Nov 26, 2012 2 min read

The Pennsylvania Women’s Agricultural Network at Penn State University will host a one-day networking symposium Dec. 7 at the Penn State Conference Center in State College for new and beginning farmers, potential farmers and seasoned farmers interested in diversifying their farm operations. Through peer-to-peer education and idea sharing, this event supports women in farming with lessons gained through experience. “Woman to Woman: Pay It Forward” delivers presentations, workshops, panel discussions and networking sessions that are guaranteed to amplify the passion for farming. Breakout sessions feature workshops and panel discussions to increase knowledge on a variety of topics including marketing, business planning and holistic financial management, farm labor management and farm-family relationship building, personal well-being, livestock production, vegetable and fruit production, and much more.Keynote speaker Heather Retberg will present “The New Radical: Going Back to our Agricultural Roots.” Retberg’s presentation will draw on her encounter with systemic barriers to the survival of small farms, highlighting her work on local food ordinances in Maine with her family.She will address the importance of connectivity and relationships in her efforts to effectively communicate strategies for preserving farms. She discusses the journey of who defines whom, how we define ourselves and how these definitions greatly impact our lives and our communities.Conference participants will discover the power of mentoring as they learn about PA-WAgN’s newly launched mentoring program and participate in “Meet the Mentor” sessions. Statewide mentors will share their knowledge and discuss how to become involved in this exciting new program that connects women farmers throughout Pennsylvania.PA-WAgN supports women in agriculture by providing positive learning environments, networking and empowerment opportunities.The primary purposes of PA-WAgN are to encourage and support women in agriculture; provide and strengthen networks for women in agriculture; provide educational and mentoring opportunities for women in agriculture; raise community awareness of agricultural related issues and concerns; and sustain farming livelihoods.For additional information and registration for this and other PA-WAgN events, visit http://agsci.psu.edu/wagn/events. Contact Ann Stone at ams39@psu.edu or 814-863-4489 with questions or comments.