MFU Announces Third Annual Women's Conference

rd Annual Eastern Montana Women's Conference from January 31 through February 2 in Malta. According to MFU representatives, "this conference is about food, farming, and beyond, from connections in rural communities to the science of our farms."

Conference organizers invite women to join them for this gathering, where the work will focus not only on building new connections and community but on celebrating "the Ladies Who Ag!"

The conference will begin on Friday with check-in and registration at the Great Northern Hotel in Malta from 4:00-5:00 p.m. That will be followed by a cocktail hour, networking activities, and giveaways; with dinner being served at approximately 6:15 p.m.

Saturday will feature a full agenda of workshops, breakout sessions, and speakers. Some of those topics include

• MSU Extension Leadership Program

• Being an Effective Board Member for your Community and Montana

• Food Rx: Produce Prescription Program

• Mental Health and Burnout with Roubie Younkin (MSU Extension)

• Movement and Motion // Dance Lessons

• Far Out and Waiting with Phillips County EMS

• Understanding Farm Economics and Ag Markets

• Business Planning + Ag Financial Education: with AG West Credit's Whitney Tatafu

• Crop and Feed Testing: Understanding Soil Health, Protein, and Nitrates with Christina Murphy (MSU Extension).

Saturday evening's entertainment will highlight a Keynote Address: Reframing Rural with Megan Torgerson.

Originally from Dagmar but currently residing in Bozeman, Torgerson is a writer, farmer's daughter, and founder of the award-winning podcast Reframing Rural, which challenges many of the stigmas attached to rural places. She focuses her work on history, culture, and uplifting working people who don't often get the spotlight. Torgerson holds a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Degree in Arts Leadership from Seattle University and a BA in English with a creative nonfiction emphasis from the University of Montana.

This MFU event provides an opportunity for women to gather, share stories, network and build community, all while building on leadership and agriculture skills. From land, leadership, and local foods, to goal setting and soil health, this conference promises to uplift women in agriculture.

On Sunday, February 2, after a grab and go breakfast at the hotel, a caravan will depart for Sleeping Buffalo Hot Springs. There, Patti Armbrister will not only present on Wool Dryer Ball Making but will lead a wellness session that includes access to the healing waters of the hot springs.

Options for registration include the full conference OR Saturday only passes. Registration with hotel rooms closes January 7 at noon, and registration for a conference day pass (no hotel room) will end January 20, 2025. Anyone seeking additional information can find it on the MFU website, (montanafarmersunion.com).