Jan 13, 2020

Washington state holding Women in Agriculture conference Jan. 25

Washington State University (WSU) Extension is holding the 2020 Women in Agriculture conference on Saturday, Jan.  25. This is an opportunity for women farmers or anyone who works with women farmers to network, hear some outstanding speakers and gain some practical advice.

This year’s event, “Healthy Farms” covers the topic of cultivating personal resiliency to handle all the “ups and downs” as a women farmer. It is no secret that things can be tough for farmers, whether it is things that can be controlled or issues farmers try to control when they can’t,  according to Margaret Viebrock, WSU Douglas and Chelan County Extension director and chair of the conference. The stress in farming has always existed, but the levels soar during times of high costs and low returns. 

This interactive and engaging conference will motivate women in agriculture to strengthen their personal health care to reduce the effects of stress , worry and exhaustion and to make mindful farming and person decisions.  Successful farmers can make the  connection between being a healthy person and having a healthy farm. A local panel of women farmers who will explain how they have developed their own self-care plan to deal with day-to-day events and make mindful decisions that helped them be successful in farming. 

Locally, the conference will be held in Wenatchee at the Confluence Technology Center. Check the website at www.womeninag.wsu.edu and register before Jan. 17 for the discount rate. 

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 also welcome. Plan to bring a friend or an older youth who is interested in exploring a career in agriculture. Call 509-745-8531 for more information.