Women in Ag Encouraged to Communicate, Engage and Connect During Annual Conference
By Maggie Edwards
Communicate. Engage. Connect.
These three words left 200 women in agriculture inspired at the Alabama Farmers Federation Women’s Leadership Conference in Auburn April 16-18.
Federation State Women’s Leadership Committee (WLC) Chair Rachel Chastain encouraged attendees to remember there is a place for everyone in agriculture — and the state’s largest farm organization.
“That is what makes the Federation so special,” said Chastain, a Talladega County farmer and agriscience educator. “You can come here and not have to be bashful of your relationship with Jesus. It is a true foundation of our organization.”
Keynote speaker Megan Smalley, author of “Give Grace” and owner of Scarlet & Gold in Auburn, reinforced the value of living a faith-forward life. The message resonated with Blount County’s Kesha Holoway.
“Megan encouraged us to give grace and embrace the beauty of life’s brokenness through faith,” Holaway said. “She took time to speak with me afterward, and we shared personal struggles with each other. Everyone has a story, and this conference has opened my eyes to that.”
Chastain said Smalley’s comment about groups like this being “cup-filling” was exactly the feeling with which the three-day event left her.
“When we are on our own farms, we feel isolated and try to juggle so much,” Chastain said. “This conference serves as a reset for all of us as we engage and connect with like-minded ladies.”
As much as it is a reset, the Women’s Leadership Conference is a family reunion, said Choctaw County’s Cheryl Lassiter.
“It feels like each lady here is a part of my extended family,” said Lassiter, a past State WLC chair. “We all have the same struggles, and we have the same love for agriculture. I’ve been coming to this event for 25 years. I see women I met then, and it feels like nothing has changed. That’s why I love this group.”
In addition to Smalley’s keynote, the conference included a welcome session, four breakout workshops and a networking event.
Cognitive coach Judi Pritchard delivered a powerful message on dementia, while Stacey Little of SouthernBite.com filled the room with laughter during his kitchen hack demonstrations.
Farm-City was a hot topic, too. This year, a treasured conference agenda item was the Farm-City workshop, which allowed women to discuss ways to incorporate new activities in their counties and classrooms. It was fitting, as the conference is held in conjunction with the annual Farm-City Awards Luncheon.
A farm-focused panel that included Lassiter, Calhoun County’s Carla Trantham, Cullman County’s Lisa Lake, Dale County’s Monica Carroll and Mobile County’s Debbie Miller added flair to the event, while tailgate-themed networking time pushed attendees outside of their regions to share ideas.
“Agriculture is not just one commodity; there is a place for all,” Chastain said.
Women’s Leadership Division Director Kim Earwood echoed Chastain’s comments, adding it’s important to promote a uniquely wonderful, beneficial community — women in agriculture.
“The State WLC planned an incredible conference, ensuring each lady who walked into the door would feel welcomed, loved and valued,” Earwood said. “I commend each of them for their passion and will to serve others in our organization. We are strong because of the women we surround ourselves with.”