In March I was able to attend Rooted Together—An Agriculture Conference, organized by Farm Women’s Symposium, in Frankenmuth, Michigan. My trip and attendance were made possible thanks to a Michigan Farm Bureau’s External Leadership Development Scholarship. I was thrilled to be selected as a scholarship recipient after applying earlier in the year.
My purpose in attending this conference was to get better connected to women in agriculture around the state of Michigan. Two workshop topics also intrigued me: professional color and wardrobe education, and the self-defense workshop. These two workshops were incredibly helpful.
I was able to take the wardrobe education further and book a private color evaluation and makeup consultation. The information I gleaned will help me make informed choices for my appearance as part of preparing for important meetings with public officials, political advocacy and media interviews. Thank you to Beauty By Pam.
Operating an agritourism farm and inviting the public to experience the farm can bring challenges. I was keen to learn from the self-defense instructor who shared jaw dropping facts about the human trafficking industry. Knowledge is power and with my daily work with families and children, knowing what to look for and how to protect myself and my farm are invaluable. Thanks to Bri at The Self Defense Company of Michigan.
Over the course of the conference, I was able to make numerous connections and connect in a tangible way with other women in agriculture. We shared stories of adversity and triumph and encouraged each other in our pursuits. The keynote speakers were inspiring as well. They challenged us to find a community we can rely on and to contribute to it in meaningful ways. They encouraged us to not lose sight of our agriculture story and to share it.
Overall, I have only positive things to share about this conference. We even got to make pretzels and learn about the family history of Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn Lodge, as well as local commodities and the mills (Star of the West) that turn these commodities into food products for national and international clients! Agriculture touches everyone, every day. More than ever we must use our voices to advocate for agriculture—women farmers can lead the way.
Michigan Farm Bureau believes in leadership development so much that we will pay for you to attend conferences we don’t run! External Leadership Development Scholarships are awarded to Michigan Farm Bureau members every month, so apply any time.