Women in Ag Conference set for March 11

The eighth annual Women in Agriculture regional conference is scheduled for Friday, March 11, at the Martin Community Center in Marshall, Mo.

Keynote speaker for the conference is Susie Oberdahlhoff, known as the “Erma Bombeck of Agriculture.”

Oberdahlhoff, or “SusieO” for short, uses wit, humor and her life experiences as a farm wife and a preacher’s kid to bring an inspirational message to audiences around the country. Susie and her husband farm near Bowling Green, Mo.

New at this year’s conference will be a special presentation on estate planning by Judge Hugh Harvey, Saline County probate court judge.

“In the past, Harvey’s smaller breakout sessions have been standing room only, so organizers decided to make the popular program available to everyone,” said Cynthia Crawford, University of Missouri Extension family financial education specialist and member of the conference planning committee.

Breakout sessions include gardening with native plants, with a tour of the Martin Center’s on-site rain garden and outdoor nature center; health issues with dietitian Stacey Winter and MU Extension nutrition specialist Lynda Johnson; a session on agritourism with Brad Fahrmeier of Three Trails Winery; how to do an energy audit of your home or farm; and a session with Crawford about how to get your life organized.

Cathy Barton and Dave Para will again provide lunchtime entertainment, celebrating the musical traditions of Missouri and the Ozarks.

Organizers emphasize that men shouldn’t let the title of the event put them off. “This event presents a wealth of information in a fun environment,” Crawford said. “While the focus of the conference is placed on women agriculturalists, anyone and everyone is invited.”

In addition to Crawford, conference organizers include Parman Green, Anita Elson, Becky Plattner, Jared Singer, Nadia Navarrete-Tindall, Allen Voss and Steve Wooden.

A full schedule of events and registration information is available at their website. Cost for the conference is $12 in advance and $15 at the door. This includes all sessions, conference materials, lunch and entertainment.

The day begins with coffee and registration at 8:30 a.m. Events kick off with the keynote speaker at 9 a.m. and end at 3 p.m.

Call the MU Extension Center in Saline County at 660-886-6908 for more information.

The conference is sponsored by MU Extension, Lincoln University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.