2019 Arkansas women in agriculture conference
family. food. farming.
Welcome
On behalf of the conference planning committee, welcome to the 14th annual ARWIA Conference. We’re excited to add even more educational opportunities for you this year with five breakout sessions. During our luncheons, we hope Ruth Hambleton will inspire you as you learn more about Annie’s Project and how it grows women in agriculture. Enjoy your time over the next two days, make new lifelong friendships and learn something new!
Monica Paskewitz President
Jenni Burke 1st Vice President
WE NEED YOU Want to be a part of something greater than yourself? Do you like the thought of working as part of a team to serve other women in agriculture? If so, we need YOU! Our annual membership meeting will be held Tuesday at 4:10 pm. Board elections will be conducted during this time. Check out this year’s available board positions on page 4. Pick up a board application at our welcome table. Applications must be turned Tuesday by 3 pm. We encourage all members to attend the membership meeting and to consider this unique opportunity to use your talents and abilities while serving ARWIA.
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ARKANSAS WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE
CONFERENCE AGENDA TUESDAY, MARCH 12 7:00 - 9:00
Set-up
9:00 - 10:00
Registration
10:00 - 11:30 Silver City 1 & 2
Opening & Welcome Jenna Brown
11:30 - 12:00 Silver City 5,6,7
Break with Vendors
12:10 - 1:30 Silver City 3 & 4
Keynote Luncheon Ruth Hambleton, Annie’s Project
1:40 - 2:30 Silver City 1
SESSION 1 Trees: Assets or Liabilities? Women Owning Woodlands
Silver City 2 Spraying: Cancer Risks & Glyphosate Jason Davis Razorback
Ag Careers Panel Various speakers
2:30 - 3:00 Silver City 5,6,7
Break with Vendors
3:10 - 4:00 Silver City 1
SESSION 2 Preparing for Financing Chantel McClung & Jordan Icenhower
Silver City 2
Sprayer Calibration & Discussion Jason Davis
Razorback
Career Panel Continued Various speakers
4:10 - 5:00 Silver City 1
ARWIA Membership Meeting
5:00 - 8:00 Silver City 5,6,7
Wine and Cheese Social Live entertainment by Thomas East
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13 7:00 - 8:00 Silver City 5,6,7
Breakfast with the Vendors
8:00 - 8:30 Silver City 1 & 2
General Assembly & Presentation of Board Members Jenna Brown
8:30 - 9:20 Silver City 1
SESSION 3 30 Minute Meals Leigh Ann Bullington
Silver City 2
Food Safety Laws Dr. Amanda Perez
Razorback
Planning for Family... Planning for Business Simmons Wealth Management
9:20 - 9:45 Silver City 5,6,7
Break with Vendors & Silent Auction Closes
9:50 - 10:40 Silver City 1
SESSION 4 Social Media for Farmers Sarah Bramall
Silver City 2
Planned Cattle Grazing Tina Cone
Razorback
Tax Tips From an Ag CPA Mary Ellen Greenway
10:50 - 11:40 SESSION 5 Silver City 1 Poultry Improvement & Biosecurity Dr. Melissa Yates
Silver City 2
Vet Techniques Dr. Roger Helms
Razorback
Managing Risk in Ag Ron Rainey
11:45 - 1:00 Silver City 3&4
Closing Lunch & Final Remarks Ruth Hambleton
#ARWIA19
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ARWIA BOARD MEMBERS EXECUTIVE BOARD
Donette Spann President Elect
Evette Browning 1st Vice President Elect
Barbie Johnson Treasurer
Lindsey Holtzclaw 2nd Vice President Elect
Jane Bryant Secretary
REPRESENTATIVES & MORE Northeast Reps
Northwest Reps
Southeast Reps
Southwest Reps
Jenny Ross
Karen Chapman
Open Position
Miccah Barton
Open Position
Open Position
Open Position
Pam Billingsley
Collegiate Rep
Board Members at Large
Ex-Officio
Open Position
Open Position
Amy Lyman
Open Position
Monica Paskewitz
Interested in an open position? Pick up a board application at our welcome table and turn it in before Tuesday at 3 pm. Elections will be held during the Tuesday membership meeting.
Keynote Speaker RUTH HAMBLETON FOUNDER, ANNIE’S PROJECT
Ruth has a passion for helping farm women and providing them with tools to become successful partners or sole proprietors in agricultural business. As a farm girl growing up on an Illinois dairy farm and as a University of Illinois educator, Ruth saw a need for a program that educated farm women. Recognizing this need, Annie’s Project was born. Annie’s Project - Education for Farm Women is modeled after the life of her mother, Annette Kohlhagen Fleck, who was married to her farmer for 50 years before her passing in 1997. It empowers farm and ranch women who want to become more knowledgeable about their agricultural enterprises in a comfortable, supportive learning environment. Annie’s Project has touched the lives of more than 16,000 women across 34 states and continues to grow through partnerships and demand from women in agriculture. During the keynote luncheons, Ruth will share her story about how she took on the responsibility of managing the family farm trust after the passing of both parents.
Arkansas Women in Agriculture is a proud sponsor of Annie’s Project in our state. Find an Annie’s Project class near you at: anniesproject.org/upcoming-classes/
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Sessions & Speakers JENNA BROWN
GENERAL ASSEMBLY SPEAKER Jenna Brown is an Insurance Agent with Liberty National Life Insurance Company. She is formerly an Agricultural Program Advisor for the Arkansas Department of Career Education and served in that role for 5.5 years. Jenna grew up in southwest Arkansas on a small family farm raising show pigs and other livestock to exhibit at stock shows. Her passion for agriculture and FFA led her to serve as an Arkansas FFA State Officer and she was awarded State Star Farmer for her work with her Supervised Agricultural Experience. In 2008, she received the American FFA Degree. Jenna graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Education (2010) and a Master of Science in Agriculture (2015) from Southern Arkansas University. After completing her undergrad studies, Jenna taught at Vilonia Jr. High as the Junior High Ag Educator. In her most recent roles, she served as the coordinator for leadership conferences for Arkansas FFA, including Arkansas Leadership Conference and Chapter Presidents’ Conference.
Sessions & Speakers IN ORDER BY TIME SLOT
Trees: Assets or Liabilities? Tuesday, March 12
Silver City I 1:40 - 2:30 PM
Learn how Women Owning Woodlands speakers Pamela Jolly, Lee Ann Matson and AFC Forester Regine Skelton got their start with trees. They’ll explain how they began family partnerships, their goals (income, recreation, preservation) and problems they’ve faced and overcome. You’ll also learn more about assets to help you manage your woods such as private foresters and government agencies/programs. You will leave this workshop with an understanding of how the woods you own can be an asset and not a liability.
Spraying: Cancer Risks & Glyphosate Tuesday, March 12
Silver City II 1:40 - 2:30 PM
You’ve heard the rumors. Can spraying lead to cancer risks with glyphosate use? Attend this session with Jason Davis where he’ll debunk these myths and answer other questions about spraying. Jason is with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture and serves as the Application Technologist for Crop, Soil & Environmental Science. Jason, his wife Amanda and their two children live in Melbourne.
Ag Careers Panel Razorback Tuesday, March 12 1:40 - 2:30 PM Where can your agriculture degree take you? Attend this two-part session to explore new careers in ag and ask questions to women in the industry.
Panel Speakers Michelle Bufkin - Membership Director, Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association Cynthia Edwards - Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, Arkansas Ag Dept Brandy Johnson - Full-time Farmer Lea Brewer - Animal Science Research Assistant Emily Russell - Credit Analyst, Farm Credit of Western Arkansas Kait Walters - Broiler Technician, Tyson Foods Tezra Woody - Deputy Regional Director, USDA Office of Hearing and Appeals
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Sessions & Speakers IN ORDER BY TIME SLOT
Preparing for Financing Tuesday, March 12
Silver City I 3:10 - 4:00 PM
What does your lender look for when you apply for a loan? Learn tips and tricks from Farm Credit professionals, so you’re prepared before you make the call for financing. You’ll also see examples of balance sheets and gain a better understanding of how to complete one. Speakers include Farm Credit of Western Arkansas Credit Analyst Chantel McClung and De Queen Assistant Vice President Jordan Icenhower. Chantel holds a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from Oklahoma State University. She currently has a cow/calf operation in Vilonia with her daughter and “farm CEO,” Maggie Blair. Jordan holds a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness from Southern Arkansas University. She and her husband have a small herd of cattle and are in the process of building six broiler houses.
Sprayer Calibration & Discussion Tuesday, March 12
Silver City II 3:10 - 4:00 PM
In this second session with Jason Davis, he’ll dive deeper into the topics of sprayer calibration and other key things to know before you start spraying. Jason is the Application Technologist for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service.
Ag Careers Panel Cont... Tuesday, March 12
Razorback 3:10 - 4:00 PM
Part two of the Ag Careers Panel. See full description on page 7.
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Sessions & Speakers IN ORDER BY TIME SLOT
30 Minute Meals Wednesday, March 13
Silver City I 8:30 - 9:20 AM
Get cooking with Arkansas rice and soybeans during this interactive workshop and demonstration! You’ll learn a new healthy dish, along with it’s nutritional value and new ways to incorporate soybeans in your diet. Leigh Ann Bullington lives in McCrory, Arkansas with her husband of 38 years. They ran a family owned row crop production farm until his retirement in 2008, farming soybeans, rice and wheat. They have one married son and two grandchildren. Leigh Ann has a B.S. in Home Economics and a M.S. in Agriculture and Extension Education from the University of Arkansas. She has worked for the U of A Division of Agriculture Research and Extension for 15 years. The past four years have been in Woodruff County as the Family and Consumer Science Agent and Staff Chair.
Food Safety Laws Wednesday, March 13
Silver City II 8:30 - 9:20 AM
Dr. Amanda Philyaw Perez is an Assistant Professor and the state Food Systems and Produce Safety specialist with the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service. Her areas of responsibility include overseeing the roll out of the state outreach and education program for the new FDA Food Safety Modernization Act’s (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule. Perez believes that communities need local solutions to address issues related to agriculture, food, water, health, prosperity and community development. She has a passion for helping farmers remain viable and communities recognize the value of local solutions. During her session, she’ll provide an overview of how various extension programs can help specialty crop producers in Arkansas understand regulations for food safety and connect to new markets.
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Sessions & Speakers IN ORDER BY TIME SLOT
Planning for Family... Planning for Business Wednesday, March 13
Razorback 8:30 - 9:20 AM
Secure a bright future for your family and farm with expert insights on business succession and estate planning. In this panel style workshop, you’ll also receive saving and investing tips to serve as a roadmap to your goals.
Panel Speakers (Simmons Bank) Moderator: Chris White - Market President for Central Arkansas Cathy Brazeale - Vice President & Trust Officer Dee Davenport - Senior Vice President & Trust Officer Robin Thornton - Executive Vice President & Trust Officer
Social Media for Farmers Wednesday, March 13
Silver City I 9:50 - 10:40 AM
This session covers basic social media for the farmer, focusing mainly on Facebook and Instagram. Topics include: setting up these platforms, proper content, and netiquette in a conversational and upbeat atmosphere. The session includes more information on detailed webinars over social media for farm businesses and a free Social Media Toolbox workbook designed to help folks improve their social media platforms and reach a new market. Sarah Bramall is the Small Farms Program Coordinator in the Poultry Science Department at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. This program is designed to help new and beginning, small farmers with their production and marketing.
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Sessions & Speakers IN ORDER BY TIME SLOT
Planned Cattle Grazing Wednesday, March 13
Silver City II 9:50 - 10:40 AM
Attend this session for an overview of northwest Arkansas Management-intensive Grazing (MiG) operation, the benefits of MiG, suggestions on how to get started, and some do’s and don’ts. Workshop speaker Tina Cone, her husband Alan Hunnicutt, and older son Matt Hunnicutt, run a commercial cattle grazing operation on over 2,000 acres of owned and leased pasture in Carroll County. Since the mid 1980s, High Density Planned Grazing/MiG has been used to graze cows, cow/calf pairs, replacement cows and heifers, stockers, and bulls. Cattle numbers range from 1000-1200 head in 9 or 10 separate groups. Through the use of electric fencing, the operation is forage based implementing high stock density, frequent moves, and long rest and recovery periods for the pastures. With resulting improvements in the soil and forage, they have greatly reduced or eliminated input costs such as hay, feed, fertilizer and equipment.
Tax Tips From an Ag CPA Wednesday, March 13
Razorback 9:50 - 10:40 AM
In this session you’ll learn how to calculate your net worth, gain a better understanding of depreciation, learn about provisions in tax code specific for farmers, and have your questions about record keeping answered. Mary Ellen Greenway is a Certified Public Accountant with 34 years of experience and one of three owners of McQueen & Co, Ltd. - an accounting firm specializing in agricultural and timber industries. Their areas of service include: accounting, Quickbooks advisory, audit, financial statements, income tax, business consulting, business entity selection and estate planning. Mary Ellen earned her degree from the University of Arkansas at Monticello in 1984.
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Sessions & Speakers IN ORDER BY TIME SLOT
Poultry Improvement & Biosecurity Wednesday, March 13
Silver City I 10:50 - 11:40 AM
Dr. Melissa Yates attended Virginia Tech for her undergraduate degree in microbiology and astronomy, and attended the University of Edinburgh in Scotland for her veterinary degree. Melissa has been the Assistant State Veterinarian and NPIP coordinator for the state of Arkansas since 2016.
Vet Techniques Silver City II Wednesday, March 13 10:50 - 11:40 AM Dr. Roger Helms co-owns Gateway Animal Clinic in Walnut Ridge, AR. He grew up on a family dairy in Lawrence county and currently lives on the farm. He graduated from Arkansas State University with a B.S. in Animal Science and then graduated LSU in 1995 with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Helms will discuss some fairly common procedures that most ranchers will face during day-to-day operations. The session will include an informal and interactive question and answer period.
Managing Risk in Ag Wednesday, March 13
Razorback 10:50 - 11:40 AM
Agricultural producers face risk daily while managing their farm and ranch businesses. This session with Ron Rainey seeks to highlight resources to assist farmers with enhancing their ability to understand risks and limit the adverse impacts on their operations. The Extension Risk Management Education program and the Southern Centers online resources will be highlighted. Additionally, the AgRisk Library will be highlighted, http://extensionrme.org/AgRiskLibrary.aspx.
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Vendors
VISIT OUR VENDORS IN SILVER CITY 5, 6, 7
• 2-L Cowhide Purses • AR Agriculture Department • Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association • Cooperative Extension Services • Diamond and Dirt • Farm Credit • Greenway Equipment • Jordan Essentials • LeafFilter North, LLC • Myaquaponicsstore.com, LLC • Quail Forever • Simmons Bank • USDA-ARS • USDA-FSA • USDA-NRCS • Valerie the Beauty Boss & Southern Style Boutique
ARKANSAS WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE
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thank you
TO OUR SPONSORS PLATINUM ($3000+)
GOLD ($1000+)
SILVER ($500+)
BRONZE ($250+)
KAREN HALL
FRIENDS & SUPPORTERS • AMY LYMAN
• PECO
• GATEWAY ANIMAL CLINIC
• STOVESAND AUCTION COMPANY
• NORTH LITTLE ROCK CONV. & VISITORS BUREAU
• VALENT USA
Special thanks to our 2019 Student Volunteers: Laura Bean, Brenna Cannon, Madison Hopkins and Ashlyn Ussery.
member? ARE YOU AN ARWIA
Pay your $25 annual membership fee at our conference or online at arwomeninag.org.
Receive our quarterly newsletter to keep you connected & up-to-date and receive a discount on our annual conference & workshops.
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thank you
TO EVERYONE WHO HELPED MAKE THIS YEAR’S CONFERENCE POSSIBLE!
Our purpose is to provide the women of Arkansas educational programs related to agriculture and to provide a network of support in balancing the demands of family, community, and professional lives.
Contact Info membership@arwomeninag.org 1000 Vine St., Suite W North Little Rock, AR 72114
#ARWIA19 Arkansas Women in Agriculture @ARWomenInAg
ARW O M ENINA G .O R G