RICHMOND—“Agvocacy” is the focus of the Virginia Women in Agriculture Gathering, which will be held from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. March 24 at the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation headquarters in Goochland County.

The keynote speaker will be Lauren Arbogast, who is involved in her family’s Rockingham County farm and is one of five U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance Faces of Farming & Ranching. Arbogast will speak about social media, advocating for agriculture and the key role women play in shaping the voice and face of the industry.

Presented by Virginia Cooperative Extension, the event is supported by the VFBF Women’s Committee.

"The Farm Bureau Women's Committee is looking forward to hosting the Virginia Women in Agriculture Gathering,” noted committee chairman Faye Hundley. “The conference allows us to branch out and connect with other Virginia women involved in farming, to build relationships and learn from each other. It also helps to raise awareness about the many opportunities offered by the Farm Bureau Women's Committee."

Event speakers include female farmers and industry leaders from across the region. Participants also will have the opportunity to network with peers, hone technical skills and discuss solutions to the unique challenges they face as women in agriculture.

Other discussion topics include vegetable production, animal first aid, large equipment maintenance and agritourism.

Registration is $30 before March 20 and $40 on March 21 or later. Register at tinyurl.com/womeninag2018.

Media: Contact Charlotte Maxwell, Virginia Cooperative Extension, at 804-556-5872.