The 40th Nebraska Women in Agriculture Conference, scheduled for February 20-21 at the Holiday Inn Convention Center in Kearney, promises to be a significant event for agricultural leaders, particularly women in the industry. This conference, aimed at building leadership and enhancing knowledge on agricultural risk management, will feature a diverse range of speakers and workshops.
The conference will open with keynote addresses from four prominent women in agriculture: Elaine Froese, Emily Reuschel, Leah Peterson, and Jena Oschner. These speakers bring a wealth of experience and insight into various aspects of agriculture, offering attendees the opportunity to learn from leaders who are shaping the future of the industry. Alongside the keynote speakers, attendees will have the chance to select from more than 20 workshops, covering the five critical areas of agricultural risk management: production, market, financial, human, and legal. These workshops are designed to help participants navigate the complexities of modern agriculture, offering practical tools and strategies for managing risks in an ever-changing landscape.
For those seeking Continuing Education credits, several of the workshops will be eligible for credits for certified crop advisers. This provides a valuable opportunity for professionals to continue their education while gaining insights into the latest trends and best practices in agriculture.
In addition to the workshops, the conference will feature a special photography exhibition titled “Legacy of Leadership: Faces of Nebraska Women in Agriculture.” This exhibition, which celebrates the contributions of women to the agricultural industry, will highlight the achievements of Nebraska women who have made significant impacts in the field. The exhibition will be an inspiring reminder of the progress women have made in agriculture over the past 40 years and their continued role in shaping the future of the industry.
Jessica Groskopf, the director of the Nebraska Women in Agriculture program, expressed her excitement about the conference, noting that the lineup of speakers and workshops is designed to provide invaluable knowledge for all attendees. She emphasized that the conference is an opportunity to learn from experts, innovators, and leaders who are making a difference in agriculture. The event is expected to draw a wide range of participants, from farmers and ranchers to industry professionals and students, all eager to gain new insights and strengthen their leadership skills.
Registration for the conference opens on January 1, with early bird rates available until February 7. The cost for a two-day registration is $150 for those who register before February 7, after which the fee increases to $175. For those unable to attend both days, one-day registration is available for $90. Scholarships are also available for students and producers, thanks to the Nebraska Women in Agriculture program and the Nebraska Grazing Lands Coalition. The deadline for scholarship applications is February 1, making it an excellent opportunity for those who may need financial assistance to attend the event.
The Nebraska Women in Agriculture Conference is not just a gathering of like-minded individuals but a celebration of the contributions and leadership of women in agriculture. It provides a platform for networking, learning, and growing, offering attendees the chance to connect with others who share their passion for the agricultural industry.
In addition to the Women in Agriculture Conference, two important soil health conferences are scheduled for the early part of the year. These events are designed to address sustainable practices in agriculture, focusing on the importance of soil health and the latest innovations in soil management.
The Central Nebraska Soil Health Conference will take place on January 29 from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Adams County Fairgrounds in Hastings. This event will bring together experts, including farmers and industry leaders, to discuss the latest research and practices in soil health. The keynote speaker for the event will be Meagan Schipanski, an associate professor at Colorado State University, who will share her expertise on sustainable soil management practices.
The Eastern Nebraska Soil Health Conference is set for February 11 at the Nielsen Community Center in West Point, also running from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The keynote speaker for this event will be Lisa Schulte, a professor at Iowa State University, who will provide valuable insights into the science of soil health and its role in sustainable farming practices. Both conferences will feature panel discussions, on-farm research results, and promotions of innovative approaches to soil management, offering attendees practical tools and strategies to improve their soil health and sustainability practices.
These soil health conferences are an excellent opportunity for farmers, ranchers, and agricultural professionals to learn about the latest trends and research in soil management. As the agricultural industry continues to face challenges related to climate change, sustainability, and resource management, events like these are crucial for equipping the next generation of agricultural leaders with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.
Together, the Nebraska Women in Agriculture Conference and the soil health conferences provide a comprehensive platform for learning, networking, and professional development. Whether focused on leadership and risk management or sustainable farming practices, these events offer valuable opportunities for all those involved in agriculture to enhance their knowledge and contribute to the future of the industry.
