Kentucky’s Women Involved in Agriculture are still breaking new ground and cultivating new ideas in the Commonwealth. Much of their motivation comes from teamwork and well-planned conferences.

In the past, conferences were large state-wide events. Now, the group is trying to encourage more localized participation with two future regional conferences – one July 17 in Princeton and the other Oct. 11 in Quicksand. Both meetings are planned to coincide with the University of Kentucky Research and Education Center and Robinson Station field days.

“The regional meetings will allow our programs to be focused to enterprises and activities in each part of the state,” said Kim Henken, Extension associate for environment and natural resources in the University of Kentucky, and member of the Kentucky Agricultural Women’s Leadership Network executive committee. “In 2003 we’ll get back to a state-wide format by having a February meeting in Lexington.”

Both meetings will focus on financial management, marketing, business planning, record keeping, and new enterprises and opportunities.

Women participating will get an overview of the UKREC field day, being held the following day, and will participate in such pre-field day activities as exhibits, station tours, dinner and a short program.

UK’s Assistant Director for Family and Consumer Sciences Bonnie Tanner said that women can play an important role in determining the future of Kentucky Agriculture. She said that by getting involved in local communities and bringing ideas to regional and statewide meetings, women can cultivate new ideas and change.

The cost for July 17 conference in Princeton is $15.00 and should be turned in by July 1 to Kim Henken, UK Family and Consumer Sciences, 233 Scovell Hall, Lexington, KY 40546-0064. Registration for the Oct. 11 conference is due to Henken by Sept. 27.