Women’s Ag Leadership Conference to Enhance Life On and Off the Farm through Sterling Opportunities

Network with ag leaders at the 25th annual Women’s Agricultural Leadership Conference (WALC) on April 12 at The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. This year’s WALC theme “Sterling History” plays into the 25th anniversary tradition of silver – and it also serves as a metaphor for the long-term value the conference provides.

“Back in 1998 when Robin Kinney (co-founder) and I discussed ways to better empower women in agriculture, we could only dream of what WALC would become,” said Doris Mold, event co-founder. “Each year, we’ve provided an expanding list of attendees with a balance of personal and professional development programming covering timely, relevant topics. So far, we’ve been able to reach more than 3,700 women with these valuable sessions, and we look forward to adding to that list this year.” 

Mold said the planning committee set out to make 2023 a year to remember for new and repeat participants alike.

“We are bringing together some amazing speakers to really drive home the fact that a sterling future can only be achieved if we continue to build leaders in agriculture that have the skills, talents and resilience to carry them forward in our ever changing world.” Mold said. “From ways to prevent burnout to expanding your reach through podcasts, to building networks, we’re helping attendees set themselves up for long-term success.”

Attendees will begin the conference with a welcome session from Natalie Beckendorf, Minnesota State FFA Vice President, followed by roundtable discussions on how to lay the foundation for a sterling future and ways to mentor future generations. The day will also include mini-sessions focused on current topics, two breakout sessions and an optional historic Red Barn self-guided tour to continue networking after the closing ceremony.  

Participants can choose from 10 different breakout topics, including: 

• View on the 2023 Farm Bill presented by Amber Glaeser, Director of State Government & Industry Affairs, Land O’Lakes, Inc., Staci Martin, Director of Government Relations, AgriBank, and Lauren Servick, Director of Marketing and Public Policy Engagement, Minnesota Pork
• FarmHer Nutrition: Fueling Ourselves to Be Better presented by Kennedy Youngren, MS RDN LD, Registered Dietitian, The Legendairy Dietitian
• Ag and Fertilizer Market Update presented by Crystal Carpenter, Market Analysis Manger, The Mosaic Company

The conference is open to individuals with an interest in women’s agricultural leadership regardless of gender, age or affiliation. Register before March 31 for a discounted rate. Prices begin at $30 for students and $50 for first-time attendees or farmers. 

In conference follow-up surveys, previous attendees have stated what makes WALC unique is how it brings together women or men from all areas of agriculture: production, industry, education, etc. to help each participant grow as a leader. It’s an opportunity to “build your network and gain valuable insights for the future.”  

The Women’s Agricultural Leadership Conference is made possible by Innovator Sponsorship Partner – Ag Country Farm Credit Services along with Major Sponsorship Partners: Compeer Financial, CoBank, Farm Credit Leasing; Key Sponsorship Partners: Minnesota State Southern Agricultural Center of Excellence, Minnesota Farmers Union; Sponsorship Partners Minnesota Farm Bureau, Minnesota Soybean Research Promotion Council, and many other conference partners and volunteers.

For the full conference brochure and more information, visit: womensagleadership.org. Please reach out to Doris Mold with any questions you may have. She can be contacted at 612-414-7574 or doris@sunriseag.net.