The 25th Annual MidAtlantic Women in Agriculture Regional Conference brought together 195 women from across the region for a day of education, networking, and empowerment. As the program celebrates 25 years of supporting women in agriculture, this milestone conference held special significance. The United Nations has declared 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF), recognizing and celebrating the critical role women play in global agricultural production, making this year’s gathering especially meaningful.
Held in Stevensville, Md on February 11, 2026, at the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club, Beth Brewster, Caroline County Public Schools Supervisor of Food Services and Founder of the Chesapeake Culinary Center, opened the event with a presentation of The Food Connection: Building Community Through Food Access, Distribution, and Education. Brewster highlighted how one school system has worked to promote local farmers and watermen while strengthening food access for students and the broader community. Her message underscored the powerful connection between agriculture, education, and community resilience.
Attendees participated in two breakout session blocks, each offering diverse options tailored to the evolving needs of women in agriculture.
Breakout sessions featured engaging workshops such as Taking Storytelling Images, led by Michele Walfred and Tracy Wootten of University of Delaware Extension, focused on transforming everyday photos into powerful communication tools. Raising Kids, Crops and Eyebrows: A Woman Thriving in a Man’s Farm World, presented by Megan Bishop of Bishop Farms Inc., shared a candid look at working full-time in a family farm operation, earning respect in a traditionally male-dominated industry, and navigating the transition of farm leadership across generations.
Plastic Mulch in Vegetable Production: Efficiency, Economics, and Environmental Considerations, led by Veronica Yurchak of University of Maryland Extension, explored how mulch color, thickness, and materials influence soil temperature, pest suppression, and crop performance. The session also addressed economic trade-offs and biodegradable options to help growers make informed decisions.
During the luncheon session, Carrying Family Legacy Through Generations, Oksana Bocharova of Oksana’s Produce Farm shared her journey to land ownership in the United States and the development of a diversified farm business. Her presentation highlighted the creation of multiple revenue streams, including egg production,
value-added products, fermentation workshops, and on-farm dinners, while candidly discussing challenges, solutions, and lessons learned along the way.
Afternoon breakout sessions provided additional opportunities for growth and reflection. Exploring Options and Embracing Change in Your Ag Career, presented by Casey Miller of University of Maryland, encouraged participants to evaluate career priorities, build professional networks, and confidently pursue new opportunities within agriculture.
Sleepless No More: Unlocking the Rest Your Body Craves, facilitated by Phyllis Johnston of Every Body Yoga, provided science-backed strategies to improve sleep quality through practical adjustments to routines, stress management, and relaxation techniques.
Next-Gen Scouting: How Emerging Tech Is Redefining Crop Health Decisions, presented by Nicole Krambeck of Insight Ag Scouting, offered a practical look at drones, soil DNA testing, and modern scouting practices that are reshaping risk management and crop health decisions in production agriculture.
Closing the conference, Alicia Boyd of Humble Hearts Catering & Events delivered Seed Saving & Strong Roots: Reviving a Heritage. As a first-generation woman farmer, Boyd reflected on the influence of culture, resilience, and community in shaping her journey. She shared lessons from farming, entrepreneurship, and hospitality, inspiring attendees to honor their roots while cultivating a meaningful legacy for the future.
Beyond the educational sessions, the conference provided valuable opportunities for attendees to connect with industry professionals, sponsors, and peers who share a passion for agriculture. The welcoming and collaborative atmosphere fostered meaningful conversations, strengthened professional relationships, and celebrated 25 years of empowering women in the industry. The day concluded with an exciting door prize giveaway, leaving participants with both practical resources and renewed inspiration.
The sponsors for this event included:
Crow Insurance Agency
Delaware Farm Bureau
Delmarva Chicken Association
Harry R. Hughes Center for Agro-Ecology
Horizon Farm Credit
MARBIDCO
Maryland Department of Agriculture
Northeast SARE
University of Delaware
The MidAtlantic Women in Agriculture program is dedicated to providing knowledge and resources to women who share a passion for agriculture. For more information on the MidAtlantic women in agriculture program visit: go.umd.edu/womeninag.
To view photos from this event visit: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjC4DpA.