DOSWELL—From agriculture entrepreneurs to farm enthusiasts, women at a recent Caroline County event walked away with resources and relationships to last a lifetime.

Around 80 participants from across Virginia traveled to the 7th Annual Women in Agriculture Gathering, held March 28 and 29 at The Meadow Event Park in Caroline County. Hosted by the Virginia Women in Agriculture Network, the event offered female farmers, landowners and agriculture enthusiasts opportunities to network with peers, hone technical skills and discuss solutions to unique challenges.

Several Virginia Cooperative Extension agents started the program in 2018 after identifying ongoing growth in the state’s female farmer population. There are more than 25,000 female producers in Virginia today, according to the 2022 U.S. Census of Agriculture.

“Our goal is to give some educational content, touch on topics that people are very interested in, and create an environment where women can network together and learn from each other,” explained Sarah Sharpe, WAG committee chair.

Participants learned digital marketing tips from Virginia Farm Bureau’s social media specialist Tenille Nuckols. They also attended in-depth workshops on navigating grant applications and writing business plans, led by the Virginia Foundation for Agriculture, Innovation and Rural Sustainability—a longtime sponsor of the program.

“No matter where attendees are in their farm business journeys, the program is action-packed with information to help producers grow at any stage of their business development,” remarked Whitney Perkins, VA FAIRS assistant director and workshop presenter.

First-time attendee and beginning farmer Kelsey Seward of Thistledew Fold LLC appreciated the workshop’s attention to detail. She launched her Hanover County Highland cattle and agritourism business in 2023 and is working to expand her network of female farmers.

“I think the networking aspect of the event was the best part,” she reflected. “I met local ladies who basically live right down the road from me and are going to be great resources going forward.”

Seward especially enjoyed Friday’s “Speed Dating with Ag Service Providers” activity. Participants connected with local peers and representatives from Extension, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Virginia Farm Bureau, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Conservation Partners LLC, and the Hanover-Caroline Soil and Water Conservation District.

“I definitely got a lot of good contacts for all sorts of things that we might need,” she noted.

Along with offering more networking opportunities, Saturday’s programming dove into livestock and fruit and vegetable production.

“My favorite part of these gatherings is watching all of the relationships that are formed,” Sharpe reflected. “They happen so easily and naturally at an event like this, and being a person who can help create that is something I look forward to every year.”

Perkins most enjoyed seeing “women cheering on women and openly sharing their lessons learned, tips, tricks and advice for success.”

Seward recommends the program for both beginning and experienced farmers.

“There’re always new things to be learned in agriculture,” she said.

Visit the Virginia Women in Agriculture Network Facebook page for updates on upcoming programs.

Media: Contact Sharpe at 434-985-5236, Perkins at 804-290-1155, or Seward at 804-937-3803.