Women in Farming Workshop on Saturday, July 11

On Saturday July 11, 2015, the Kansas Rural Center will sponsor an all day women-only workshop and farm tour from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., in Emporia, Kansas, at the Flint Hills Technical College.  This is the fourth in a series of educational workshops for women farmers or want-to-be farmers, women landowners, and women interested in sustainable farming and food production.

The workshop will include a morning presentation on the importance of building soil health and the value of cover crops by Candace Thomas and Alex Miller from USDA NRCS. Dale Kirkham, grass and grazing specialist, will talk about Livestock and Grazing Management Practices. Dan Phelps, KRC staff member, specialty crop grower and primary author of  KRC’s 2014 “Growing Under Cover”  publication, will present on Specialty Crop Production in High Tunnels. In addition, materials on Farm Service Agency loan programs, USDA NRCS conservation programs, and other resources on crop insurance, organic and specialty crop production practices and resources, will be available.  For an agenda, please click here.

At 2 p.m., the workshop will move to Gail Fuller’s farm near Emporia for a farm tour and presentation on carbon farming as part of a no-till cover crop system, crop rotations, and small livestock enterprises recently adopted. Dale Kirkham will also be on hand to host a Native Prairie and Grass tour to close out the day.

Register for the Saturday Workshop

“Women farmers are increasing in number. And they are interested in small livestock and specialty crop production for direct marketing and as additional enterprises on the farm, as well as in crop and livestock farming. Also, according to research, women will inherit much of the land that is expected to change hands in the next twenty years,” stated Mary Fund, Executive Director of the Kansas Rural Center. “As women, we need to be better prepared to manage farms and land and make decisions. Our workshops introduce women to farming practices, ideas and information helpful to them as they make decisions today and plan for the future.”

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Pre-Workshop Roundtable Discussion & Social Hour on Friday, July 10 – FREE!!

In conjunction with the Saturday workshop, KRC is hosting an informal roundtable discussion and social hour on Friday evening, July 10, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., at the Guesthouse Inn and Conference Center, 2700 W. 18th Ave. in Emporia.  This will provide participants with an opportunity to share their farming stories, information, experiences, and good company with other women farmers.  There is no charge to attend the roundtable!!

KRC has reserved a block of rooms at the Guesthouse Inn and Conference Center.  Call 620-341-9199 to reserve your room, and tell the hotel you are with KRC and the Women in Farming Workshop.  Room rate: $59 plus tax.  Continental breakfast provided.

RSVP for the Friday Night Roundtable and Social Hour

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For more information, e-mail Joanna Voigt at jvoigt@kansasruralcenter.org, or call at 785-312-2372.  Fees are $15/per person, to cover lunch and snacks.

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The Workshop is funded by a grant from the USDA Risk Management Agency, and the Kansas Rural Center. Co-sponsors are the Kansas Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Alternative Crops and the Kansas Sustainable Agriculture Research Program.