Missouri's Ag Women Called to Branson

Women from throughout Missouri who are involved in some aspect of agriculture are invited to come together September 13-15 in Branson, site of the 16th Annual Missouri Women in Ag Conference.

The conference, with a "Growing in Harmony" theme, will include a tour of the College of the Ozarks, a higher-education environment in which students couple curriculum with hands-on farm production, industry and managerial work experience.

Conference participants also can choose among workshops covering a variety of topics, including: an overview of state and federal programs that provide technical and financial assistance; financial trust basics; awareness of Homeland Security issues associated with the agricultural community; farm-management skills; growing, preserving and using organic herbs; archery; and other optional networking sessions.

Conference speakers will provide insight for achieving greater independence and a healthier lifestyle.

"The Women in Ag conference is a good opportunity for women to learn what's going on in other parts of the state relative to agriculture," says Amanda Cook, conference chair. "The program focuses on the interests of women, especially in relation to agro-business and specialty types of agriculture."

Cooks says feedback from participants of past Women in Ag conferences indicates healthy social benefits as well.

"The conference is an excellent opportunity for women to network, reconnect and learn from one another," she says. "When the participants leave the conference and head back home, it's like they are taking a number of new friends along with them -- women with similar lives and concerns who can be called upon at a moment's notice."

The 2010 conference is partially sponsored by the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service and the USDA's Farm Service Agency. Registration is accepted until August 12.

For more information, contact Lyn Hines at (417) 468-4176, ext. 3.