Plans are underway to launch the 12th annual Women Stepping Forward for Agriculture Symposium at Montana Expo Park in Great Falls Sept. 25-27.
The event mission is to give women involved in promoting Montana's agriculture the opportunity to learn about issues affecting the state's rural ag communities, promote leadership development and support women's leadership roles in the community.
Registration is available on line by contacting Kathy Wiley at skwiley@live.com, or checks ($50) can be sent to her at PO Box 167, Musselshell, Mont., 59059. Payment should be made to the WSFA.
Montana USDA Agencies Host Women Stepping Forward for Ag Symposium
Registration at the event will cost $60.
Opening talks on Sept. 26 include a discussion of tax issues and estate planning, USDA agency updates, and a talk about carbon footprints in ag sponsored by the Montana Beef Council.
Luncheon speakers Amanda Radke, a South Dakota rancher, and Brian Glon, a Montana Cooperative Development Center official, is entitled "Taking it to the Streets with Agriculture."
Afternoon sessions include a current ag issues panel with Nicole Rolf of the Montana Farm Bureau Federation, Lola Raska, a Montana Grain Growers Association official, and Ariel Overstreet, representing the Montana Stockgrowers Assn.
Columbia Grain's Jeff Van Pevanage will discuss grain marketing and the market outlook; a federal legislative update will be provided, and a special session will be held on "Hispanic and Women Farmers' and Ranchers' Claims Processes."
The day's events will end with a silent auction at 5 p.m.
On Sept. 27, Radke will return to discuss online ranching, followed by a Montana State Grain Lab review.
"Healthy Eating and Fitness at Home" will be the topic of personal trainer Tami Beebe, and motivational speaker Bruce Vincent will present the topic "With Vision, There is Hope."
The conference includes a trade show. If you are interested in exhibiting for $100, contact Maria Braun at (406) 778-2228, Ext. 102.
The silent auction will be held for items from delegates, with funds used to sponsor future symposiums.