Oklahoma State University Extension will host its annual AgricultHER Women in Ag Conferenceon June 5 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Eastern Oklahoma State College Student Union Ballroom in Wilburton.
The conference is geared toward women of all experience levels involved in agriculture across the state. The registrationdeadline is May 21, and the conference costs $35. Lunch will be provided. Hands-on workshops and demonstrations featuring agricultural professionals and producers will be shared during the one-day conference.
“We hope attendees walk away with practical knowledge and skills that are truly relevant to their lives,” said Crystal Shipman, OSU Extension director for Latimer County. “We recognize that women in agriculture often approach tasks differently than men, and that’s a strength. Our sessions are designed with that in mind, offering methods that work for women in real-world farm and ranch settings.”
Session topics this year include farm-fresh butter-making, greenhouse management, meat safety and handling, small-animal hoof trimming, weed identification and much more.
Entering its fourth year, the AgricultHER conference has made a massive impact across the state. A way to connect rural women with value education, resources and networking opportunities, past participants reported a 108% increase in knowledge about workshop topics, and 96% said they planned to implement something they learned in their operations.
“Watching women lift each other up never gets old,” Shipman said. “That energy is something special every single year.”
The program is geared toward seasoned producers, individuals beginning to work in agriculture or those interested in the industry. This year’s keynote speaker, Sheri Glazier, the Dirt Road Dietitian, will focus on health and safety on family farms, tying directly into the conference’s mission.
“We want every woman to leave feeling better equipped, not just for their operation, but for their family, too,” Shipman said.
The conference is designed specifically for busy, rural women who may be unable to travel and attend conferences in big cities, Shipman said. The event has a “come as you are” atmosphere, with no pressure or pretense, allowing attendees to feel comfortable being themselves.
“AgricultHER helps break down that barrier by making those connections feel approachable and comfortable,” Shipman said. “We want every woman to leave knowing she has a network of experts she can confidently reach out to for help when she needs it.”
For more information, contact Shipman via email at crystal.shipman@okstate.edu or phone at 918-465-3349.
OSU Extension uses research-based information to help all Oklahomans solve local issues and concerns, promote leadership and manage resources wisely throughout the state’s 77 counties. Most information is available at little to no cost.
