Oklahoma Women in Agriculture and Small Business Conference Set to Highlight Risk Management, Innovation, and Leadership
The Oklahoma State University Extension Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources is preparing to host the upcoming Oklahoma Women in Agriculture and Small Business Conference on August 6, 2026, at the Hilton Garden Inn & Conference Center in Edmond, Oklahoma. Designed to equip female producers, ranchers, and small business owners across the region, the event focuses on practical risk management education tailored to women-owned operations.
The annual conference covers five core areas of risk inherent to agricultural businesses: production, marketing, financial, legal, and human resources. Attendees will gain actionable tools and strategies aimed at improving operational efficiency, mitigating risk, and supporting long-term enterprise sustainability.
Comprehensive Lineup of Educational Breakouts
The day-long agenda features five distinct breakout sessions designed to address immediate operational challenges and future industry trends.
Morning tracks open with discussions on grain marketing and decision-making by OSU Assistant Professor Todd Hubbs, regenerative ranching and goat grazing with Josie Morris of the Noble Research Institute, and an analysis of rural community impacts from data centers presented by OSU Assistant Professor McKenzie Boyce. Meanwhile, representatives from the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry (ODAFF)—Justin McConaghy and Scott Yates—will outline the 2026 updates to state food safety and cottage food laws.
Subsequent sessions transition into practical production and farm business management. Dr. Bee Chim will present strategies for managing soil fertility to improve forage yield, while Alexis Main of Paradigma Agricultural Innovations addresses consumer engagement and animal well-being. OSU Professor Shannon Ferrell will guide producers through critical tools for farm succession planning, and Che Deer from the Oklahoma Conservation Commission will present on soilless systems in modern agriculture.
Keynotes, Emerging Technologies, and Livestock Health
Following a mid-day luncheon and women’s organization panel, the afternoon programming pivots toward market policy, technology integration, and livestock health.
OSU Associate Professor Amy Hagerman will break down comparisons between House and Senate proposals for the 2026 Farm Bill. National Bison Association President Jessi Deardorf will explore the business potential of bison stewardship, while Danielle Marlin from Northeast Tech covers foundational concepts for beginning gardeners. Synthia Randall of the American Heart Association will lead a health session on cardiovascular wellness for women in agriculture.
Later in the afternoon, technology takes center stage. OSU Extension Weed Scientist Liberty Galvin will outline spray-drone applications and current weed management research. OSU Area Livestock Specialist Dana Zook will speak on calf preconditioning to build healthier market cattle, and Shannon Briggs from Langston University will present tactics for digitizing small agriculture operations.
In the final session block, Deputy State Veterinarian Dr. Alicia Gorczyca-Southerland will provide critical information regarding the emerging threat of New World Screwworm to Oklahoma livestock. Additionally, an expert Farmers Market Panel featuring managers from Edmond and Cleveland County will share direct-to-consumer sales strategies, and OSU Assistant Professor Audrey King will demonstrate AI research tools to streamline workflow using NotebookLM.
Registration and Industry Support
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