FISHERS, Ind. — The simplicity of 19th century Indiana farm life can be experienced at the 2007 Women in Agriculture Conference set at Conner Prairie Living History Museum, Feb. 7-8.

The event includes a Taste of the Past dinner with a costumed host who stays in character, telling the story of historic culinary tastes and customs.

Keynote speakers include Rebecca Long Chaney, who will share her experiences working in the Australian Outback; and Jane Jenkins Herlong, a South Carolina farm girl who went from “bare feet to high heels” in the Miss America Pageant.

“Our committee has worked hard to expand our education sessions to fit women’s needs in all sectors of agriculture,” said Stacy Herr, conference chair. “So, no matter what your role may be, you’ll find plenty of information to take home.”

Breakout sessions include:

Session One
•Marketing Basics: What You Need to Know to Get Started, Corinne Alexander, Purdue University Extension

•Planning for the Future: Estate Planning, Richard Hall, attorney

•The Colors on Your Farm, Susie Neher and Terri Newcom, Purdue University Extension

•Marketing Trends in the Horticulture Industry, Jennifer Dennis, Purdue University Extension

•How Grain Marketing Really Works on My Farm, Lisa Furrer, Hilltop Swine and Grain Farm and Diane Gretencord, Fowler

•Understanding Farm Leases, Craig Dobbins, Purdue University Extension and Richard Hall, attorney

•Beauty on the Run, Jamie Spencer

•Experiences in Agritourism, Margaret Schad of Scout Mountain Farm, Debbie Beasley of Beasley’s Orchard and Gardens and Dana Huber of Huber’s Orchard and Winery

•Top 10 Business Relationships Critical to Your Farm; Donya Lester, Purdue Agriculture Alumni Assoc., Inc.

•Gardening for the Rest of Us, Mary Welch-Keesey, Purdue University extension

•Road Rules for the Products You Sell, Shirley Vargas, Indiana State Department of Health Food Protection Program

•Sorting Out the Requirements (Part 2 of Road Rules for the Products You Sell), Dr. Maria Marshall, Purdue University Extension

Session Two
•Livestock Marketing, Chris Hurt, Purdue University Extension

•Business Plan 101: Roadmap to Success, Maria Marshall, Purdue University Extension

•Hot Issues in Agriculture, Tammy Lawson, Indiana State Department of Agriculture; Dr. Jennifer Greiner, Indiana State Board of Animal Health and Wally Tyner, Purdue University Extension

•Small Business Development Centers: Who are They and What Can They Do For Me? - Jennifer Vandeburg, Small Business Development Center

Session Three
•Advanced Marketing, Corinne Alexander, Purdue University Extension

•Making It Happen in 2007: Tools to Get Your Farm Operation Organized and Profitable in 2007, Stephen Barret, Matt Berry and V. Lynn Lambert of Strategic Financial Group

•What’s for Dinner? Quick and Healthy Meals for the Busy Farm Family, Nancy Casada and Georgia Wagner, Purdue University Extension

•Web-based Marketing for Your Farm, Gary Truitt, Truitt Communications

Session Four
•Government Programs: Know What They Are and If You’re Using Them Wisely, Steve Brown, USDA

•Experiences as Indiana Livestock Operators, Kaye Whitehead, Seldom Rest Farms and Cecilia Conway, Vreba Hoff Dairy Development

•Protecting Rural Families; Methamphetamine and Internet Safety, Bob Burgess, Indiana State Police

•Building Your Story through Merchandising, Eric Barrett, Ohio State University Extension

Registration prior to Jan. 24 is $75 for both days or $65 for one day. After Jan. 24 the cost is $125 for both days and $100 for single days. Lodging at conference rates are available at Fairfield Inn or Super 8 Motel in nearby Noblesville.

For information and a registration form, visit www.agriculture.purdue.edu/wia

This farm news was published in the Nov. 22, 2006 issue of Farm World, serving Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan and Tennessee.