program committee - university of maryland · 22 7 closing presenter maire mccarthy women in...

Annie’s Project has announced 2017 Programs

Annie’s Project focuses on the many aspects of farm management and is designed to

empower women in overall farm decision making and to build local networks throughout

the state. The target audience is women with a passion for business, agriculture and

involvement in the farm operation. Topics of the program are in the area of Risk

Management including: Production, Marketing, Financial, Legal Risk, Human Resources.

Classes will be offered in different formats and locations around Maryland including Cecil

County, MidShore, Western and Central Maryland. NEW THIS YEAR—WOMEN MANGING

COMMERICAL POULTRY with 2 locations Georgetown and Dover, DE. For more

information on specific classes visit :

http://www.extension.umd.edu/annies-project

The University of Maryland Extension programs are open to any person and will not discriminate against anyone because of

race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic

information, political affiliation, and gender identity or expression.


27

Shannon Dill, Co-Chair

University of Maryland Extension

Victoria Corcoran


Jessica Flores


Susan Garey

University of Delaware Extension

Candy Hefel

University of Maryland Eastern Shore

Meredith Melendez

Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey

Megan Messix

American Farm Publications

Kim Morgan

Virginia Tech

Program Committee Continue Education All Year Long! MidAtlantic Women in Agriculture offers webinars the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each

month at noon. Popularly known as “Wednesday Webinars” these hour long sessions

are free and open to everyone and cover a variety of risk management topics through-

out the year. Here is a list of upcoming webinars:

To register visit: http://www.extension.umd.edu/womeninag/webinars

To view the complete library of archived webinars on our YouTube Channel :

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5GPoRSCmUR30fhKzuzRX2g

Jenny Rhodes, Co-Chair


Megan Pleasanton

Delaware State University

Holly Porter

Delaware Department of Agriculture

Rachel Rhodes

Maryland Department of Agriculture

Cara Sylvester

MidAtlantic Farm Credit

Laurie Wolinski


Tracy Wootten


Thank you to our Conference Volunteers

Mikaela Boley


Pam Chollet


Taylor Robinson


Shelia Shorter


Aly Valentine


2/22 Creating Effective Videos Using iMovie via a iOS device

3/08 Introduction to Instagram

3/22 Operating a Women Owned Farm Business

4/12 Season Extension

4/26 Preparing for the Transition: What to Consider When Developing your

Farm Transition Plan or Estate Plan

5/10 Bugs that Bite: Vector Arthropods and How to Avoid Them

5/24 Communicating on Difficult Topics and with Difficult People

6/14 How to Create Social Media Memes, and Other Photo Apps

6/28 Can I Use This Picture? Media Law

7/26 Hiring Farm Employees - Process and Recommendations

26 3

WELCOME

Get real time updates throughout the WIA Conference

#womeninag or

www.facebook.com/

MidAtlanticWomenInAgriculture

Or @MidAtlanticWIA

Greetings and thank you for attending the 16th Annual

Women in Agriculture Conference!

The Women in Agriculture Conference has become a tradition, celebrating 16 years of

bringing women together, learning about agriculture and managing risk on the farm.

We hope that you enjoy the conference and have worked hard to plan a variety of

topics and speakers in the areas of farm finance, marketing, human resources, legal

and production. It is great to see so many familiar faces that come back to the

conference, and welcome those that are attending for the first time. Be sure to visit

and thank our sponsors. Many are exhibiting, some have ads and others have

donated door prizes. With their support we are able to make this conference possible.

A big thank you to them, our planning committee, volunteers, partners, Dover Downs

and of course you, Women in Agriculture! .

Sincerely, Conference Co-Chairs

Extension Educator,

University of Maryland—Talbot County

Extension Educator,

University of Maryland—Queen Anne’s County

A special thank you to USDA Farm Service Agency for grant

funding to support Women in Agriculture as an Outreach &

Technical Assistance Cooperative Agreement.

http://www.facebook.com/MidAtlanticWomenInAgriculture


24 5

Opening Speaker

Kimberly Reed

Understanding Our Food: Connecting with Consumers

2016 was a big decision-making year for Americans. Not only did we have a presidential election involving more conversations with new voters, emerging technologies, and

changing demographics, we also saw more factors influencing Americans’ food decisions. There is growing national food dialogue, and Americans are hungry for more information

about nutrition and the food system. In order to better connect with consumers, gain consumer insights from the International Food Information Council Foundation’s annual

Food and Health Survey. The Survey, which includes a special focus on understanding the complex array of factors that influence food decisions, provides important insights and

trends for agriculture and health professionals, government officials, educators, as well as others who seek to understand and improve the health of all Americans. Special focus will

include the topics of food safety, sustainability, biotechnology, media influence, and trust.

Kimberly Reed is President of the International Food

Information Council (IFIC) Foundation, the nation’s leading non-profit dedicated to communicating

science-based information about health, nutrition, and food safety. Kim has more than twenty years of

experience at senior levels in the government, private, and nonprofit sectors. She serves several

boards, including the National Coalition for Food and Agriculture Research, Alzheimer’s Association, and

American Swiss Foundation. Named one of the 100 Women Leaders in STEM, Kim holds a law degree

from West Virginia University College of Law and a dual undergraduate degree in biology and

government and a minor in chemistry from West

Virginia Wesleyan College.

6 23

Lunch Presentation

Robin Talley

Robin Talley serves as a District Director with Farm Service Agency (FSA) in

Delaware. In this position, she is responsible for leadership of county office

operations and loan programs in Delaware. She has been with FSA for 33

years. Robin holds a B.S. in Agricultural Economics and a Master of Business

Administration, both from the University of Delaware. She grew up on a dairy

farm in northern Delaware.

Robin Talley, Acting SED

Delaware State Office

1221 College Park Drive, Suite 201

Dover, DE 19904

(302) 678-4250

22 7

Closing Presenter

Maire McCarthy

Women in Agriculture – My Nuffield Story - 11 week world travel reviewing

women’s role in Agriculture

At the outset, when I was asked to take on this age old topic, I was somewhat reluctant!

I had never allowed my gender to be an issue for me and didn’t see that it was an issue for women living and working in ‘modern’ Ireland. I would not be comfortable with being

labelled a feminist, as I understood the word! However, having investigated the definition of feminism, my understanding now is the belief that men and women should

have equal rights and opportunities’ and on that basis I like Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau can live with being called a ‘feminist’.

The aim of my report is to investigate the changing role of women in agriculture, both as

active farmers, and supporting the family through income off farm. I researched the different challenges facing family farms, and how family farms ‘need’off farm income due

to volatility of income and need to diversify. This has brought additional challenges as the farmer is ‘alone’ and the shared discussion, hands on support and empathy is gone or has

vastly reduced.

Maire McCarthy, Nuffield Scholar 2015, Director of Board of Bandon Co-op, Head of Auditing Capita Customer Solutions, Farmer – 300 cow dairy herd with her husband Brian, mother to 3 wonderful children Ciara (20), Sarah (17) and Brian Jr (14). Previously Regional Development Officer for the Irish Grassland Association, Personal Financial Planning Manager with AIB Bank, Area Sales representative for AIB Finance & Leasing. She is a Qualified Financial Adviser, having worked in Financial Services industry for over 20 years until her return to college in 2014 to complete a Diploma in Food Business and Corporate Governance. Maire became Head of Auditing in CCS in Autumn 2014 and now manages a team of 80 people auditing for the Origin Green, Beef, Lamb & Dairy scheme for Bord Bia. She also manage the Failte Ireland

contract which is the National Tourism Development Authority in Ireland, with a team of 15 assessors and in house customer service team.

8 21

Ginger Myers

Ginger S. Myers is the Director of the Maryland

Rural Enterprise Development Center and

Extension Marketing Specialist, College of

Agriculture & Natural Resources, University of

Maryland Extension. Myers brings over 30 years of

experience in production agriculture, agri-business

and consulting to these positions. She currently

works with rural entrepreneurs and new and

beginning farmers, helps to develop new markets

and networking opportunities, and assists with

business development and business planning. She

also publishes several newsletters, maintains both a

rural business development and a marketing website,

and is a regular contributor to the agricultural press.

One-on-One Entrepreneur's Coaching Session

Are you an entrepreneur with a business idea? Would you benefit from having a sounding board for

those ideas and dreams? Do you need a trustworthy “reality check” in your business planning process

to help avoid wasting time and resources throughout the development and launch of your enterprise?

Then consider signing up for a one-on-one entrepreneur coaching session with a trained business

planning coach. Coaching sessions have been offered during many conference venues and have

proven valuable for new, expanding and operating businesses. There will be a sign up sheet located at

main registration desk.

Session 1: 10:15 - 10:45 am

Session 2: 10:45 - 11:15 am

Session 3: 11:30 am - 12 pm

Session 4: 2:15 - 2:45 pm

Session 5: 2:45 - 3:15 pm

~ All sessions are first come, first served ~

Entrepreneurial Coaching Sessions

Entrepreneurial Coaches

2017 Women In Agriculture Conference

Silver Level

Table Sponsors

Avery Hall Insurance Agency

Choptank Electric Cooperative

Crow Insurance

Delaware Council of Farm Organizations

Delaware State University—Small Farms Program

Ensave, Inc

MDA—Ag Mediation

MDA—Crop Insurance

MidAtlantic CommonGround

Shore United Bank & Wye Financial

Weller & Associates

Crow Vineyard LEAD Delaware USDA - NRCS

Delaware Crop

Insurance Education

Maryland Agricultural

Education Foundation, Inc.

USDA - Rural

Development

Delmarva Poultry

Industry Maryland Food Bank

USDA/DE State FSA

Office

Future Harvest CASA

MD Ag & Resource-Based

Industry Development

Corporation (MARBIDCO)

Walls Irrigation

Jacki Blake - Medicare

Supplement Sales

The Delmarva Farmer

Newspaper

King Crop Insurance USDA - NASS

20 9


Jessica Flores

Jessica Flores serves as a Senior Agriculture Agent Associate with the

University of Maryland Extension on Maryland’s Lower Eastern

Shore. She focuses her programming on topics including beginning

farmers, business management, equine, pasture and forage, poultry,

agronomy, and pesticide recertification. Raised on her grandparents

commercial poultry farm, Jessica knows the day to day tasks that are

involved with operating a farm business along with the joys (and

sometimes struggles) of working with the family. She is a mom to

three busy girls and co-manages her family's horse farm. In her spare

time, she competes on her quarter horses in Cowboy Mounted

Shooting.

Keith Wills

Keith Wills has been with Farm Credit for 24 years, specializing

in the equine industry. He works with customers across Balti-

more, Cecil, and Harford counties to help them secure the

financing they need to grow successful businesses. Keith also

has a passion for young, beginning, and small farmers, speaking

often on business planning and Farm Credit’s StartRight

program.

Keith is very active with the Maryland Farm Bureau, having

served on the board of directors and as a district director until

2015. Currently, Keith is on the organization’s legislative affairs

and equine committees. During his tenure as President of

Baltimore County Farm Bureau, Keith was presented with

several awards honoring his leadership and outreach endeav-

ors.

Former Maryland Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. appointed Keith to the Maryland Horse Industry

board, where he currently serves as an advisory board member. He is also on the board of directors

for the Baltimore County Farm Bureau and the Harry R. Hughes Center for Agro-Ecology. Keith was

a founding board member of the Maryland Agricultural Resource Council (MARC), where he is

currently serving as treasurer.

Financial Sponsors for the

Diamond Level

Platinum Level

Gold Level

UMD Agriculture Law Education Initiative

UMD CONSERVE

PNC Bank

10 19

Presenters

Cara Sylvester

Cara Sylvester has been involved in agriculture all her life. She is currently a Loan Officer with MidAtlantic Farm Credit in Denton, MD where she enjoys working directly with farmers to help their operations thrive by making smart financial decisions.

Cara earned her bachelor’s degree in Food and Agribusiness Management from the University of Delaware in 2006. Cara is a volunteer with Common Ground and serves on the Maryland FFA Foundation Board of Directors. She has also been on the planning committee for the MidAtlantic Women in Ag Conference for the past three years.

In her spare time, Cara enjoys travelling and spending time with her family. She and her husband, Phillip, operate a grain farm outside of Felton, DE with their two young sons, Henry and Benjamin.

Kathleen J.P. Tabor, Esquire

Kathleen is a solo practitioner of the Law Office of Kathleen J.P. Tabor, LLC, a general civil practice with a special focus on agricultural and equine businesses, activities, and ownership. Her practice has taken her all across the State of Maryland. In addition to her legal training, Kathleen is a trained mediator and collaborative practitioner.

Kathleen is a life-member of the Maryland Horse Council and was recently elected to the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors. She also serves on the advisory board of Maryland Fund for Horses, Inc. She is a member of the Maryland Farm Bureau, the American Horse Council, American College of Equine Attorneys and the American Agricultural Law Association (to name a few). Kathleen currently serves as the Trade & Support Industries representative on the Maryland Horse Industry Board, appointed by the Governor in 2009.

Jackie Takacs

Jackie is the Regional Watershed Restoration Specialist with University of Maryland Extension - Sea Grant Program located at the Upper Marlboro Research and Education Center. Her programming focuses on watershed planning, project implementation, environmental education and aquaculture within Southern Maryland and across the State. Jackie holds a Master’s degree in Marine, Estuarine and Environmental Sciences and a Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences from the University of Maryland.

Michele Walfred

Michele Walfred is a Communications Specialist at the University of Delaware. Michele received her BA in Journalism from UD as well as her MA in Digital Humanities. She is a graduate of UD Social Media Strategic Marketing Program and a 2014 eXtension Fellow focusing on social media best practices. Michele serves as administrator for multiple social media accounts at UD. Michele is currently a LEADelaware Class IV Fellow 2016-2018.

Emily Zobel

Emily Zobel is the Agriculture Extension Educator for University of Maryland Extension in Dorchester County. She received her B.S. in Ecology and M.S. in Entomology from the University of Maryland College Park in 2013. Her thesis work focused on the feeding and reproductive habits of the brown marmorated stink bug on vegetable crops. Prior to graduate school, she worked as a field technician for the UMD Entomology Department, conduct-ing research on pesticide usage and sustainable agriculture practices.

16th Annual Conference Agenda

Wednesday, February 8, 2017

Delaware Room Chesapeake Room

1:00 pm –

5:00 pm

Pre-Conference: Yielding Financial Sustainability Pre-Conference: Pollinators: If you Build

It, They Will Come

6:00 pm –

8:00 pm

Reception with Harness Racing—Included with Pre-Conference or Main Conference Ticket

Diamond Lounge

Thursday, February 9, 2017

Ballroom Delaware Room Chesapeake Room Silver Lake Room

Kent Room

(Upper Level)

8:00 am—

Vendor Set-up

8:30 am—

9:00 am

Registration and Breakfast

Vendor tables open to participants

9:00 am—

9:15 am

Welcome

9:15 am—

Opening Presenter: Kim Reed

Session 1

10:15 am –

11:15 am

Creating a

Farm

Marketing

Toolkit

Farm Record

keeping and Tax

Preparation

Farm Product

Labeling

Considerations

What is Henrietta

Homeowner Doing

to Help Save the

Bay

Faith, Family, and

Frozen Treats

Session 2

11:30 am –

12:30 pm

Let’s Go Live!

Season Extension:

Managing

Production Risks

and Expanding

Markets

Grain Marketing

101

Bugs that Bite:

Vector Arthropods

and How to Avoid

Them

Wellness Workshop

12:30 pm –

Lunch

1:30 pm –

2:00 pm

Luncheon Presenter: Robin Talley

Session 3

2:15 pm –

3:15 pm

How To

Measure ROI

for Social

Media

Marketing

Trees and YOUR

Farmstead

Creating a Balance

Sheet

Solar Energy

Leasing: What you

Need to Know

About the Legal

Issues

Farm Safety:

Stepping Up to the

Plate

3:30 pm –

Closing Presenter: Maire McCarthy

4:00 pm—

Closing Remarks & Door Prizes Announced

18 11

Breakout Session 1 Descriptions - 10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. Presenters

Jonathan Moyle, Ph.D.

Dr. Jonathan “Jon” Moyle is the Extension Poultry Specialist for the University of Maryland and is affiliated with the Department of Animal and Avian Sciences at the University of Maryland. He attended Brigham Young University where he received his B.S. in Animal Science. Then worked for 15 years, during which time he owned and operated a broiler breeder farm, before returning to the University of Arkansas were he got his M.S. and Ph.D. in Poultry Science. After completion of his Ph.D. he served a Post-doc position with the USDA-ARS, in Fayetteville AR. In graduate school he worked on reproductive management and behavior in broiler breeders. Later his research involved improving organic and free range poultry production, along with looking for natural compounds that can be used to help growers prevent and control disease. Currently as the University of Maryland Extension Poultry specialist, he is looking at ways to help growers improve nutrient management (including alternative litter uses), increase profitability (alternative bedding and lighting) and improve biosecurity.

Jennifer Rhodes

Jennifer “Jenny” Rhodes – Senior Agent, Extension Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources for the University of Maryland Extension Queen Anne’s County. Jenny also owns and operates a poultry and irrigated grain farm with her two sons. She is a graduate of Chesapeake College, University of Maryland Eastern Shore with a B.S. in Agriculture and a M.E. in Agriculture and Extension Education. The main focuses of her programs are agriculture profitability programs, risk management, and poultry production education. Jenny serves as board vice chair of MidAtlantic Farm Credit, Past President of the Delmarva Poultry Industry, Inc. and past president of Maryland Association of County Agriculture Agents, board member of Queen Anne’s County Farm Bureau, Queen Anne’s Soil Conservation District, past member of Maryland Agriculture Commission, member of Maryland Regulatory Reform Commission and Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church. Agriculture has always been an important component of her life and she enjoys working with not only the agriculture sector but educating other community members about agriculture and natural resources.

Pam Saul

Pam Saul is the founder of Farm & Equine Business Services, and uses her 30+ years of experience with her family’s Rolling Acres Farm to help in business bookkeeping setup, business plans, and customized QuickBooks specifically for the agricultural sector.

Pam has been involved in the agricultural industry for many years and serves on several boards and organizations including Chair of MARBIDCO and Treasurer for the Montgomery County Soil Conservation District. Pam is also a member of the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB) and a Certified QuickBooks Pro Advisor.

These positions give Pam a unique perspective on the pulse of current agricultural business trends and services in the industry. Along with her expertise in small business accounting, Pam is an excellent resource to help business owners build a better business foundation for their unique business.

Delaware Room

Farm Recordkeeping and Tax Preparation

This session will help you alleviate the stress you feel at year end when the time comes to file your taxes. Learn ways to simplify and streamline your bookkeeping to keep you on track. Get a checklist you can use to keep you from forgetting necessary information. Find out how software can do the work for you. Learn how to recognize what vendors get a 1099 and steps to make it easy to file at the end of year. Also learn what changes the IRS has made to deadlines so you stay out of trouble! Plenty of time will be left for questions, so start thinking about what

you’d like to learn. Speaker: Pam Saul, Founder, Farm & Equine Business Services

Chesapeake Room

Farm Product Labeling Considerations

We will review food product labeling guidelines and resources, addressing specific topics such as traceability issues and how a label may better communicate the value propositions offered by your products to your

customers. Speaker: Dr. Kim Morgan, Extension Agricultural Economist, Virginia Tech

Silver Lake Room

What is Henrietta Homeowner doing to help save the Bay?

Getting tired of agriculture being blamed for our water quality problems? Confused by all the acronyms – TMDL, WIP and BMP? This session will present an environmental overview of our watershed and waterways and the legislation aimed at cleaning them up, and offer a look into the some of the other “polluters” and the efforts underway to clean up their acts. Speaker: Jackie Takacs, Regional Watershed Restoration Specialist, University of Maryland Extension

Kent Room

Faith, Family and Frozen Treats

The process & planning of starting a new business on a third-generation family farm. Evans Farms is a farm market located on route 404, just one mile east of route 13 in Bridgeville DE. We proudly serve The Frozen Farmer ice cream, nice cream and sorbet! Evans Farms Produce has an incredible selection of home-grown and local fruits and vegetables, all-natural meats, local milk and eggs, locally roasted coffee, local jarred items, locally

produced soaps and more! Speaker: Katey Evans, Owner and Operator, Evans Farm

Ballroom

Creating a Farm Marketing ToolKit

A marketing kit is an essential tool for any business. Learn how to develop a compelling package to attract your target market and leverage your worth. This session will cover the elements of a successful marketing kit and includes examples to help you develop an effective brand and complementary materials that reflect your unique

voice and style. Speaker: Kim Rush Lynch, Ag Marketing Specialist, University of Maryland Extension

12 17

Presenters Breakout Session 2 Descriptions - 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Delaware Room

Season Extension: Managing Production Risk and Expanding Markets

This breakout session covers season extension techniques and how they can be used to reduce the risk of climate variability and expand market access by expanding the growing season and enabling specialty crop production.

Speaker: Neith Little, Urban Agriculture Extension Educator, University of Maryland Extension

Chesapeake Room

Grain Marketing 101

Grain prices have changed dramatically over the past year. This workshop focuses on grain marketing terminology, marketing resources and tools. During the session you will review an actual marketing plan and learn how crop insurance, target dates and target prices can help you more consistently secure a good average crop price. Speakers: Jules Hendrix, Elite On Your Farm Certified Associate Agent, Crow Insurance Agency & Dr. Jarrod Miller, Extension Educator, University of Maryland Extension

Silver Lake Room

Bugs that Bite: Vector Arthropods and How to Avoid Them

Mosquito and ticks are major nuisance pests that vector many diseases. Their feeding habits can affect your farm's bottom line by detouring the public from visiting and reducing animal health. They can cost you and your employees time and money with doctor visits, and if left untreated many of these vector diseases can lead to long-term chronic health issues and death. Topics covered include: pest biology, common arthropod-borne illnesses, personal prevention, and control methods. Speaker: Emily Zobel, Agriculture Extension Educator, University of Maryland Extension

Kent Room

Wellness Workshop You are invited to participate in a wellness workshop to learn practical techniques to manage stress and promote healing and inspiration. Learn relaxation techniques that promote connection with your higher self for increased clarity, energy and creativity. This interactive workshop will provide practical tools to help create a more inspired and connected life. Speaker: Eileen Ahern BA, M Ed., Tutor, International Multicultural Wellness Practices This workshop is limited to the first 25 participants in attendance.

Ballroom

Let's go Live!

Live streaming is taking social media by storm, but is it right for your business? This session will look at two of the larger streaming platforms, Facebook and Periscope, and will review equipment techniques and best practices to get you broadcasting like a pro! Speakers: Michele Walfred, Communications Specialist, University of Delaware & Stacy Hofmann, Community Relations Officer, Delaware Department of Agriculture

Neith Little

Neith is the Urban Agriculture Extension Educator for University of Maryland Extension, Baltimore City. Prior to this position, Neith worked as an Agricultural Extension Educator for Dakota County, Minnesota (part of the Twin Cities metro area), where she worked with both local-market vegetable growers and commodity crop farmers on nitrogen management practices to protect water quality. Neith has also worked at Hampshire College Farm, where she helped with the bid process for the college's new dining services contractor, drafted the college's policy for local and sustainable food sourcing, worked with the farm managers to develop a farm business plan, and worked as Assistant Grower on the farm's 250-share vegetable CSA. Neith earned an M.S. from Cornell University in Soil and Crop Sciences and a B.A. from College of the Atlantic in Human Ecology.

Kim Rush Lynch

Kim offers over 15 years of experience working with individuals and organizations in both the agricultural and health industries. She enjoys educating eaters on the role that local foods play in community health and economic development. Kim’s main goal in her Ag Marketing Specialist role is to keep current farmers on their land and attract new farmers to Prince George’s County by helping them make farming profitable. She helps farmers and farmers market managers navigate local regulations and create marketing strategies, and she eagerly promotes all things food, farming and farmers markets in Prince George’s County. Kim is particularly passionate about connecting the dots between rural and urban agriculture enterprises and ensuring access to healthy local foods for all Prince Georgians. When she's not thinking about food (which is rare), you can find Kim at the roller rink, on her bike, or playing with her daughter and mini-schnauzer, Bilbo Baggins.

Jarrod Miller, Ph.D.

Jarrod Miller grew up on a dairy and grain farm in Maryland before attending Virginia Tech and the University of Kentucky for degrees in soil science. He has been with University of Maryland Extension since 2014 and works on soils and precision agriculture programs.

Kim Morgan, PhD.

Dr. Kimberly Morgan joined the Agricultural and Applied Economics Department at Virginia Tech in July 2013, as an Extension Agricultural Economist and Junior Faculty Fellow for the Kohl Centre. Kim earned a BS in 1993 in Animal Science, a M.S. in Food & Resource Economics in 1997, and a Ph.D. in Food & Resource Economics in 2007, all from the University of Florida. She worked with the University of Florida Agricultural Market Research Center as an Economic Analyst from 2000-08. From July 2008-2013, Dr. Morgan was an Extension Agricultural Economist in the Agricultural Economics Department at Mississippi State University. Kim enjoys riding horses and spending time with her three children.

13 16

Breakout Session 3 Descriptions - 2:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. Presenters

Dot Abbott

Dorothy C. (Dot) Abbott is an Extension Agent with the University of Delaware Cooperative Extension, since 1999. Program outreach targets education for forestry, wildlife and renewable resources issues. Prior to joining the UD Extension team, Dot served as the New Castle County Forester for DE Department of Agriculture and worked for the USDA-Soil Conservation Service in both Maryland and Delaware. She is past President of the Delaware Forestry Association and currently chairs the Delaware Tree Farm Program committee. A graduate of West Virginia University with a BS in Forest Resource Management. A native of Delaware, currently resides in Wyoming, DE and supports numerous community and Church-related endeavors.

Eileen Ahern BA, M Ed.

Eileen is a qualified Physical Education Teacher and Guidance Counselor who works as an assistant Principal in an Irish Second level school. She is a qualified tutor of Capacitar International Multicultural Wellness Practices and conducts regular wellness group workshops for adults and students as well as individual consultations.

Larisa Cioaca

Larisa Cioaca is a lecturer for the Institute of Applied Agriculture at the University of Maryland, where she teaches and develops management, communication, leadership and entrepreneurship courses. Before academia, Larisa was a media relations manager at Lockheed Martin, where she led media outreach on strategic financial and management topics, and directed the company’s media measurement and media training programs.

Katey Evans

Katey Evans and her husband, Kevin, own and operate Evans Farms in Bridgeville, DE. The farm is a grain and vegetable operation where they till more than 1,500 acres. Katey manages their on-farm produce market that includes Delaware’s first drive-through marketplace, six farmers markets, CSA program and handles the public relations for the family farm. Katey took her knowledge of local produce to new heights when she co-founded The Frozen Farmer along with Kevin and her mother, Jo Ellen. A farm fresh frozen treats business based on the concept of incorporating as many locally grown fruits and vegetables into the menu as possible, The Frozen Farmer is a provider of homemade ice cream, nice cream, sorbet and homemade desserts.

Jules Hendrix

With a Master’s Degree in Horticulture and Agronomy from the University of California-Davis, years of experience working in the ranch and farming community, and by authoring a book on Crop Risk Management for insurance professionals, Jules Hendrix has extensive knowledge of both insurance and agribusiness industries. She is an Elite On Your Farm Certified Associate Agent at the Crow Insurance Agency, Nationwide Insurance, and Rain and Hail insurance.

Stacey Hofmann

Stacey Hofmann serves as the Community Relations Officer for the Delaware Department of Agriculture. A graduate of Virginia Tech, Stacey has a strong background in animal science and agriculture education that she utilizes to help increase agricultural literacy through social media. In addition to her work on social media, Stacey serves as the lead publication designer and photographer for DDA.

Delaware Room

Trees and YOUR Farmstead

Ever wondered what trees are growing next to your home, farmstead or in the woods surrounding those crop fields? How can you tell if they are healthy? Besides environmental values, do they offer an economic opportunity? This session will help you answer these questions and gain a better perspective of the trees on your farm.

Speaker: Dot Abbott, Extension Agent, University of Delaware Cooperative Extension

Chesapeake Room

Creating a Balance Sheet

Join loan officers from MidAtlantic Farm Credit in an interactive session to develop your personal or farm balance sheet. Learn what items should be included on your balance sheet, what to include, how to value assets, and how to compare one year to the next. Be prepared to create your own balance sheet and get tips to make it stronger.

Speaker: Cara Sylvester, Loan Officer, MidAtlantic Farm Credit

Silver Lake Room

Solar Energy Leasing: What You Need To Understand About the Legal Issues

Solar energy development brings many welcome opportunities for landowners such as fixed streams of payments over a multi-year period and other benefits. Beware the agreements are not without risks. This session will cover an overview of the agreements and issues landowners should be aware of before signing the agreement. Speaker: Kathleen Tabor, Esquire, Law Office of Kathleen J.P. Tabor, LLC,

Kent Room

Farm Safety: Stepping Up to the Plate

This session will discuss ways to keep you, your family and your employees safe on the farm and how to keep your animals away from harm. Speakers: Dr. Jonathan Moyle, Extension Poultry Specialist, University of Maryland & Jennifer Rhodes, Extension Educator, University of Maryland Extension

Ballroom

How to Measure Return on Investment for Social Media Marketing

Is all your effort on social media marketing worth it? In this session, you will learn how to identify measurement tools and metrics for your marketing goals, launch a measurement program without busting your budget, and adjust your social media marketing strategy to gain a competitive advantage. Speaker: Larisa Cioaca, Lecturer, Institute of Applied Agriculture, University of Maryland

12 17

Presenters Breakout Session 2 Descriptions - 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Delaware Room

Season Extension: Managing Production Risk and Expanding Markets

This breakout session covers season extension techniques and how they can be used to reduce the risk of climate variability and expand market access by expanding the growing season and enabling specialty crop production.

Speaker: Neith Little, Urban Agriculture Extension Educator, University of Maryland Extension

Chesapeake Room

Grain Marketing 101

Grain prices have changed dramatically over the past year. This workshop focuses on grain marketing terminology, marketing resources and tools. During the session you will review an actual marketing plan and learn how crop insurance, target dates and target prices can help you more consistently secure a good average crop price. Speakers: Jules Hendrix, Elite On Your Farm Certified Associate Agent, Crow Insurance Agency & Dr. Jarrod Miller, Extension Educator, University of Maryland Extension

Silver Lake Room

Bugs that Bite: Vector Arthropods and How to Avoid Them

Mosquito and ticks are major nuisance pests that vector many diseases. Their feeding habits can affect your farm's bottom line by detouring the public from visiting and reducing animal health. They can cost you and your employees time and money with doctor visits, and if left untreated many of these vector diseases can lead to long-term chronic health issues and death. Topics covered include: pest biology, common arthropod-borne illnesses, personal prevention, and control methods. Speaker: Emily Zobel, Agriculture Extension Educator, University of Maryland Extension

Kent Room

Wellness Workshop You are invited to participate in a wellness workshop to learn practical techniques to manage stress and promote healing and inspiration. Learn relaxation techniques that promote connection with your higher self for increased clarity, energy and creativity. This interactive workshop will provide practical tools to help create a more inspired and connected life. Speaker: Eileen Ahern BA, M Ed., Tutor, International Multicultural Wellness Practices This workshop is limited to the first 25 participants in attendance.

Ballroom

Let's go Live!

Live streaming is taking social media by storm, but is it right for your business? This session will look at two of the larger streaming platforms, Facebook and Periscope, and will review equipment techniques and best practices to get you broadcasting like a pro! Speakers: Michele Walfred, Communications Specialist, University of Delaware & Stacy Hofmann, Community Relations Officer, Delaware Department of Agriculture

Neith Little

Neith is the Urban Agriculture Extension Educator for University of Maryland Extension, Baltimore City. Prior to this position, Neith worked as an Agricultural Extension Educator for Dakota County, Minnesota (part of the Twin Cities metro area), where she worked with both local-market vegetable growers and commodity crop farmers on nitrogen management practices to protect water quality. Neith has also worked at Hampshire College Farm, where she helped with the bid process for the college's new dining services contractor, drafted the college's policy for local and sustainable food sourcing, worked with the farm managers to develop a farm business plan, and worked as Assistant Grower on the farm's 250-share vegetable CSA. Neith earned an M.S. from Cornell University in Soil and Crop Sciences and a B.A. from College of the Atlantic in Human Ecology.

Kim Rush Lynch

Kim offers over 15 years of experience working with individuals and organizations in both the agricultural and health industries. She enjoys educating eaters on the role that local foods play in community health and economic development. Kim’s main goal in her Ag Marketing Specialist role is to keep current farmers on their land and attract new farmers to Prince George’s County by helping them make farming profitable. She helps farmers and farmers market managers navigate local regulations and create marketing strategies, and she eagerly promotes all things food, farming and farmers markets in Prince George’s County. Kim is particularly passionate about connecting the dots between rural and urban agriculture enterprises and ensuring access to healthy local foods for all Prince Georgians. When she's not thinking about food (which is rare), you can find Kim at the roller rink, on her bike, or playing with her daughter and mini-schnauzer, Bilbo Baggins.

Jarrod Miller, Ph.D.

Jarrod Miller grew up on a dairy and grain farm in Maryland before attending Virginia Tech and the University of Kentucky for degrees in soil science. He has been with University of Maryland Extension since 2014 and works on soils and precision agriculture programs.

Kim Morgan, PhD.

Dr. Kimberly Morgan joined the Agricultural and Applied Economics Department at Virginia Tech in July 2013, as an Extension Agricultural Economist and Junior Faculty Fellow for the Kohl Centre. Kim earned a BS in 1993 in Animal Science, a M.S. in Food & Resource Economics in 1997, and a Ph.D. in Food & Resource Economics in 2007, all from the University of Florida. She worked with the University of Florida Agricultural Market Research Center as an Economic Analyst from 2000-08. From July 2008-2013, Dr. Morgan was an Extension Agricultural Economist in the Agricultural Economics Department at Mississippi State University. Kim enjoys riding horses and spending time with her three children.

18 11

Breakout Session 1 Descriptions - 10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. Presenters

Jonathan Moyle, Ph.D.

Dr. Jonathan “Jon” Moyle is the Extension Poultry Specialist for the University of Maryland and is affiliated with the Department of Animal and Avian Sciences at the University of Maryland. He attended Brigham Young University where he received his B.S. in Animal Science. Then worked for 15 years, during which time he owned and operated a broiler breeder farm, before returning to the University of Arkansas were he got his M.S. and Ph.D. in Poultry Science. After completion of his Ph.D. he served a Post-doc position with the USDA-ARS, in Fayetteville AR. In graduate school he worked on reproductive management and behavior in broiler breeders. Later his research involved improving organic and free range poultry production, along with looking for natural compounds that can be used to help growers prevent and control disease. Currently as the University of Maryland Extension Poultry specialist, he is looking at ways to help growers improve nutrient management (including alternative litter uses), increase profitability (alternative bedding and lighting) and improve biosecurity.

Jennifer Rhodes

Jennifer “Jenny” Rhodes – Senior Agent, Extension Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources for the University of Maryland Extension Queen Anne’s County. Jenny also owns and operates a poultry and irrigated grain farm with her two sons. She is a graduate of Chesapeake College, University of Maryland Eastern Shore with a B.S. in Agriculture and a M.E. in Agriculture and Extension Education. The main focuses of her programs are agriculture profitability programs, risk management, and poultry production education. Jenny serves as board vice chair of MidAtlantic Farm Credit, Past President of the Delmarva Poultry Industry, Inc. and past president of Maryland Association of County Agriculture Agents, board member of Queen Anne’s County Farm Bureau, Queen Anne’s Soil Conservation District, past member of Maryland Agriculture Commission, member of Maryland Regulatory Reform Commission and Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church. Agriculture has always been an important component of her life and she enjoys working with not only the agriculture sector but educating other community members about agriculture and natural resources.

Pam Saul

Pam Saul is the founder of Farm & Equine Business Services, and uses her 30+ years of experience with her family’s Rolling Acres Farm to help in business bookkeeping setup, business plans, and customized QuickBooks specifically for the agricultural sector.

Pam has been involved in the agricultural industry for many years and serves on several boards and organizations including Chair of MARBIDCO and Treasurer for the Montgomery County Soil Conservation District. Pam is also a member of the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB) and a Certified QuickBooks Pro Advisor.

These positions give Pam a unique perspective on the pulse of current agricultural business trends and services in the industry. Along with her expertise in small business accounting, Pam is an excellent resource to help business owners build a better business foundation for their unique business.

Delaware Room

Farm Recordkeeping and Tax Preparation

This session will help you alleviate the stress you feel at year end when the time comes to file your taxes. Learn ways to simplify and streamline your bookkeeping to keep you on track. Get a checklist you can use to keep you from forgetting necessary information. Find out how software can do the work for you. Learn how to recognize what vendors get a 1099 and steps to make it easy to file at the end of year. Also learn what changes the IRS has made to deadlines so you stay out of trouble! Plenty of time will be left for questions, so start thinking about what

you’d like to learn. Speaker: Pam Saul, Founder, Farm & Equine Business Services

Chesapeake Room

Farm Product Labeling Considerations

We will review food product labeling guidelines and resources, addressing specific topics such as traceability issues and how a label may better communicate the value propositions offered by your products to your

customers. Speaker: Dr. Kim Morgan, Extension Agricultural Economist, Virginia Tech

Silver Lake Room

What is Henrietta Homeowner doing to help save the Bay?

Getting tired of agriculture being blamed for our water quality problems? Confused by all the acronyms – TMDL, WIP and BMP? This session will present an environmental overview of our watershed and waterways and the legislation aimed at cleaning them up, and offer a look into the some of the other “polluters” and the efforts underway to clean up their acts. Speaker: Jackie Takacs, Regional Watershed Restoration Specialist, University of Maryland Extension

Kent Room

Faith, Family and Frozen Treats

The process & planning of starting a new business on a third-generation family farm. Evans Farms is a farm market located on route 404, just one mile east of route 13 in Bridgeville DE. We proudly serve The Frozen Farmer ice cream, nice cream and sorbet! Evans Farms Produce has an incredible selection of home-grown and local fruits and vegetables, all-natural meats, local milk and eggs, locally roasted coffee, local jarred items, locally

produced soaps and more! Speaker: Katey Evans, Owner and Operator, Evans Farm

Ballroom

Creating a Farm Marketing ToolKit

A marketing kit is an essential tool for any business. Learn how to develop a compelling package to attract your target market and leverage your worth. This session will cover the elements of a successful marketing kit and includes examples to help you develop an effective brand and complementary materials that reflect your unique

voice and style. Speaker: Kim Rush Lynch, Ag Marketing Specialist, University of Maryland Extension

10 19

Presenters

Cara Sylvester

Cara Sylvester has been involved in agriculture all her life. She is currently a Loan Officer with MidAtlantic Farm Credit in Denton, MD where she enjoys working directly with farmers to help their operations thrive by making smart financial decisions.

Cara earned her bachelor’s degree in Food and Agribusiness Management from the University of Delaware in 2006. Cara is a volunteer with Common Ground and serves on the Maryland FFA Foundation Board of Directors. She has also been on the planning committee for the MidAtlantic Women in Ag Conference for the past three years.

In her spare time, Cara enjoys travelling and spending time with her family. She and her husband, Phillip, operate a grain farm outside of Felton, DE with their two young sons, Henry and Benjamin.

Kathleen J.P. Tabor, Esquire

Kathleen is a solo practitioner of the Law Office of Kathleen J.P. Tabor, LLC, a general civil practice with a special focus on agricultural and equine businesses, activities, and ownership. Her practice has taken her all across the State of Maryland. In addition to her legal training, Kathleen is a trained mediator and collaborative practitioner.

Kathleen is a life-member of the Maryland Horse Council and was recently elected to the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors. She also serves on the advisory board of Maryland Fund for Horses, Inc. She is a member of the Maryland Farm Bureau, the American Horse Council, American College of Equine Attorneys and the American Agricultural Law Association (to name a few). Kathleen currently serves as the Trade & Support Industries representative on the Maryland Horse Industry Board, appointed by the Governor in 2009.

Jackie Takacs

Jackie is the Regional Watershed Restoration Specialist with University of Maryland Extension - Sea Grant Program located at the Upper Marlboro Research and Education Center. Her programming focuses on watershed planning, project implementation, environmental education and aquaculture within Southern Maryland and across the State. Jackie holds a Master’s degree in Marine, Estuarine and Environmental Sciences and a Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences from the University of Maryland.

Michele Walfred

Michele Walfred is a Communications Specialist at the University of Delaware. Michele received her BA in Journalism from UD as well as her MA in Digital Humanities. She is a graduate of UD Social Media Strategic Marketing Program and a 2014 eXtension Fellow focusing on social media best practices. Michele serves as administrator for multiple social media accounts at UD. Michele is currently a LEADelaware Class IV Fellow 2016-2018.

Emily Zobel

Emily Zobel is the Agriculture Extension Educator for University of Maryland Extension in Dorchester County. She received her B.S. in Ecology and M.S. in Entomology from the University of Maryland College Park in 2013. Her thesis work focused on the feeding and reproductive habits of the brown marmorated stink bug on vegetable crops. Prior to graduate school, she worked as a field technician for the UMD Entomology Department, conduct-ing research on pesticide usage and sustainable agriculture practices.

16th Annual Conference Agenda

Wednesday, February 8, 2017

Delaware Room Chesapeake Room

1:00 pm –

5:00 pm

Pre-Conference: Yielding Financial Sustainability Pre-Conference: Pollinators: If you Build

It, They Will Come

6:00 pm –

8:00 pm

Reception with Harness Racing—Included with Pre-Conference or Main Conference Ticket

Diamond Lounge

Thursday, February 9, 2017

Ballroom Delaware Room Chesapeake Room Silver Lake Room

Kent Room

(Upper Level)

8:00 am—

Vendor Set-up

8:30 am—

9:00 am

Registration and Breakfast

Vendor tables open to participants

9:00 am—

9:15 am

Welcome

9:15 am—

Opening Presenter: Kim Reed

Session 1

10:15 am –

11:15 am

Creating a

Farm

Marketing

Toolkit

Farm Record

keeping and Tax

Preparation

Farm Product

Labeling

Considerations

What is Henrietta

Homeowner Doing

to Help Save the

Bay

Faith, Family, and

Frozen Treats

Session 2

11:30 am –

12:30 pm

Let’s Go Live!

Season Extension:

Managing

Production Risks

and Expanding

Markets

Grain Marketing

101

Bugs that Bite:

Vector Arthropods

and How to Avoid

Them

Wellness Workshop

12:30 pm –

Lunch

1:30 pm –

2:00 pm

Luncheon Presenter: Robin Talley

Session 3

2:15 pm –

3:15 pm

How To

Measure ROI

for Social

Media

Marketing

Trees and YOUR

Farmstead

Creating a Balance

Sheet

Solar Energy

Leasing: What you

Need to Know

About the Legal

Issues

Farm Safety:

Stepping Up to the

Plate

3:30 pm –

Closing Presenter: Maire McCarthy

4:00 pm—

Closing Remarks & Door Prizes Announced

20 9


Jessica Flores

Jessica Flores serves as a Senior Agriculture Agent Associate with the

University of Maryland Extension on Maryland’s Lower Eastern

Shore. She focuses her programming on topics including beginning

farmers, business management, equine, pasture and forage, poultry,

agronomy, and pesticide recertification. Raised on her grandparents

commercial poultry farm, Jessica knows the day to day tasks that are

involved with operating a farm business along with the joys (and

sometimes struggles) of working with the family. She is a mom to

three busy girls and co-manages her family's horse farm. In her spare

time, she competes on her quarter horses in Cowboy Mounted

Shooting.

Keith Wills

Keith Wills has been with Farm Credit for 24 years, specializing

in the equine industry. He works with customers across Balti-

more, Cecil, and Harford counties to help them secure the

financing they need to grow successful businesses. Keith also

has a passion for young, beginning, and small farmers, speaking

often on business planning and Farm Credit’s StartRight

program.

Keith is very active with the Maryland Farm Bureau, having

served on the board of directors and as a district director until

2015. Currently, Keith is on the organization’s legislative affairs

and equine committees. During his tenure as President of

Baltimore County Farm Bureau, Keith was presented with

several awards honoring his leadership and outreach endeav-

ors.

Former Maryland Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. appointed Keith to the Maryland Horse Industry

board, where he currently serves as an advisory board member. He is also on the board of directors

for the Baltimore County Farm Bureau and the Harry R. Hughes Center for Agro-Ecology. Keith was

a founding board member of the Maryland Agricultural Resource Council (MARC), where he is

currently serving as treasurer.

Financial Sponsors for the

Diamond Level

Platinum Level

Gold Level

UMD Agriculture Law Education Initiative

UMD CONSERVE

PNC Bank

8 21

Ginger Myers

Ginger S. Myers is the Director of the Maryland

Rural Enterprise Development Center and

Extension Marketing Specialist, College of

Agriculture & Natural Resources, University of

Maryland Extension. Myers brings over 30 years of

experience in production agriculture, agri-business

and consulting to these positions. She currently

works with rural entrepreneurs and new and

beginning farmers, helps to develop new markets

and networking opportunities, and assists with

business development and business planning. She

also publishes several newsletters, maintains both a

rural business development and a marketing website,

and is a regular contributor to the agricultural press.

One-on-One Entrepreneur's Coaching Session

Are you an entrepreneur with a business idea? Would you benefit from having a sounding board for

those ideas and dreams? Do you need a trustworthy “reality check” in your business planning process

to help avoid wasting time and resources throughout the development and launch of your enterprise?

Then consider signing up for a one-on-one entrepreneur coaching session with a trained business

planning coach. Coaching sessions have been offered during many conference venues and have

proven valuable for new, expanding and operating businesses. There will be a sign up sheet located at

main registration desk.

Session 1: 10:15 - 10:45 am

Session 2: 10:45 - 11:15 am

Session 3: 11:30 am - 12 pm

Session 4: 2:15 - 2:45 pm

Session 5: 2:45 - 3:15 pm

~ All sessions are first come, first served ~

Entrepreneurial Coaching Sessions


2017 Women In Agriculture Conference

Silver Level

Table Sponsors

Avery Hall Insurance Agency

Choptank Electric Cooperative

Crow Insurance

Delaware Council of Farm Organizations

Delaware State University—Small Farms Program

Ensave, Inc

MDA—Ag Mediation

MDA—Crop Insurance

MidAtlantic CommonGround

Shore United Bank & Wye Financial

Weller & Associates

Crow Vineyard LEAD Delaware USDA - NRCS

Delaware Crop

Insurance Education

Maryland Agricultural

Education Foundation, Inc.

USDA - Rural

Development

Delmarva Poultry

Industry Maryland Food Bank

USDA/DE State FSA

Office

Future Harvest CASA

MD Ag & Resource-Based

Industry Development

Corporation (MARBIDCO)

Walls Irrigation

Jacki Blake - Medicare

Supplement Sales

The Delmarva Farmer

Newspaper

King Crop Insurance USDA - NASS

22 7

Closing Presenter

Maire McCarthy

Women in Agriculture – My Nuffield Story - 11 week world travel reviewing

women’s role in Agriculture

At the outset, when I was asked to take on this age old topic, I was somewhat reluctant!

I had never allowed my gender to be an issue for me and didn’t see that it was an issue for women living and working in ‘modern’ Ireland. I would not be comfortable with being

labelled a feminist, as I understood the word! However, having investigated the definition of feminism, my understanding now is the belief that men and women should

have equal rights and opportunities’ and on that basis I like Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau can live with being called a ‘feminist’.

The aim of my report is to investigate the changing role of women in agriculture, both as

active farmers, and supporting the family through income off farm. I researched the different challenges facing family farms, and how family farms ‘need’off farm income due

to volatility of income and need to diversify. This has brought additional challenges as the farmer is ‘alone’ and the shared discussion, hands on support and empathy is gone or has

vastly reduced.

Maire McCarthy, Nuffield Scholar 2015, Director of Board of Bandon Co-op, Head of Auditing Capita Customer Solutions, Farmer – 300 cow dairy herd with her husband Brian, mother to 3 wonderful children Ciara (20), Sarah (17) and Brian Jr (14). Previously Regional Development Officer for the Irish Grassland Association, Personal Financial Planning Manager with AIB Bank, Area Sales representative for AIB Finance & Leasing. She is a Qualified Financial Adviser, having worked in Financial Services industry for over 20 years until her return to college in 2014 to complete a Diploma in Food Business and Corporate Governance. Maire became Head of Auditing in CCS in Autumn 2014 and now manages a team of 80 people auditing for the Origin Green, Beef, Lamb & Dairy scheme for Bord Bia. She also manage the Failte Ireland

contract which is the National Tourism Development Authority in Ireland, with a team of 15 assessors and in house customer service team.

6 23

Lunch Presentation

Robin Talley

Robin Talley serves as a District Director with Farm Service Agency (FSA) in

Delaware. In this position, she is responsible for leadership of county office

operations and loan programs in Delaware. She has been with FSA for 33

years. Robin holds a B.S. in Agricultural Economics and a Master of Business

Administration, both from the University of Delaware. She grew up on a dairy

farm in northern Delaware.

Robin Talley, Acting SED

Delaware State Office

1221 College Park Drive, Suite 201

Dover, DE 19904

(302) 678-4250

24 5

Opening Speaker

Kimberly Reed

Understanding Our Food: Connecting with Consumers

2016 was a big decision-making year for Americans. Not only did we have a presidential election involving more conversations with new voters, emerging technologies, and

changing demographics, we also saw more factors influencing Americans’ food decisions. There is growing national food dialogue, and Americans are hungry for more information

about nutrition and the food system. In order to better connect with consumers, gain consumer insights from the International Food Information Council Foundation’s annual

Food and Health Survey. The Survey, which includes a special focus on understanding the complex array of factors that influence food decisions, provides important insights and

trends for agriculture and health professionals, government officials, educators, as well as others who seek to understand and improve the health of all Americans. Special focus will

include the topics of food safety, sustainability, biotechnology, media influence, and trust.

Kimberly Reed is President of the International Food

Information Council (IFIC) Foundation, the nation’s leading non-profit dedicated to communicating

science-based information about health, nutrition, and food safety. Kim has more than twenty years of

experience at senior levels in the government, private, and nonprofit sectors. She serves several

boards, including the National Coalition for Food and Agriculture Research, Alzheimer’s Association, and

American Swiss Foundation. Named one of the 100 Women Leaders in STEM, Kim holds a law degree

from West Virginia University College of Law and a dual undergraduate degree in biology and

government and a minor in chemistry from West

Virginia Wesleyan College.

26 3

WELCOME

Get real time updates throughout the WIA Conference

#womeninag or

www.facebook.com/

MidAtlanticWomenInAgriculture

Or @MidAtlanticWIA

Greetings and thank you for attending the 16th Annual

Women in Agriculture Conference!

The Women in Agriculture Conference has become a tradition, celebrating 16 years of

bringing women together, learning about agriculture and managing risk on the farm.

We hope that you enjoy the conference and have worked hard to plan a variety of

topics and speakers in the areas of farm finance, marketing, human resources, legal

and production. It is great to see so many familiar faces that come back to the

conference, and welcome those that are attending for the first time. Be sure to visit

and thank our sponsors. Many are exhibiting, some have ads and others have

donated door prizes. With their support we are able to make this conference possible.

A big thank you to them, our planning committee, volunteers, partners, Dover Downs

and of course you, Women in Agriculture! .

Sincerely, Conference Co-Chairs

Extension Educator,

University of Maryland—Talbot County

Extension Educator,

University of Maryland—Queen Anne’s County

A special thank you to USDA Farm Service Agency for grant

funding to support Women in Agriculture as an Outreach &

Technical Assistance Cooperative Agreement.



27

Shannon Dill, Co-Chair


Victoria Corcoran


Jessica Flores


Susan Garey


Candy Hefel

University of Maryland Eastern Shore

Meredith Melendez

Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey

Megan Messix

American Farm Publications

Kim Morgan

Virginia Tech

Program Committee Continue Education All Year Long! MidAtlantic Women in Agriculture offers webinars the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each

month at noon. Popularly known as “Wednesday Webinars” these hour long sessions

are free and open to everyone and cover a variety of risk management topics through-

out the year. Here is a list of upcoming webinars:

To register visit: http://www.extension.umd.edu/womeninag/webinars

To view the complete library of archived webinars on our YouTube Channel :

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5GPoRSCmUR30fhKzuzRX2g

Jenny Rhodes, Co-Chair


Megan Pleasanton

Delaware State University

Holly Porter

Delaware Department of Agriculture

Rachel Rhodes

Maryland Department of Agriculture

Cara Sylvester

MidAtlantic Farm Credit

Laurie Wolinski


Tracy Wootten


Thank you to our Conference Volunteers

Mikaela Boley


Pam Chollet


Taylor Robinson


Shelia Shorter


Aly Valentine


2/22 Creating Effective Videos Using iMovie via a iOS device

3/08 Introduction to Instagram

3/22 Operating a Women Owned Farm Business

4/12 Season Extension

4/26 Preparing for the Transition: What to Consider When Developing your

Farm Transition Plan or Estate Plan

5/10 Bugs that Bite: Vector Arthropods and How to Avoid Them

5/24 Communicating on Difficult Topics and with Difficult People

6/14 How to Create Social Media Memes, and Other Photo Apps

6/28 Can I Use This Picture? Media Law

7/26 Hiring Farm Employees - Process and Recommendations

Annie’s Project has announced 2017 Programs

Annie’s Project focuses on the many aspects of farm management and is designed to

empower women in overall farm decision making and to build local networks throughout

the state. The target audience is women with a passion for business, agriculture and

involvement in the farm operation. Topics of the program are in the area of Risk

Management including: Production, Marketing, Financial, Legal Risk, Human Resources.

Classes will be offered in different formats and locations around Maryland including Cecil

County, MidShore, Western and Central Maryland. NEW THIS YEAR—WOMEN MANGING

COMMERICAL POULTRY with 2 locations Georgetown and Dover, DE. For more

information on specific classes visit :


The University of Maryland Extension programs are open to any person and will not discriminate against anyone because of

race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic

information, political affiliation, and gender identity or expression.


program committee - university of maryland · 22 7 closing presenter maire mccarthy women in...

Documents