Women in Ag Summit scheduled for May 25

If you are one of the many females in White County involved in agriculture, I hope you will mark your calendar for the third annual “Women in Ag Summit” hosted by the Upper Cumberland Extension Team. This year, the Women in Ag event will be held May 25, 2023, at River Pointe Ranch, in Carthage. The goal of this event is to celebrate the impact that female producers are having in Tennessee Agriculture and provide skills for their future success. We will have a mix of lectures and hands-on demonstrations from Extension and industry professionals as well as an opportunity for networking and learning from other producers.

According to the 2017 census of agriculture, almost one-third of the agricultural producers in White County are female. These women are a vital part of producing food, fuel, and fiber right here in our local communities, across the country, and even globally. Our hope is that this event will equip them with the skills and tools they need to meet the unique challenges and opportunities that being a woman in agriculture brings. 

Highlights of the Women in Ag Summit include a welcome from Dr. Ashley Stokes, Dean of UT Extension, a keynote address from Tara Durbin, Chief Lending Officer at Farm Credit Mid America, speakers on farm business plans and creating your farm’s vision, and breakout sessions covering backyard chickens, operating equipment, horticulture, beekeeping and more. 

The Women in Ag Summit is open to women of all ages and backgrounds who are involved in agriculture, from farmers to educators to industry professionals. We hope you will make plans to join us as we learn, network, and grow together!

The cost for this event is $20 per person. A catered lunch will be provided. Registration forms with a tentative agenda are available at the UT Extension office at 117 S. Main St., Sparta. Space is limited, so call or come by the office to sign up and join us as we celebrate and educate our wonderful female farmers! We want to especially thank Farm Credit Mid America for their generous sponsorship and support for this event.