The Women in Agriculture and Small Business Conference continues to grow and evolve, and Lauren Minyard with OSU Extension shared insight with Associate Farm Reporter, Carli Davenport, into what attendees can expect this year. “This is going to be the third year in our new location. It’s at the Hilton Garden Inn and conference center in Edmond, Oklahoma. It’s a very nice facility. We’ve been very happy with it,” she explained. The event is structured with an opening session, a keynote speaker, and five breakout session time slots, each offering four different tracks. “We kind of tailor it towards animals and horticulture, and then like more business, and then more like personal things,” said Minyard, allowing attendees to follow a track or mix and match sessions to suit their interests.
The breakout sessions are designed to offer real value to attendees across many sectors of agriculture. “The last couple of years, we’ve added breakout session descriptions… so you know exactly what you’re going to be going to,” Minyard added. This thoughtful detail makes the conference more accessible and useful, no matter someone’s background. “We have all over the spectrum of age groups, all over from people who are small producers to large producers… So it’s really for every single person who’s involved in agriculture in any way.”
Inclusivity is a cornerstone of the event. “We have some people who are coming from college. We have people who are, you know, retired and doing this now in their free time,” she said. Whether agriculture is someone’s career, side business, or even just a passion, the conference welcomes all. “It doesn’t even have to be a business… it’s a little bit of everybody,” Minyard emphasized, highlighting how the conference serves as a gathering point for women of all backgrounds and experiences.
A highlight of the conference each year is the keynote speaker, and 2025 is no exception. “We actually asked [Tammy Didlot] to speak this year, and I’m very, very excited to have her,” said Minyard. “She has done anything and everything you can think of in agriculture and been involved with a lot of different organizations.” Her breadth of experience promises a dynamic and inspiring message for all in attendance.
Minyard encouraged anyone interested to register online. “You can go to our website, Women in Ag. We also have a Facebook group… there’s a link to click on there to go and get registered.” The event will take place on Thursday, August 7, beginning with registration at 8:00 a.m. and concluding after the final breakout sessions and closing remarks. “We have all the details, and we’re looking forward to seeing everybody this year”.
To see the agenda, and get registered, sign up here: https://extension.okstate.edu/events/women-in-ag
