Women in Agriculture Gather to Network & Learn

On February 21, 2015, women from NE Oregon have the opportunity to gather at OSU Extension in LaGrande to participate in the 2015 Women in Agriculture Conference. Organized by Washington State University extension, the conference will bring together women at 28 locations in Washington, Idaho, Oregon and Alaska for a unique opportunity to hear knowledgeable speakers and inspiring stories, network, and take home practical advice and new skills. 

This year’s event, “Put Your Best Boot Forward,” will focus on the topic of marketing. “Everyone has a story that needs to be told to promote agriculture,” says Margaret Viebrock, conference chair, and WSU Douglas County Extension Director. “The format of this conference enables us to offer our two headline speakers at all 28 locations, and to engage women at each site in activities to apply conference content to their own operations. The conference will also help provide ways to inform decision makers, non-farmers and community members about best management practices.”

Keynote speaker Emily Asmus is a Walla Walla farmer and marketing specialist. Asmus will discuss how her farm, Welcome Table Farms, keeps their “brand” fresh to build interest and loyalty. Participants will learn the tools and techniques critical to her marketing plan. 

Marketing expert Erica Mills of Claxon Marketing believes every woman should have a consistently compelling way to describe her farm business. Mills will lead a marketing workshop to help farms of all shapes and sizes tackle this challenge by  learning to use a simple and effective 3-step marketing method and create a marketing action plan to get results. 

The conference is designed for women who have been farming for years, as well as new and aspiring farmers.  Supporting spouses, students, interns or people who own an agriculture-related business are also welcome. The number of women in agriculture grows every year, and the conference helps meet their need to connect with other women farmers and ranchers and enjoy sharing resources. NE Oregon Economic Development District (NEOEDD) applied to host the conference in La Grande. “We are so glad that La Grande was selected as one of two host sites in Oregon. It is a great opportunity for women in ag to get together in our region,” says Sara Miller of NEOEDD.  Visit the website at www.womeninag.wsu.edu for registration and details.