OSU Extension to host 2022 East Ohio Women in Agriculture Conference – Wooster Daily Record

MILLERSBURG - An event designed by women to promote and support women in agriculture continues to grow and thrive.

The Ohio State University (OSU) Extension will host the seventh annual East Ohio Women in Agriculture Conference on Friday, March 25, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Ohio FFA Camp Muskingum, 3266 Dyewood Road SW, Carrollton, OH 44615.

A team of OSU Extension Educators from Holmes, Wayne, Tuscarawas, Coshocton, Stark, Carroll and Harrison counties will be presenting.

The event is open to all women high school age and older who are interested, involved in or want to become involved with food, agricultural, natural resources production or small business are encouraged to attend.

Kate Shumaker, OSU Extension Holmes County educator, said this program has been ongoing, starting in Northwest Ohio about 20 years ago.

"A group of female ag educators decided to get together and try doing it here in Eastern Ohio," Shumaker said. "Our first conference was held at Kent State Tuscarawas. It was small, but successful. We quickly outgrew our space and moved to RG Drage Career Center in Massillon. This year we decided to try something different, leading us to the 4-H Day Camp."

Shumaker said the conference specifically targets women.

"Agriculture can be a male-focused environment," she said. "Whether or not they're out front and visible on the farm, women are very much involved in farm life from day-to-day operations to taking care of the books or communications and human resources. We focus on things they may be involved in.

"Our presentations have addressed many different topics over the years, that not only deal with the business side of things, but the home side of things on the farm as well," she continued. "The ladies juggle families and farm, life and relationships, parenting and getting dinner on the table. The sessions include relief and laughter, along with business. They're learning, but they are also having a day that is just theirs."

The conference program features a networking fair and 16 breakout sessions presented by OSU Extension educators, producers and partner agencies. Sessions this year are focused around four themes: natural resources, plants and animals, home and family, and special interest (includes break-out with Ohio FFA state officers).

Sample sessions from each theme include:

For a complete listing of break out tracks and sessions, check out the registration form online at go.osu.edu/eowia2022.

The conference keynote will be led by Bridget Brittont with a midday presentation. She and her team will lead participants through Stoic or Stressed? Talking through difficult topics in a safe space.

Registered participants, community organizations or businesses interested in sponsorship can contact 740-461-6136.

Interested individuals can register for the conference online at go.osu.edu/eowia2022. Cost of the conference is $55 for adult participants and $30 for students. Conference fee includes conference participation, breakfast, lunch and conference handouts. Deadline for registration is Friday, March 11. For additional information locally, contact Shumaker at 330-674-3015.

Stay connected with the Ohio Women in Agriculture Learning Network on Facebook @OHwomeninag or subscribe to the Ohio Women in Agriculture blogsite at u.osu.edu/ohwomeninag.

Originally posted here:

OSU Extension to host 2022 East Ohio Women in Agriculture Conference - Wooster Daily Record