ANKENY, Iowa — “Conserving Ag’s Future Together” is the theme of the 15th annual Iowa Women in Agriculture Conference at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny on August 5.
The Conference kicks off at 8:15 a.m., and concludes at 5 p.m. Amanda De Jong, Landus Cooperative Business Unit Leader and former Iowa Farm Service Agency executive director, will keynote the Conference. Sue Martin, CEO of AG and Investment Services, Inc. commodity analyst and an Iowa Public Broadcast’s Market to Market commentator, will offer her perspective and insights. Dr. Beth Hall, Indiana State Climatologist, Purdue University will deliver a timely focus on climate trends, outlooks, and the impact of climate on agriculture.
Participants may choose two of the three following afternoon breakout sessions and presenters:
Angie Treptow, Farm Credit Services of America regional vice-president, East Central Iowa, will offer a financial overview, as well as key coping strategies.
Dr. Emily Bruner, American Farmland Trust Midwest science director and Dr. DeAnn Presley, Kansas State University professor of environmental soil science and management, will share the tangible benefits of soil heath improvements and carbon farming strategies.
Mary Kay Thatcher, Syngenta’s senior lead for Federal government relations, and former American Farm Bureau veteran lobbyist, will do a deep dive into climate-related legislation, estate and capital gain taxation, and other critical issues.
Capstone speaker Amanda Radke, ag advocate, and fifth-generation rancher from Mitchell, South Dakota will wrap up the 2021 conference with an inspiring and motivating message.
A complimentary Wine and Cheese Welcome & Networking Reception will be held on Wednesday, August 4, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Prairie Moon Winery in Ames. Katie Olthoff, co-founder of ChopLocal, and a former IWIA board member, will share her experiences.
A pre-conference tour on August 4 featuring the ISU Poultry Science Farm and the ISU Horticulture Research Station will be hosted by the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Women in Agriculture Program.
Early bird registration is $50 until August 2, and $70 after that date. Registration includes the pre-conference tour, evening reception, continental breakfast, lunch, and snacks. Register online in advance on the web site, by mail, or from 7:15 a.m.-8:00 a.m. on the day of the conference. A room block has been set up at the Courtyard by Marriott at 2405 SE Creekview Drive in Ankeny; please contact for a reservation prior to July 14.
Early bird registration is required for the Pre-Conference Tour. For questions about the tour, contact Madeline Schultz at 515-294-0588.
For conference information, contact IWIA president Cheryl Tevis at 515-353-4425 or visit www.iowawomeninag.org for a full Conference agenda and registration details.
— Iowa Women in Agriculture
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