My week started on with giving a workshop on social media a women’s leadership program in North Carolina and ended with a keynote to encourage ladies to celebrate agriculture in central Kansas. Hanging out with other women rarely happens in my work as a professional agricultural speaker, so I enjoyed some girl time. A common denominator was shoes (of course!); in North Carolina we joked about one woman with 40 shoes in her car and in Kansas, we switched shoes (literally).
And yes, like most women, we talked. I would love to see that strength put to work for agriculture; mothers and grandmothers can have such unique influence in building an understanding of family, food and farms. Listen to what Chris Wilson, president of American Agri-Women, had to say about the female voice:
Thanks to the American Agri-Women from across the country and those I met from central Kansas at Mid-Kansas Co-op for a memorable week. Here’s the big question – how can ladies put their voices – and their shoes – to work in bridging the gap between gate and plate?
April 30, 2010 at 2:30 pm
I’m devoting 26 posts on my “mommy blog site” to the ABC’s of Agvocacy. Short and sweet posts loaded with info relevant to mommies – I like to call us VP’s for Groceries. http://pottedgoose.blogspot.com/ It may take me awhile to make it to the letter Z, but it’s a small start to bridging gate to plate.
May 2, 2010 at 4:52 pm
It’s been a long time in the works, but I am also doing just what Chris talks about in the video, reaching out to distant family members and other contacts through facebook, and more recently my blog: http://www.iafarmwife.wordpress.com
The more I post on my blog, the more I enjoy doing it. New ideas for subjects pop into my head all the time, and I have quite a few dedicated followers already. I think women on the farm have a sort of advantage when it comes to advocating for agriculture because we are naturally better communicators. Chris pretty much says exactly how I feel…
May 2, 2010 at 4:59 pm
Women tend to be the most passionate when it comes to knowing where their food comes from and animal rights. With this in mind, by agvocating and sharing our story on a personal level we can educate.
May 3, 2010 at 12:30 pm
[…] I spent last week in Greensboro, North Carolina at the American Agri-Women (”AAW”) – Syngenta “Leadership At Its Best” Conference. It was a great week and I had a nice time getting to know other AAW. I was invited to participate on behalf of New York Agri-Women. Female leadership in the agriculture industry is so important. If you don’t believe me, listen to AAW President Chris Wilson. […]
May 3, 2010 at 1:05 pm
I think women can be great passionate speakers for agriculture. Your stage could be as simple as waiting to pick your child up to school, or blog, or social media, or classroom. I accept any invitation to speak about ag but more importantly where everyone’s food comes from. Today with the Croplife Ambassador program I get to speak to 90 6th graders about Feeding Planet Earth. Being the Face of Agriculture and speaking the truth is necessary.
May 5, 2010 at 2:16 pm
It was this very Ag Women in Leadership in N.Carolina that I attended just last year that inspired me to start our “Dinner on the Farm”, my farm blog and social networking. Women are a powerful force and can be effective “Agra Divas” – so lets do what we do best and tell our story! =)