2024 Women in Agriculture Conference Detailed Agenda

8:00am - Registration and Light Breakfast

8:30 - 8:45am Welcome

8:45 - 9:45am Dr. Annie Kinwa-Muzinga -

Empowering Women through Farming Activities: The Congolese Widow Project in DR Congo

My research on Gender Assessment of the Agricultural Sector in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
in 2012 helped me understand that the fight against hunger and malnutrition of one widow and her
children would continue if I do not take action. Today, 41 widows are finding a living with farming
activities. Farming five (5) to ten (10) acres manually every year was the necessary investment to
empower these women. They are the widows of Kivuvu “Hope” farm in DRC. I will share their story on how
they are learning to help themselves through their letdowns and believing in themselves again. As one can
see, a small gesture of giving in 2012 has benefitted a whole generation. We touch the world with our
small gestures.

9:45 - 10:00am Break

10:00 - 10:50am Breakout Sessions

An Introduction to Aquaponics and Its Challenges - Johanna Defenbaugh

In this seminar attendees will learn how aquaculture works and the many benefits and challenges in
operating a commercial business.

Cultivating Hope - Dr. Jessica Schultz

Being a part of the ag industry can be deeply meaningful and can also be incredibly challenging. This
presentation shares insights and tools from positive psychology to cultivate and protect hope while doing
the difficult work navigating the challenges and opportunities ahead.

What You Ought to Know: A Review of Topics and Issues that are Important to Owners of Agricultural Land - Garrett Thalgott

We will review legal issues that owners of agricultural land need to be aware of, including agricultural
leases, renewable energy development, trespass laws, and issues associated with infrastructure
development.

11:00-11:50am Mid-Day Session- Lt. Gov/Rep McCombie

Women in Leadership

Please join Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton and House Leader Tony McCombie for a listening
session.

11:50-1:00pm Lunch

1:10-2:00pm Breakout Sessions

Urban, Niche, and Local Food Markets: Diversifying Your Business - Natasha Nicholes, Raghela Scavuzzo

Learn about the changing landscape of agriculture in Illinois including specialty crops; agritourism; value-added production; niche markets; and urban agriculture. Hear firsthand from urban growers on experience
while learning about way to diversify your business and how the landscape of new market opportunities in
Illinois.

Unique Challenges, Unique Supports: Cultivating Mental Health in Agriculture- Rachel Brown

Join us for a conversation about mental health, the unique joys and challenges of working in agriculture
and living in rural communities, and effective ways to search for help when facing life's challenges.

It's Not Just About Income Taxes-Planning for Success in Agriculture - Kelly Jackson Hardy, CLA

Tax planning is important...but should not be the driver in a producer's planning. This session will discuss
tax planning but also how it interacts with your overall business plan and future transition plans.

2:00-2:10pm Break

2:10-3:10pm Closing Session- Annaliese Wegner

Becoming a modern-day farm chick

Ever feel like you don’t fit in? Like, you’re involved in agriculture but also have so many other hobbies,
interests, roles and jobs? Not sure what to call yourself? Are you a farmer? Farm mom? Farm wife?
Entrepreneur? Nothing seems to make sense?
Same, girl, same.
I am here to tell you that you don’t have to fit inside a box. You don’t have to be just one thing or define
yourself with a title. In fact, the more you you can be, the better you can share your story.
Becoming a modern-day farm chick shares just that. Through my personal journey from full-time farmer
to full-time butt wiper and everything in between, I show you what it means to be a modern-day farm chick.
How saying “yes” and overcoming the fear of trying
something new can lead to more opportunities and a greater impact. This keynote speech & workshop
inspires you to be unapologetically yourself and share your unique story.

3:10pm Wrap Up-Rita Frazer