Women in Ag Conference focuses on leadership development

Women from across the western United States gathered to participate in a webinar for the annual Women in Agriculture (WIA) Conference. Ritzville served as a host site, with a dozen women from the local communities gathering to join the discussion.

This year’s conference focus was on leadership development, and how to pass on skills and empower the younger generation of women who are transitioning into important roles in the agriculture sector.

WIA Conference Chairman Margaret Viebrock provided facts regarding the involvement of women in agriculture. Out of the 3.3 million farm operators in the U.S., 1 million are women, Viebrock reported.

Viebrock said younger women are entering the agricultural field quicker than older women are leaving, which is a positive trend for the industry.

While farmers continue to battle against a negativity and misinformation, Viebrock provided verbiage options to help provide a more positive connotation for those in the agricultural industry.

Oregon Department of Agriculture Director Alexis Taylor served as the keynote speaker for the event, focusing her speech on the next leaders in the ag industry. Taylor is originally from a small farming community in Iowa, and worked in the Army Reserves, legislation and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) before beginning her current job.

Taylor said her achievements are a result of the support of mentors, leaders and teachers she had throughout her life. Her first mentor was her father, who Taylor said never let her believe she could not do something, just because she was a woman.

In Oregon, Taylor said her role is to help serve the farmers, ranchers and fishermen who serve in the ag sector. As a woman in a prominent leadership role for the state, Taylor said it is important to understand her achievements are because of having male role models and men who are supportive and know she is capable to perform the job well.

A woman’s success is directly related to the support of men, Taylor explained, and it is crucial for women to recognize the importance of influence and information male leaders possess.

Taylor said in the ag industry, women are needed most as leaders and need to work towards “earning a spot at the table” for their voices to be heard. Women need to be involved in policy making, and deserve an opportunity to talk about being a woman farmer, she stated.

Another important aspect of the agriculture community is showing the younger generation that there are an abundance of jobs in agriculture that are not farming. The food industry relies on the strength of many, including scientists, teachers and engineers, in order to support agriculture.

Taylor said upcoming graduates will only fill 61 percent of the jobs available in the agricultural field. The importance of those already working in the industry is to help engage others who want to support agriculture, and assist in translating ag issues to non-ag consumers.

Women in ag bring a unique perspective and voice to the issues being discussed, Taylor stated, and it is vital to have women as part of the discussion of challenges in the ag industry. She explained the formal strategy of amplification, where a group of women worked together to ensure their issue was being brought up continually until it was addressed by their male counterparts.

Taylor said while it is sad women have to have strategies to be heard in some arenas, it is vital for them to be intentional about the point they are trying to present. She said as a leader, it is important for women to identify their voice and focus on becoming the boss they want to be.

The most important role women can have in the industry as serving as mentors for other women and the younger generation. Taylor encouraged those in attendance to assist others as a means of encouragement and also of understanding of the ag industry.

The second presenter of the day was Anne Schwartz, an organic farmer from the Skagit Valley and owner of Blue Heron Farm. Schwartz has a non-ag background, and initially intended on entering the ag field through dairy science.

During her time in the program, Schwartz began to learn about the natural challenges of the area and the potentially negative effects farming could have on the soil. She focused on sustainability and learning about the changes in modern farming in order to discover the positive impact crop development could have on the soil.

Schwartz served on the national committee for organic farming production and helped implement laws for the sector. She explained agriculture in Washington is complex and diverse, and there needed to be a voice for organic farming, as well as research and input about the industry.

Along with sustainable practices, Schwartz encouraged conference attendees to volunteer in their communities frequently in order to interact with others outside of the ag industry. There is a need to protect farmlands and ensure farmers and profitable, Schwartz stated, and it means seeking the support of those in other career fields.

In terms of leadership, Schwartz said she uses the Lominger Standard to identify her five strengths as a leader, as well as the areas where she needs to improve herself as a boss. It is important to discover what skills one naturally possesses, and learn ways to effectively serve as a leader.

Schwartz said the current agricultural needs include promoting regenerative agriculture, farming preservation, ag event promotion, education, responding to regulatory issues and engaging with research. The most important aspect for everyone in the farming community is to support cooperative efforts and network in order to preserve and expand the ag industry.

The presentations concluded with three speakers from the local area addressing the group. Emily Gordon spoke about her experience with Farm Credit Services, and the journey she took to find her current career.

Gordon attributed her success to the support and mentorship her mother provided her with, and she served as a role model for Gordon. She started in the insurance business under instruction of her mother, who showed her firsthand how to be a strong and capable professional.

Linda Mielke and her daughter Alicia also spoke about their experience on their farm in Harrington. After pursuing a musical career, Alicia recently returned to the family farm and is focusing on the agronomic and business side of farming, alongside her parents.

Linda spoke to the advancements in agriculture, and attributed the changes to be a major factor that allows women to transition into agricultural careers and be farm operators and owners.

As a sixth generation farmer, Linda said she grew up knowing she could farm if she wanted to, and wanted to make sure to pass that confidence and belief onto her two daughters.