Topics will include cybersecurity, fraud and social media
WASHINGTON, Iowa — “Digital Dilemmas: Succeeding in a Digital Ag World” is the theme for this year’s Women in Agriculture Conference, to be held March 22 at the Jim and Evelyn Eash Banquet Room at the Washington County Fairgrounds.
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Washington County and the Washington County Women in Agriculture Advisory Board are hosting the event.
This year’s conference aims to equip attendees with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the evolving digital landscape in agriculture.
“We are looking forward to our seventh Women in Ag Conference and we’ve got a great lineup of speakers to help attendees think about how to succeed in a digital ag world,” said Rebecca Vittetoe, ISU Extension and Outreach field agronomist and member of the Washington County Women in Agriculture Advisory Board.
The morning will focus on cybersecurity and fraud and will include three speakers and a panel. The first presenter will be Hayley Wright from Hills Bank with a session titled “Fraud in the Business World: Tools, Trends and Tactics.” Next, Jeremy Gugel from Kalona Cooperative Technology Company will present “Cybersecurity Best Practices.” Then Alexis Stevens, ISU Extension and Outreach farm management specialist, will present “Artificial Intelligence – The Future of Ag is Here.” The morning will wrap up with a cybersecurity panel.
The afternoon portion of the conference will focus on using social media and will feature two speakers. First, Ashlyn Jones, a third-generation cattlewoman, will present “Agvocacy in Action: Using Social Media to Champion Agriculture.” She will discuss her experience embracing the power of social media to share her journey in agriculture with a wider audience.
The final speaker will be Lexi Marek Beeler with a session titled “The Power of Social: Beyond the Like Button.”
Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. The conference program begins at 9 a.m. and will conclude by 3 p.m.
The registration fee to attend the conference is $25; the student registration fee is $15. A light breakfast and lunch will be included. The early registration deadline is March 14. Late registrations and walk-in registrations will be accepted based on availability, and the registration cost will increase to $35; $25 for students.
To learn more or secure your spot, call the ISU Extension and Outreach Washington County office at 319-653-4811 or register online. Early registration is encouraged.
The conference is being made possible through generous support from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, the Azariah and Martha Foster Heritage Endowment, Hills Bank and other local sponsors.
