter (2:15 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.) Presentation (pdf)
What to Grow in an Urban Market Garden
Neith Little
University of Maryland
 
See ya at the Patch!
Donna and Nicole
Family Affair Farm
 
Mental Health 101: What it Looks Like and How to Help
Jennifer Smolowitz
Mental Health Association
Download pdf
Planning for and Protecting Today and Tomorrow’s Generation of Farmers  
Charles G. Bowers and Leesa M. Mereider
M&T Securities
 
Keep in Legal - Legal Considerations for Marketing your Farm on Social Media
Nicole Cook
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Download pdf

 

2018

2018 WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE CONFERENCE

DOVER DOWNS HOTEL & CASINO
1131 N. Dupont Highway, Dover, DE

Photos (Flickr)    Conference Schedule (pdf)

Preconference

February 8, 2018  |   1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Participants can choose between two topics for an interactive hands-on workshop.

Cost: $35 per ticket

OPTION A

Social Agriculture: Cultivate your Message, Audience, and Influence

How can social media promote your farm or agriculture-based business? The session will demonstrate positive storytelling is not only good for business, it's an important counter-balance to anti-agriculture news. This pre-conference session will drill down to specifics. We'll look at all the major platforms, offer a session on creating a social media business and content plan, including what you need to craft a crisis/complaint policy. We'll learn how to identify our audience and what social media platforms make the most sense. The session will look at determining your Return On Investments by showing you the analytical and management tools to help you take command of your social media presence.

Option B

Specialty Crops: Go from Day-Dreaming to Diversifying your Farm Business

Growing specialty crops can provide a great niche for farms providing an opportunity to diversify and profit.  The USDA defines specialty crops as “fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture).” This special pre-conference session will start by inspiring you with farmers' real-life experiences growing unusual crops and the latest research on niche and specialty crop variety trials. Then you will buckle down in an interactive workshop that will help you use SWOT analysis, enterprise budgets, and market analysis to assess the viability and plan the implementation of the specialty crop enterprise that you've been dreaming about. 

Harness Racing Reception 

February 8, 2018  |   6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Stay Late, Come Early

Included in the price of the Preconference Ticket OR the Main Conference Ticket you are invited to join us for our Harness Racing Reception.  Appetizers will be provided, with a cash bar available.  The event is free, but please RSVP by purchasing a "free" ticket below so that we have enough food for everyone!

Main Conference

February 9, 2018  |  8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

Cost: $55 per ticket (3 keynote speakers, 15 breakout sessions, 15+ exhibitors, 20+ door prizes)

Schedule  (download pdf)
8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Vendor Setup
8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Registration/Visit Vendors
9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Opening

9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

Keynote Opening
Shelby Watson Hampton
Southern MD Agricultural Development Commission

10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Breakout Session 1 
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Breakout Session 2
12:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Lunch/Visit Vendors

1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Keynote Lunch
Kay Johnson Smith
Animal Agriculture Alliance

2:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. Breakout Session 3

3:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Keynote Closing
Georgie Cartanza
University of Delaware

4:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Door Prizes Survey                                                                                                                
Breakout 1: Topic and Presenter (10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.) Presentation         
Legal Implications to Pesticide Drift
Paul Goeringer, UMD
 
Smart Use Health Insurance™ - Understanding and Estimating Health Care Costs
Jesse Ketterman UMD and Maria Pippidis, UDEL
 
Farm Transition Tools & Legal Considerations
Kelly Nuckolls, UMD
 
Repurpose - Renovate - Reimagine Opportunities for farming families
Ingrid Hopkins, Covered Bridge Inn
 
A Risky Business? Why Successful Marketing is a Numbers Game
Kim Morgan, VT
 
Breakout 2: Topic and Presenter (11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) Presentation (pdf)
Soil Contamination Risk Assessment and Treatment
Neith Little, UMD
 
Understanding the Food Safety Modernization Act
Sarah Everhart and Nicole Cook, UMD
 
Is the Price Right? Effective Pricing Strategies for Your Farm's Products
Larissa Cioaca, UMD Institute for Applied Ag
 
Mobile Phone for Decision Making in Your Farm
Dr. Ozbay, Delaware State University, and Dr. Sarawat, Purdue University
 
Don’t Sell It—Storytell It
Michele Walfred, UDEL
 
Breakout 3: Topic and Presenter (2:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.) Presentation (pdf)
Top Tips for Managing Pastures Successfully
Susan Garey, UDEL
 
There is No Fruit Without the Root: Building a Healthy Foundation for Yourself
Phyllis Johnston, Everybody Yoga
 
Farm Debt Management
Cara Sylvester, MAFC
 
Satellites to Drones-Options Unlimited for Farming From the Sky
Dr. Ozbay, Delaware State University, and Dr. Sarawat, Purdue University
 
Farm Safety Essentials
Jennifer Rhodes and Christine Johnston, UMD
 

2017

2017 WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE CONFERENCE

DOVER DOWNS HOTEL & CASINO
1131 N. Dupont Highway, Dover, DE

Photos (Flickr)    Program (pdf)

Preconference

February 8, 2017  |   1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Participants can choose between two topics for an interactive hands-on workshop.

Cost: $35 per ticket

OPTION A

Yielding Financial Sustainability

Financial planning and management are essential for the short and long-term success of a farm. This workshop will present loan requirements, financial statements, and farm planning in order to have a profitable business. Professionals in the area of banking, loans, and farm management will share insights into programs available, applications, credit, recordkeeping, and resources to make your farm business succeed. Come to this session and expect an interactive afternoon with discussions, tools, and skills to be financially sustainable.

Option B

Pollinators - If You Build It, They Will Come

Small changes have great impacts on your farm to attract and care for local pollinators on your property.   Considerations in the kinds of plants on your farm as well as management practices can improve pollinator habitat, pollination on your farm, and community relations. Resources will be provided that will help you identify local pollinators as well as help educate your customers on what they can do to improve their landscapes for pollinators.  Join us for an educational and fun-filled session that will end with participants building a bee house or hotel to include in their own garden. 

Harness Racing Reception 

February 8, 2017  |   6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Stay Late, Come Early

Included in the price of the Preconference Ticket OR the Main Conference Ticket you are invited to join us for our Harness Racing Reception.  Appetizers will be provided, with a cash bar available.  The event is free, but please RSVP by purchasing a "free" ticket below so that we have enough food for everyone!

Main Conference

February 9, 2017  |  8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

Cost: $55 per ticket (3 keynote speakers, 15 breakout sessions, 15+ exhibitors, 20+ door prizes)

Schedule  (download pdf)
8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Vendor Setup
8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Registration & Breakfast /Visit Vendors
9:00 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. Welcome

9:15 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

Keynote Opening  (Read Kim's Conference remarks)
Understanding Our Food: Connecting with Consumers
Kimberly Reed

10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Breakout Session 1 
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Breakout Session 2
12:30 p.m. Lunch/Visit Vendors

1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Keynote Lunch
Robin Talley
District Director with Farm Service Agency (FSA), Delaware

2:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. Breakout Session 3

3:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Keynote Closing

Women in Agriculture – My Nuffield Story - 11-week world travel reviewing                      

women’s role in Agriculture
Marie McCarthy

 

4:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closing Remarks & Door Prizes Announced                                                              
Breakout 1: Topic and Presenter (10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.) Presentation         
Farm Recordkeeping and Tax Preparation                                                                                
Pam Saul, Founder, Farm & Equine Business Services
 
Farm Product Labeling Considerations
Dr. Kim Morgan, Extension Agricultural Economist, Virginia Tech
 
What is Henrietta Homeowner doing to help save the Bay?
Jackie Takacs, Regional Watershed Restoration Specialist, University
of Maryland Extension
 
Faith, Family and Frozen Treats
Katey Evans, Owner and Operator, Evans Farm
 
Creating a Farm Marketing ToolKit
Kim Rush Lynch, Ag Marketing Specialist, University of Maryland Extension
Download pdf
Breakout 2: Topic and Presenter (11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) Presentation (pdf)
Season Extension: Managing Production Risk and Expanding Markets
Neith Little, Urban Agriculture Extension Educator, University of Maryland Extension
 
Grain Marketing 101
Jules Hendrix, Elite On Your Farm Certified Associate Agent, Crow Insurance Agency & Dr.
Jarrod Miller, Extension Educator, University of Maryland Extension
 
Bugs that Bite: Vector Arthropods and How to Avoid Them
Emily Zobel, Agriculture Extension Educator, University of
Maryland Extension
 
Wellness Workshop
Eileen Ahern BA, M Ed., Tutor, International Multicultural Wellness Practices This
the workshop is limited to the first 25 participants in attendance.
 
Let's go Live!
Michele Walfred, Communications Specialist, University of Delaware & Stacy Hofmann, Community Relations Officer, Delaware Department of Agriculture
 
Breakout 3: Topic and Presenter (2:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.) Presentation (pdf)

Trees and YOUR Farmstead                                                                                         
Dot Abbott, Extension Agent, University of Delaware Cooperative Extension    

 
Creating a Balance Sheet
Cara Sylvester, Loan Officer, MidAtlantic Farm Credit
 
Solar Energy Leasing: What You Need To Understand About the Legal Issues
Kathleen Tabor, Esquire, Law Office of Kathleen J.P. Tabor, LLC,
 
Download pdf
Farm Safety: Stepping Up to the Plate
Dr. Jonathan Moyle, Extension Poultry Specialist, University of Maryland
& Jennifer Rhodes, Extension Educator, University of Maryland Extension
 
How to Measure Return on Investment for Social Media Marketing
Larisa Cioaca, Lecturer, Institute of Applied Agriculture, University of Maryland
 
Download pdf

2016

2016 WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE CONFERENCE

DOVER DOWNS HOTEL & CASINO
1131 N. Dupont Highway, Dover, DE

Program (pdf)  Conference Schedule (pdf)

Preconference

February 10, 2016  |   1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Participants can choose between two topics.

OPTION A: GMO 101                                                                                                                               

Presentation-download pdf 
OPTION B: Employee Management  

Harness Racing Reception 

February 10, 2016   |   6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Stay Late, Come Early

Included in the price of the Preconference Ticket OR the Main Conference Ticket you are invited to join us for our Harness Racing Reception.  Appetizers will be provided, with a cash bar available.  The event is free, but please RSVP by purchasing a "free" ticket below so that we have enough food for everyone!

Main Conference

February 9, 2017  |  8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

Cost: $55 per ticket (3 keynote speakers, 15 breakout sessions, 15+ exhibitors, 20+ door prizes)

Schedule  (download pdf)
8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Vendor Setup
8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Registration & Breakfast /Visit Vendors
9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Welcome

9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

Keynote Opening 
Kelly Jackson, Owner and Operator, Emily’s Produce, Cambridge MD

10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Breakout Session 1 
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Breakout Session 2
12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Lunch/Visit Vendors

1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Keynote Lunch
FFA Leaders: Jenell Eck, MD & Amber Bullock, DE

2:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. Breakout Session 3

3:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Keynote Closing

Amy Cawley, Farm to Food Bank Coordinator, Maryland Food Bank                                                          

 

4:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closing Remarks & Door Prizes Announced                                                              
Breakout 1: Topic and Presenter (10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.) Presentation         
Protecting Your Farm: Landowner Liability and Agritourism Issues
Ashley Ellixson, Extension Legal Specialist, University of Maryland
 
Preparing for the Transition: What to Consider When Developing your Farm Transition Plan or Estate Plan
Paul Goeringer, Extension Legal Specialist, University of Maryland
 
Product Promotion for New and Beginning Farmers
Allyssa Mark, Graduate Student, Virginia Tech and Dr. Kim Morgan, Extension Agricultural Economist, Virginia Tech
Download pdf
Challenges to Achieving Retirement Success
Clay Henry, Senior Vice President, PNC Wealth Management
 
Soil pH, Liming Rates and Fertility
Dr. Jarrod Miller, Extension Educator, University of Maryland Extension
 
Breakout 2: Topic and Presenter (11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) Presentation (pdf)
Snap It and App It!                                                                                                         
Michele Walfred, Communications Specialist, University of Delaware
Download pdf
Fine Tuning Your Succession and Estate Plan
Lisa Hastings, CPA, Faw Casson
Download pdf

Agribusiness Expense worksheet (pdf)
Labor Issues for Beginning and Start-Up Farmers
Allyssa Mark, Graduate Student, Virginia Tech
 
Your Money, Your Goals & New Technology to Manage Both
Dr. Melissa Leiden Welsh, Extension Educator, University of Maryland Extension
 
Specialty Crops and Farm
Dr. Andrew Ristvey, Extension Specialist, University of Maryland
 
 
Breakout 3: Topic and Presenter (2:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.) Presentation (pdf)
Sustainable Landscaping
Dr. Susan Barton, Associate Professor, University of Delaware and Tracy Wootten, Horticulture Agent, University of Delaware Cooperative Extension
 
Understanding Your Property’s Full Potential
Sarah Everhart, Legal Specialist, University of Maryland School of Law
 
The Essentials of Google Analytics & Webmaster Tools
Christy Mannering, Web Developer, University of Delaware
Recording (0.20)
Download pdf
 
Financing Your Farm
Cara Sylvester, Loan Officer, MidAtlantic Farm Credit
 
Grain Marketing 101
Jenny Rhodes, Extension Educator, UMD, Shannon Dill, Extension Educator, UMD and Samantha Steele, Crop Insurance Agent, Weller and Associates
Download pdf

2015-2004 Conference Programs

WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE CONFERENCE PROGRAMS

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