Gillette Symposium Includes Honoring Women in Agriculture

Industry updates, workshops and recognizing women in agriculture are part of the Excellence in Agriculture Symposium Wednesday, May 1, at the CAM-PLEX Energy Hall in Gillette.

The day also features Wyoming first lady Jennie Gordon as the keynote lunch speaker.

“It is with great pleasure that the UW Extension agriculture and horticulture team announces our first Excellence in Agriculture Symposium, which will bring research and issue updates to the Wyoming producers in the central and northeast parts of the state,” says Scott Cotton, UW Extension educator.

At 8:30 a.m., conference attendees can register, view the trade show and enjoy coffee and pastries.

Starting at 9 a.m., those attending can choose between “Beef Quality Assurance,” with Steve Paisley, UW Extension, or “Difficult Conversations: How Do We Discuss What Really Matters,” with John Hewlett and Caleb Carter, UW Extension.

The next breakout session allows attendees to choose between “Livestock Health and Disease Updates,” with Jim Logan, Wyoming state veterinarian, or “Livestock and Predators,” with Cat Urbigkit, a Wyoming rancher and author.

“This will be a great opportunity for ag producers to hear from and engage with some of Wyoming’s livestock industry professionals,” says Blake Hauptman, UW Extension educator.

Jim Magagna, executive vice president of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association, will provide an update on agricultural issues.

Gordon will provide her outlook on Wyoming agriculture during the luncheon address. She has had many roles working with her husband, Gov. Mark Gordon, on their cow-calf and heifer development operation.

The program concludes with recognition of Wyoming Heart of Agriculture Award winners. The award recognizes current and historic farm and ranch contributions of women in agriculture.

“Our effort with the Heart of Agriculture luncheon is to provide a venue where all Wyoming counties can recognize a woman agriculture producer each year,” Cotton says.

Nominees for the Heart of Agriculture Award need to be submitted to Cotton at scotton1@uwyo.edu

before April 22. Nominee information must include name, county of operation, description of the efforts by the producer and a photo, if possible. All materials submitted will be held confidential by UW Extension.

Attendees must register by Friday, April 26, by going to bit.ly/heartofag. The $25.50 registration fee includes the luncheon. For more information, email Hauptman at bhauptma@uwyo.edu or call (307) 283-1192; or email Cotton at scotton1@uwyo.edu or call (307) 235-9400.