March 21, 2026 | 8:30 AM Registration, 9 AM - 3 PM Program

The Washington County Women in Agriculture Advisory Board is excited to announce the 2026 Women in Ag Conference, taking attendees “Beyond the Fields.” This year’s sessions will dive into engaging the next generation, strengthening communication within farm families, planning for the future through estate and succession strategies, and exploring innovative niche market opportunities. Attendees will gain practical tools, fresh perspectives, and inspiring stories from women shaping agriculture today. It’s a day designed to empower, connect, and equip women to thrive both on and beyond the farm.

REGISTRATION IS OPEN TO ALL.

 Register early and save! Register by March 14, 2026 and the cost is $25 ($15 for students).
Late or walk-in registrations are $35 ($25 for students).

2026 Women in Ag Conference Sessions and Presenters

Growing the Next Generation: Leveraging Programs for Beginning Farmers 

Sara Adrian and Tammy Nebola 

Get a fast‑paced look at the programs that help beginning farmers launch their operations through the Farm Service Agency (FSA) and the Iowa Finance Authority. Sara Adrian, an FSA farm loan officer, will highlight key opportunities available to new producers. You’ll also hear from Tammy Nebola of the Iowa Finance Authority in a short video outlining additional tools for both today’s farmers and the next generation. Expect practical insights, clear takeaways, and fresh motivation to help the next generation grow.

Estate and Succession Planning for Farm Families

Kristine Tidgren

One of the most important things we can do if we have a farm is to have a written plan in place for our estate and succession plan. Do you have a plan? Have you recently reviewed your plan? Kristine who is the Director of the Center of Agricultural Law and Taxation at Iowa State University, will share tips and resources we can use to help develop our own farm estate and succession plan to better protect our farm’s future, preserve our legacy, and also help with that transition to the next generation. 

From Freezer Beef to Farm Brand: Real Talk on Building a Business, a Brand, and a Life

Ashley Recknor 

You don’t have to do it all — but you can still build something meaningful. Ashley Recknor shares her journey from launching Purple Ribbon Beef at a farmers market to growing a purpose-driven farm brand rooted in quality, family, and resilience. As a healthcare executive, entrepreneur, mom, and multi-hat wearer, Ashley offers a candid look at what it takes to juggle life in and beyond agriculture. Through reflections on branding, burnout, motherhood, and messy middle moments, this session will leave you feeling seen, inspired, and ready to tell your own story with confidence.

Communication Styles: Real Colors®

Shannon Bielicke 

Strong communication is essential in any business, and a family farming operation is no exception. Understanding our different communication styles can help, which is where Real Colors® comes in. Real Colors® is an engaging, research-based way to understand communication styles and strengthen relationships. Are you a Gold, Blue, Green, or Orange? Shannon will guide attendees in identify their own color and learn how to better work and communicate with other colors. With practical examples, this hands-on session will help equip us all to be better communicators. 

Seasons of a Farm Life: Love, Loss, and Finding Purpose

Joan Maxwell

Joan will share her journey from growing up on a traditional farm to navigating personal loss and ultimately building a renewed life in Iowa through agriculture. During her presentation, she will explore how farming has evolved from the way she was raised to how they operate their farm today, embracing innovation, value-added agriculture, and agritourism. Attendees will also gain insight into their farmstead cheese operation and how they transformed their dairy into a direct-to-consumer, on-farm business.