WSU Conference brings women in agriculture together to network and learn

Empowering farming through communication is the focus of the 2016 Women in Agriculture Conference, to be held in locations across Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Montana and Alaska on Saturday, March 19.

In Nespelem, it will be held at the Tribal Administration Building, 44 School Loop Road. The conference begins at 8:30 a.m.

In Wenatchee, the conference will be held at Confluence Technology Center, located at 285 Technology Way.

This year’s event, “Power Up Your Communication, Power Up Your Farm,” covers communication style and how to use it to manage, motivate and influence people.

The one-day conference features speakers, inspiring stories, networking with other producers and practical advice for learning new skills. It takes place simultaneously in 31 locations throughout the greater Northwest. To find out if there is a site near you, visit the website at http://www.womeninag.wsu.edu for details about the conference and registration. 

Whether you communicate on Facebook or face to face, it matters how you communicate with others. Understanding your style is a powerful tool for building personal and business relationships. The 2016 conference will define how you communicate for success, according to WSU Douglas County Extension Director and chair of the conference, Margaret Viebrock. The format of this conference offers headline speakers at all locations, while still tailoring the conference content for each region.

“Last year, nearly 650 women attended,” said Viebrock. “Many attendees reported it is the best conference for women producers because it presents practical information they can use right away.”

The lineup for the day includes Wendy Knopp and Michael Stolp ,with Northwest Farm Credit Services, who will help the participants discover their communication style. These skills will improve decision making and connect marketing to what motivates prospects and customers.

Oregon farmer, Shelly Boshart Davis, will explain show how she improved her communication approach to improve her business strategies, motivate employees, work with her family and increase business sales.

“In addition to improving communications, this conference will help women farmers use their personality traits to change as the situation changes,” Viebrock added.

This conference is designed for women who are farming, as well as new and aspiring farmers. Supporting spouses, students, interns or people who own an agriculture-related business are also welcome.

The conference registration fee is $30 and includes the workshop, light breakfast, lunch and conference materials.

Persons with a disability requiring special accommodations while participating in this program may contact Margaret Viebrock at viebrock@wsu.edu.