Preparations underway for Heart of the Farm conference

Sep 20, 2023

The event takes place Nov. 7 to 9 in Saskatoon

By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com

Organizers are preparing for an industry event in Saskatoon in November.

Saskatchewan Women in Ag (WIA) is getting ready for its CONNECT – Heart of the Farm conference, scheduled for Nov. 7 to 9 at the Sheraton Cavalier Saskatoon Hotel.

“It’s a conference for women in the industry to get together, network, and learn different things in the industry,” Vicki Lawrence, a director and partnership lead with WIA, told Farms.com. “It’s a great opportunity to celebrate the year and get everyone together.”

One of the show’s strengths is its diversity.

Not everyone attending or presenting at the event is a farmer.

This highlights how many ways women are making an impact in the industry, Lawrence said.

“That’s something past attendees have told us is really cool about the show,” she said. “We’ve got producers, and people who maybe work alongside the farm, and we’ve got entrepreneurs. It’s a great way to show that you don’t have to be a farmer to make significant contributions to the ag industry.”

Another positive aspect of the Heart of the Farm conference is it helps inspire young women in ag.

Groups of women, whether it’s mothers and daughters, or sisters, or coworkers, attend together, Lawrence said.

“It’s awesome to see because it shows the next generation how much women in the ag industry have progressed over the years,” she said. “To keep that momentum going is so important.”

Attendees of the November show will have opportunities to listen to multiple guest speakers.

The keynote is Dr. Jody Carrington, a psychologist based in Olds, Alta.

“Jody focuses much of her work around reconnection – the key to healthy relationships and productive teams,” her bio on the show website says.

In addition, Hayden Fox, a farmer and social media star from Cayuga, Ont., will be there to share funny stories about people he encounters.

More information about the show, ticket availability and its schedule can be found on the event website or across the WIA’s social media channels.

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