Rural Women’s Conference planned for Oct. 6-7

Life goes by fast. Many of us want to leave behind a legacy, but what about if we decided to live it first?

“Live the Legacy You Want to Leave” is the theme for the South Dakota Women in Agriculture’s 2016 rural women’s conference planned for Oct. 6-7 and it’s the challenge being offered to today’s farm and ranch women.

This annual conference routinely provides women with great speakers and resources that address current ag issues along with self-development topics. Networking opportunities, Pay It Forward projects, creative learning sessions and shopping are also part of the conference lineup.

The two-day event will focus on leadership at home or in our community; advocacy for every branch of the ag sector, and hot button topics swirling around human and animal health issues.

Keynote for the event is Jennifer Dewey Rohrich of North Dakota. Her presentation “Cultivating Agriculture’s Legacy in a Disconnected World” will highlight how ag is being attacked, how we got here and how one person can make a difference. Jenny will share ideas and real world examples on the ways a simple conversation can have the power to leave a legacy in a world far disconnected from agriculture.

South Dakota Hall of Fame inductee Denny Everson will offer inspiration and leadership skills for women to use in every aspect of their life. He has long ties to the state’s ag industry and was a founding member of the South Dakota Ag and Rural Leadership program. His leadership sessions are sure to be useful.

Women who are involved in the agriculture industry, or just want to know more about agriculture, can now begin to register for the 2016 event, which will take place Oct. 6-7 at the beautiful K Bar S Lodge outside Keystone, S.D.

The conference will kick off with an 1880 Train Ride and history lesson through the beautiful Black Hills the afternoon of Oct. 6 before moving to the K Bar S Lodge facility. That evening a leadership session will be held followed by creative learning activities card making, sip-n-paint and sewing. Friday will offer a full day of agricultural topics, leadership and advocacy discussions.

New this year is the addition of the South Dakota Ag Woman of the Year and South Dakota Young Gun of Ag awards. Nominations will be sought through Aug. 1, and the winners will be announced during the conference. Nomination information and award details will be available online soon.

For women age 18-25 there is a scholarship through the South Dakota Women in Agriculture group to help those wanting to attend cover their registration and lodging expense. You can find the application, along with conference registration details online at http://www.southdakotawomeninag.com

You may also contact conference coordinators at sdwia@outlook.com or (605) 347-1549 to be included in the brochure mailing list. Registration deadline is Sept. 15. Make sure to watch Facebook for additional highlights. A block of rooms is being held at K Bar S Lodge. Book yours by calling (605) 666-4545 and asking for South Dakota Women in Agriculture.

–South Dakota Women in Agriculture