Leadership skills stressed in Northwest Women in Ag event

Women across the Northwest can become better agriculture leaders in the upcoming 2017 Women in Agriculture Conference, organized by Washington State University (WSU).

The conference is Saturday, Nov. 18, at 40 locations in Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Montana and Alaska.

This year’s event, “We Can Do It,” will help attendees develop and strengthen their leadership skills.

The one-day event features speakers including Alexis Taylor, director of the Oregon Department of Agriculture, and Ann Schwartz, owner of Blue Heron Farm in Washington’s Skagit Valley. The conference also includes networking opportunities and advice for learning new skills.

“Whether you communicate on Facebook or face to face, it matters how you use your leadership skills to be successful as a farmer or ag-industry supporter,” said Margaret Viebrock, WSU Douglas & Chelan County Extension director and chair of the conference. “Personal leadership skills continually need to be learned, updated, used and shared with the next generation.”

This conference is designed for women who are farming, as well as new and aspiring farmers.  Supporting spouses, students, interns or people who own an agriculture-related business are welcome.

Each location will have a local panel of women farmers who have been successful in their leadership roles.  They will talk about the challenges they faced, how they used a mentor to develop their skills and the difference it has made in their businesses.

The conference registration fee is $30. The conference registration fee includes the workshop, light breakfast, lunch and conference materials.

Persons with a disability requiring special accommodations while participating in this program may contact Viebrock at viebrock@wsu.edu.

Learn more or register for the conference at www.womeninag.wsu.edu.