‘Ladies of the Land’ event to be held June 3
The Watonwan Farm Service Agency (USDA-FSA), Natural Resource Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) and Land Management/Soil and Water Conservation District offices will be presenting an evening of information and fellowship for women – at no cost – on Tuesday, June 3. The “Ladies of the Land” event will take place at the St. James VFW Club, with registration beginning at 5:30 p.m., followed by a light meal and speakers on a variety of topics. All women – regardless of age or role in agriculture – are encouraged to attend this evening of entertainment and education. This free event offers something of interest for all participants.
All women are tied to agriculture in some capacity. The most basic connection is through the food they or their family members consume. These women may also be a farmer, own or be a part of an agri-business or operate a non-ag-related business in our rural communities. With the increased focus on agricultural practices and their effect on our nation’s food supply, this event offers factual information that affects our daily lives. Centering on the foods we produce and consume, dollars and cents of farming, employees in our businesses and communities, as well as applying good conservation practices to our land and water.
“Ladies of the Land” is a program presented by women – for women. Topics to be covered include:
*Basics and Logistics of Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) Farms – Brooke Knisley, Alternative Roots Farm of Madelia.
* Cover Crop Benefits – Jill Sackett, University of Minnesota Extension Service.
* USDA-NRCS Programs – Betsy B. G. Norland, USDA – Natural Resource Conservation Service, District Conservationist, Watonwan County.
*Helping You Finance Your Dream – Amy Dykema, USDA – Farm Service Agency, Farm Loan Manager, Nobles County.
* Farming and Ranching Is Not Just For Men – Christy Jackson, Cottonwood County FSA Committee and her daughter, Carli Jackson, Cottonwood County Beef Ambassador.
This free event provides a great opportunity for women to connect with one another and gain a better understanding of factors affecting the community they live in as well as gain a strong connection to those they have in our daily lives as neighbors, at church or at local markets. Additional sponsors of this event include the Watonwan Corn and Soybean Growers, Watonwan County Farm Bureau, WFS, and Crystal Valley Cooperative.
Space at this event is limited, so contact Jaque at the USDA-NRCS office in St. James at 507-375-3104, Extension 101, by Friday, May 23, to r egister. Again, there is no cost to attend, but please register to assist in planning for the meal.
Persons with disabilities who require accommodations to attend or participate in this event should contact Linda Stuckenbroker at 507-375-3191, Betsy Norland at 507-375-3104, ext. 108 or Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339.
