Business : Register now for the 2021 Iowa Women in Agriculture Conference August 5

"Conserving Ag's Future Together" is the theme of the 15th annual Iowa Women in Agriculture Conference at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny on August 5.

The 2021 conference will explore an array of challenges posed by agriculture's current economic and environmental climate: Marketing strategy, climate resilience, global trade agreements, risk management, ag advocacy, cover crops, soil and water quality initiatives, the intersection of animal agriculture and climate, launching an online ag business, and the role of ag women in this dynamic and growing industry.

The Conference kicks off at 8:15 a.m., and concludes at 5 p.m. Amanda De Jong, Landus Cooperative Business Unit Leader and former Iowa Farm Service Agency executive director, will keynote the Conference. She'll highlight how data can help position Iowa farmers to participate in new carbon and soil health programs and share her experience as the first woman to head the Iowa FSA.

Sue Martin, CEO of AG and Investment Services, Inc. commodity analyst and an Iowa Public Broadcast's Market to Market commentator, will offer her perspective and insights on the challenges of today's current marketing environment.

Dr. Beth Hall, Indiana State Climatologist, Purdue University will deliver a timely focus on climate trends, outlooks, and the impact of climate on agriculture, with the goal of achieving environmental sustainability and global food security.

During the luncheon, participants will enjoy a give-and-take of their own personal pandemic perspectives: "What's your New Normal?".

Participants may choose two of the three following afternoon breakout sessions and presenters:

Angie Treptow, Farm Credit Services of America regional vice-president, East Central Iowa, will offer a financial overview, as well as key coping strategies.

Dr. Emily Bruner, American Farmland Trust Midwest science director and Dr. DeAnn Presley, Kansas State University professor of environmental soil science and management, will share the tangible benefits of soil heath improvements.

Mary Kay Thatcher, Syngenta's senior lead for Federal government relations, and former American Farm Bureau veteran lobbyist, will do a deep dive into the outlook for climate-related legislation and policies, estate and capital gain taxation, the Clean Water Act, H2A worker reform, or other critical issues.

Capstone speaker Amanda Radke, ag advocate, and fifth-generation rancher from Mitchell, South Dakota will wrap up the 2021 conference with an inspiring and motivating message. "We can't eat our way out of climate change," she says. "Cattle, crops, and responsible land management complement each other."

A complimentary Wine and Cheese Welcome & Networking Reception will be held on Wednesday, August 4, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Prairie Moon Winery in Ames. Katie Olthoff, co-founder of ChopLocal, and a former IWIA board member, will share her experiences of launching the "Etsy of meat" start-up marketplace.

Participants also will have a unique opportunity to attend a pre-conference tour on August 4, hosted by the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Women in Agriculture Program. The tour features the new Iowa State University Poultry Science Farm in Ames and the ISU Horticulture Research Station. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, participants are asked to provide their own transportation. Route information and addresses (along with the reception venue) will be included in tour registration materials.

Early bird registration is $50 until August 2, and $70 after that date. Registration includes the pre-conference tour, evening welcome reception, continental breakfast, lunch, and snacks. Register online in advance on the web site, by mail, or from 7:15 a.m.-8:00 a.m. on the day of the conference. A room block has been set up at the Courtyard by Marriott at 2405 SE Creekview Drive in Ankeny; please contact for a reservation prior to July 14.

Early bird registration is required for those attending the Pre-Conference Tour. For questions about the tour, contact Madeline Schultz at 515-294-0588.

For conference information, contact IWIA president Cheryl Tevis at 515-353-4425 or visit www.iowawomeninag.org for a full Conference agenda and registration details.

The premier sponsor of the 2021 Iowa Women in Agriculture Conference is Farm Credit Services of America. Additional sponsors include: Corteva Agriscience, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, Iowa Bankers Association, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Women in Ag, Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Cattlemen's Association, and NEW Cooperative.

IWIA is planning for an in-person conference. For the latest update on any COVID-19 advice/precautions impacting the event, visit the web site: www.iowawomeninagriculture.com