STILLWATER, Okla. – Several events targeted to women in agriculture are being jointly planned by Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension and the United States Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) for October and November.
Each conference will offer a variety of sessions, with topics ranging from insurance products to contracts and leases to marketing strategies. Participants will be engaged in improving skills to manage their business risks, said Damona Doye, OSU Cooperative Extension farm management specialist.
“The one-day conferences will provide the latest information on topics that empower women to solve issues and concerns of importance to them, their families and communities,” said Doye. “Each conference is tailored to agricultural interests in the local community.”
FSA speakers will be on hand to discuss a claims process for Hispanic and women farmers to settle discrimination charges. Eligible Hispanic and women farmers and ranchers have a chance of receiving a piece of the minimum $1.33 billion for cash awards and tax relief payments, plus up to $160 million in farm debt relief, set aside by the USDA for those who were discriminated against when seeking USDA farm loans from 1981 to 2000.
“The conferences are not only a good time to learn about the claims process, but to network with other participants and interact with conference experts.” said Jen Jensen, OSU Extension assistant, risk management education. “In addition, the events offer education on alternative agriculture production enterprises and USDA programs.”
The first of the series will take place Oct. 29 at the Greener Pastures Seminar at the Gordon Cooper Technology Center in Shawnee from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. To register for the free event, contact Sarah Weeks at 405-273-7493 ext. 2311 or by email at [email protected]. Lunch is provided.
Topics for the meeting will include: Pasture Poultry Production, Hair Sheep Production, Small Fruit Production, Farm Marketing using Social Media, Getting Products from the Farm to the Shelf, Land Owner Legal Rights Concerning Energy Exploration and Navigating USDA programs.
“This meeting will be beneficial for all producers with an interest in alternative agriculture enterprises and those wanting to learn more about how to market and sell their agricultural products,” Jensen said.
All events are free and consist of a variety of topics targeted to local interests. The conferences will take place at different locations throughout the state, including:
Nov. 1 – Texoma Area Women in Ag Conference, 4 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Clay Jones Community Center Building, Bryan County Fairgrounds at 1901 South 9th Ave. in Durant. RSVP to Kevin Dale at 580-924-4131 ext. 2 or by email at [email protected] by Oct 29.
Nov. 5 – Southeast Oklahoma Women and Hispanic Ag Conference, 6:30 p.m., Choctaw Family Investment Center, Poteau Industrial Park at 100 Kerr Ave. in Poteau. RSVP to Lisa Grey at 918-647-3554 ext. 3 or by email at [email protected] by Nov. 1.
Nov. 14 – Beaver County Women in Ag Conference, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Beaver County Fairgrounds at 1107 Douglas in Beaver. RSVP to Sandra Cooper at 580-625-3464 or by email at [email protected] by Nov. 7.
Nov. 16 – South Central Women in Ag Conference, 1 p.m. – 8 p.m., Murray County Fairgrounds at 4000 West Highway 7 in Sulphur. RSVP to Carl Oblander at 580-662-3013 or by email at [email protected] by Nov. 9.
Nov. 17 – The 14th Annual Small Farmers Conference, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Hargrave Community Center at 123 Mekusukey in Wewoka. RSVP to Willard Tillman at 405-201-6624 or by email at [email protected] by Nov. 9.
“These conferences are not just for women,” Jensen said. “Any producers or small business owners who are interested in the topics listed are encouraged to attend.”
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Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local Governments Cooperating: The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, or status as a veteran, and is an equal opportunity employer.
REPORTER/MEDIA CONTACT:
Sean Hubbard
Communications Specialist
Agricultural Communications Services
145 Agriculture North
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK 74078
Phone: 405-744-4490
Fax: 405-744-5739
Email: [email protected]
Read more http://www.dasnr.okstate.edu/Members/trisha.gedon-40okstate.edu/women-in-ag-conferences-slated
