Submitted by Amie Schleicher, M.S., Regional Livestock Specialist & Associate Extension Professional, University of Missouri Extension, Atchison County

Opportunities for women to connect and learn will be offered at an upcoming Women in Agriculture event on Tuesday, March 27, at 5:00 p.m. at the Velma Houts Fair Building in Rock Port.
Offered by the Atchison County USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA), Atchison County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and University of Missouri Extension, the theme for this year’s event is “Connect/Thrive/Grow.” Registration opens at 5 p.m. Heavy hors d’oeuvres, desserts and drinks will be available from 5 – 7:30 p.m. while attendees browse through a vendor fair featuring local entrepreneurs and agencies. Door prizes donated by local businesses will be given away during the evening, and a silent auction will be available with funds being used for future Women in Ag programs.
Educational workshops will also provide women in attendance with tips on how to eat healthy with a busy lifestyle. First, Sarah Wood, registered dietician and nutrition and health education specialist with University of Missouri Extension in Buchanan County will offer a hands-on, interactive workshop at 6:00 p.m., “Smart Snacks for Busy People”, with ideas and samples for healthy snacking on the go.
Container gardening is a popular way to grow flowers. Tips on how to do so successfully will be offered in a session by Hurst Greenery of Westboro at 6:45 p.m.
The keynote presentation will provide additional tips on healthy eating—this time, healthy meals in-the-field and on-the-go. A number of women involved in agriculture prepare meals to take to the field during planting and harvest. Whether involved in agriculture or not, many people lead busy lifestyles and eating healthy meals between activities and while traveling can be challenging. Sarah Wood will once again lead this session at 7:30 p.m. with ideas for quick, easy to prepare, and healthy meal options for busy people.
Tickets are $5 per person, and can be purchased ahead of time at the Atchison County USDA Service Center at 302 E US Hwy 136 in Rock Port, EM’s Emporium in Rock Port, Farmer’s State Bank in Fairfax, and the Flower Mill in Tarkio. Those who purchase their tickets before March 15 will receive a goody bag at the door.
For more information, contact the Atchison County Soil and Water Conservation District at 660-744-6201, ext. 3. If you need accommodations because of a disability, need to relay emergency medical information or need special arrangements if the building is evacuated, contact the program as soon as possible.
University of Missouri Extension provides equal opportunity to all participants in extension programs and activities, and for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.