Eastern Wisconsin’s Extension Women in Agriculture Program returns in person on April 5th at the Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center near Manitowoc. The $13 million attraction is a state-of-the-art, interactive discovery center that focuses on the diversity of Wisconsin agriculture within a framework of sustainable and responsible farming practices. Farm Wisconsin is south of Manitowoc at 7001 Gass Lake Road, northwest of the I-43 and County Road C intersection.
The program, titled “VITAL-Valuably Informed Thriving Agriculture Leader” recognizes women’s vital role on the farm or in agriculture business. The VITAL event promises to be a fun-filled and educational day. It is scheduled for Wednesday, April 5th, from 10:30 am (10 am registration) to 3:00 pm. The goals for the day are to provide women support in management and financial decision-making, to help connect with agricultural resources, and to create support networks.
With ever-increasing markets and tightening of margins, GreenStone Farm Credit Services Traditional Loaning Services Officers Toni Sorenson and Amanda Kroll will discuss “The 3 High I’s: Inflation, Inputs, and Interest Rates”. Extension Manitowoc County Agricultural Educator Angie Ulness will share resources and tips for managing “Cows in Transition.” The afternoon program will focus on entrepreneurship. Extension Farm Management Specialist will share “Explore Value-Added Ventures for Long-Term Sustainability” and lead a panel discussion featuring farm women with diversified income streams. Amanda Knoener of Kress-Hill Sunflower Farm, Shelly Mayer of Mayer Beef and Folk Song Farm, and Tammy and Brianna Fritsch of Two Guernsey Girls Creamery will share their story on how they chose their area of entrepreneurship and added a valuable product to their farm.
Women in agriculture are encouraged to participate in this “day away from the farm” and connect with women who share the same experiences and challenges.
The registration fee is $30 per person before March 29th and increases to $35 per person on March 30th and the event day. Registration includes meal, breaks, and materials for the meeting. You can register by contacting Extension Manitowoc County at 920.683.4183 or visiting online http://go.wisc.edu/983e70. We encourage you to bring employees, friends, and family members for this day away from the farm.
For questions or additional information, please contact Extension Dairy Educator Angie Ulness at 920.683.4511 or angie.ulness@wisc.edu; Regional Dairy Educator Tina Kohlman at 920.929.3180 or tina.kohlman@wisc.edu; or Regional Educator Aerica Bjurstrom at 920.388.7138 or aerica.bjurstrom@wisc.edu.
Financial support for this meeting is provided generously by the Farm Bureau in Fond du Lac, Sheboygan, Manitowoc, Kewaunee, and Door Counties; Green Bay Insurance Center; Bank First (formerly Bank of Denmark); Rabobank; and Lakeshore Farm Management, LLC.
