The 24th Annual MidAtlantic Women in Agriculture Regional Conference brought together 175 women from across the region for a day of education, networking, and empowerment. The event, which has been a cornerstone of the agricultural community since 2001, provided attendees with opportunities to engage with expert speakers, participate in hands-on workshops, and gain valuable insights into the evolving landscape of agriculture.
This year’s conference, held in Stevensville, MD on March 5, 2025, at the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club, featured an impressive lineup of keynote speakers who shared their experiences and expertise. Opening the event, Lindsay Thompson, owner of Thompson Ag Consulting and partner at Providence Strategies, delivered a compelling speech, Take the Chance and Find Your Way, detailing her journey in agricultural advocacy and association management. She highlighted the important women who have guided her throughout her life and career, emphasizing the power of mentorship and support in navigating the ever-changing agricultural landscape. Her story resonated with attendees, encouraging them to embrace opportunities with confidence and determination.
Attendees participated in two breakout session blocks, each offering three distinct options tailored to the needs and interests of women in agriculture. The morning's Breakout Session featured three options. The first, Elevating Your Ag Application, led by Casey Miller, Program Director and Career Center Liaison at the University of Maryland's College of Agriculture & Natural Resources, provided invaluable insights into resume building, networking, and professional development. This session was particularly beneficial for FFA students in attendance, equipping them with the tools needed to strengthen their applications for scholarships, internships, and career opportunities. Social Media Promotion with Canva, a hands-on workshop led by Michele Walfred, Jackie Czachorowski, and Tracy Wootten from the University of Delaware Extension, focused on leveraging Canva for digital marketing. Maryland Urban Agriculture: Production Systems, Challenges, and Marketing Strategies, presented by Dr. Xuan Wei and Dr. Qianwen Lu, Extension Specialists in Urban Agriculture at the University of Maryland, explored urban farming trends, consumer behavior, and innovative strategies for increasing profitability.
During the lunchtime session, Katey Evans, Founder and CEO of The Frozen Farmer, captivated the audience with Yes, I Will: Finding Success After Setback, an inspiring talk on resilience, adaptability, and entrepreneurial success. She shared her personal experiences of overcoming obstacles, innovating within the industry, and finding new ways to thrive in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
The afternoon Breakout Session offered another three options: Flower Farming: Carving Your Path, Building Your Brand, & Making an Impact, led by Rachel Ross of SunKissed Flower Farm, where attendees learned how to establish their own flower farms, develop a brand identity, and connect with customers; Harvesting Balance: A Workshop to Grow and Cultivate Self-Care, facilitated by Phyllis Johnston of Every Body Yoga, guiding participants in managing stress and maintaining work-life balance; and Strategic Cover Cropping for Farms of All Scales, presented by Dr. Sarah Hirsh from the University of Maryland, which provided valuable knowledge on the benefits of cover cropping and how farmers can implement these techniques to improve soil health and sustainability.
Beyond the educational sessions, the conference provided a valuable opportunity for attendees to connect with industry professionals, sponsors, and peers who share a passion for agriculture. The atmosphere was welcoming and collaborative, fostering meaningful conversations and new professional relationships. The day concluded with an exciting door prize giveaway, ensuring attendees were left not only with useful resources but also with a renewed sense of motivation and inspiration.
The sponsors for this event included Choptank Electric Cooperative, Delaware Farm Bureau, Horizon Farm Credit, MARBIDCO, MDA - ACRES & Certified Local Farm and Fish Program, Northeast SARE, Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC), Sunrise Solar, Inc, University of Delaware, University of Maryland Ag Law Education Initiative and Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, and USDA - Rural Development.
The MidAtlantic Women in Agriculture program is dedicated to providing knowledge and resources to women who share a passion for agriculture.
For more information on the MidAtlantic women in agriculture program visit: go.umd.edu/womeninag
To view photos from this event visit: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjC4DpA