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Women in Ag Prepare For In-Person Event in November

by Wyoming Livestock Roundup

By Saige Zespy

The Wyoming Women in Ag (WWIA) are slated to host the 27th Annual Wyoming Women’s Ag Symposium at the Ramkota Hotel in Casper on Nov. 12-13 this year. After many conversations, WWIA will host an in-person symposium, with a variety of safety measures in place. 

In our 27th year, Wyoming Women in Ag is committed to providing a symposium packed with information and great speakers. While COVID-19 has impacted many lives, the agriculture industry keeps turning to provide food and fiber to the country, and we know women are actively engaged in the day-to-day management of their family farms and ranches. The opportunity to continue learning useful information to benefit their operations is important. 

This year, we have planned a jam-packed event, with top-quality speakers from around the region. Attendees will have the opportunity for education and fellowship with other women during our day-and-a-half-long event. 

The symposium will kick off on Nov. 12 with a Thursday night speaker, cash bar and hors d’oeuvres beginning at 5:30 p.m. At 6:30 p.m., Katelyn McCullock, director and senior ag economist at the Livestock Marketing Information Center, will take the stage. Katelyn’s expertise in the cattle, hog, dairy, hay and grain sectors will inform her market update presentation. Her presentation is sponsored by Jonah Wealth Management. 

Following Katelyn, Wes Taylor and Darci Tamlin, a talented duo, will entertain audience members. Darci and Wes are both heavily involved in agriculture and are students at the University of Wyoming in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. 

The next morning, registration and coffee open at 8 a.m., followed by a welcome at 8:30 and a keynote presentation at 8:45 a.m. 

The 2020 symposium brings back Cat Urbigkit, a well-known western Wyoming rancher, livestock guardian dog and large carnivore expert. Cat will speak about ranching in environments where large carnivores are prevalent. The keynote presentation is sponsored by Farm Credit Services of America.

Following the keynote presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to select from four break-out topics. 

Breakout presenter Tracy Hunt, a Newcastle rancher and attorney, will speak about how “The Great Reset,” as articulated by the World Economic Forum, will impact Wyomingites. Doug Miyamoto, director of the Wyoming Department of Agriculture, will update attendees on the industrial hemp industry in Wyoming in a breakout session. 

As a third breakout option, State Rep. Hans Hunt will cover the latest developments in the Wyoming Food Freedom Act. He will also provide the latest update on food freedom and local food efforts across the country, providing insight on how Wyoming is keeping pace with the food freedom movement across the country. 

The final breakout presentation will be offered by Greg Faxon of Zoetis, who will outline the best practices for vaccine programs, as well as provide updates on the latest innovations in the industry. 

Following lunch, Tammy Burke of Financial Benefits in Spearfish, S.D., will provide information to symposium attendees on agricultural estate planning. Estate planning is often our most-requested topic, and Tammy provides a wealth of knowledge on the importance of estate planning, as well as the numerous options farmers and ranchers have when setting up their estate plans. 

Throughout the symposium, attendees will also have the opportunity to shop from a variety of trade show booths, featuring items ranging from jewelry and clothing to food, books and more.

As the state continues to see cases of COVID-19, Wyoming Women in Ag continue to be mindful of health concerns. Masks will be available to attendees who choose to wear a mask, but they will not be required to attend the symposium. 

The Ramkota Hotel is also taking extra steps to provide a safe environment while following state health ordinances and the governor’s COVID-19 recommendations. For more information on the safety practices at the Ramkota, visit ramkotacasper.com.

Registration for the event is slightly different for the 27th Annual Symposium, as compared to previous years. The Nov. 12 evening event is $10, and the full-day, Nov. 13 symposium costs $35. Registration for both days comes at a discounted $40. 

WWIA is very thankful for the generous support of our sponsors. Sponsors for the 2020 event include Farm Credit Services of America, Jonah Wealth Management, ANB Bank and Enbridge. Without the generous help of our sponsors, our symposium registration costs would be more expensive, and we’re thankful for their support.

For more information or to register, visit wywomeninag.org. Call 307-259-5013 with additional questions.

Saige Zespy is the Wyoming Women in Ag president. She can be reached at wywomeninag@gmail.com.

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