Meade County Women in Agriculture

Creating Networking and Outreach Opportunities for Farm Women of

Meade County

Welcome!

• Introduce yourself and your background in farming. We’re excited to get to know you!

• Why get involved?

• Overview of national and state Ag Organizations

• Industry specific organizations

• Future plans for MCWA

• Degree in Animal Science specializing in agribusiness (horse and beef management)

• Graduate research and publications in agricultural economics

• Farms with husband and in-laws• Completed Master Grazer program, currently

enrolled in Master Cattlemen• 45 Angus cows, corn, soybeans, hay, tobacco, 2

goats, an ornery Quarter Horse, and other assorted critters.

Megan Stith

Changing Paradigms

• How you see your world

• Example:

By making only one mark on the page, make this number into the number six:

S

Issues Facing Agriculture

• Changing population demographics (declining “agricultural literacy”)

• Environmental concerns• Animal health and welfare• Land use • Labor and immigration• Rising input costs• Alternative energy• Biosecurity• Staying current with technology innovations• Centeralization of farms

American Agri-Women

• Legislative Fly-In to Washington, D.C.• Annual Conference in November• Syngenta’s “Leadership at Its Best”

program• Segments on RFD TV • Scholarships• American Grown Goodness program• Positions on policy, Farm Bill

Leadership at Its Best!

• Conference sponsored by Syngenta

• Media training, interpersonal skills, organizational leadership, public speaking

• Networking with other AAW members from around the country

• Tours of Syngenta and local ag facilities

Kentucky Women in Agriculture

• “Empowering women through education, involvement, and action.”

• Annie’s Project sponsors

• Scholarships

• Annual Conference- end of October

Industry Specific Organizations

• Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association• Kentucky Soybean Association• Kentucky Corn Growers Association• Kentucky Farmer’s Market Association• Kentucky Goat Producers Association• Burley Tobacco Growers Cooperative

Association• Kentucky Horse Council• Kentucky Equine Education Project

Local Organizations and Networks

• Farmer’s Market

• Homemakers/Homesteaders

• 4H/FFA

• Meade County Cattlemen’s

• Meade County Goat Producers

• Meade County Grain Growers

Upcoming Events

Feb. 11-14 : National Farm Machinery ShowKentucky Exposition CenterLouisville, KY

Feb. 15-17 : Agritourism ConferenceKentucky Farms Are Fun ConferenceHoliday Inn, University PlazaBowling Green, KY

Feb. 19 : Kentucky Alfalfa Conference (pdf)Cave City Convention CenterCave City, KY

The Future in Meade County

• Increase in population • Decreasing farm land• Increasing cost of production• Working with Extension agents to

maximize efficiency• More niche marketing• Taking advantage of branding programs• Using technology to reach new customers

What Next?

• If not YOU, WHO?• Creation of MCWA and regular meetings• Sharing experience, resources• Ideas for future events:

– Community service – Educational events both on and off the farm– Participating in legislative issues– Fundraising– Partnering with national advocacy groups– Networking with local organizations

Your Ideas?

What would you like to see done?