CLEVELAND, Ala. – Female farmers of any experience level are invited to attend the upcoming Women in Ag Workshop, a two-day, hands-on educational event April 25-26, at the Blount County Multipurpose Complex in Cleveland, Alabama. Open to anyone 19 and older, the workshop is designed by women, for women and provides practical training across a wide variety of agricultural topics.
Hosted by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, the workshop aims to build knowledge and confidence in core farming skills, with a particular focus on helping women gain hands-on experience in an encouraging and supportive environment.
The workshop will cover both livestock and horticulture production, including:
- Cattle evaluation
- Cattle handling and vaccines
- Calving demonstration
- Small fruit production
- Cut flower production
- Beekeeping basics
- Food preservation
- Tractor basics
- Trailer safety and backing
- Soil sampling
- Small engine maintenance
- Estate planning
“The Women in Ag event is an educational opportunity for female farm operators to increase their knowledge and confidence of basic farm skills such as tractor driving and trailer backing,” said Dr. Kira Sims, Cullman County Extension coordinator. “Many of the sessions will be hands-on so participants can learn by doing. This event will also feature both livestock and horticulture topics through breakout sessions.”
She added, “Marketing the farm, estate planning and food preservation presentations are also in the lineup. There will also be a fun flower-arranging activity at the end of the first day as a way to unwind.”
Instructors will include Alabama Extension professionals along with experienced local female farmers, who will lead and assist with the hands-on portions. Guest speakers with expertise in farm marketing and estate planning will also provide presentations during the event.
“Some women are intimidated operating equipment on their farm or have a desire to learn these skills for future farm endeavors,” Sims said. “This event will create an encouraging learning environment for women to gain confidence in basic farming tasks and increase their knowledge of a variety of topics from beef to bees.”
The workshop runs from 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m. on Friday, April 25, and from 8 a.m.- 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 26. Registration is $125, covering all meals, materials and supplies. The registration deadline is Friday, April 18, at 4 p.m. and space is limited. The registration fee is non-refundable.
Participants with accessibility needs should contact Dr. Kira Sims at 256-737-9386 by April 11.
To register, visit www.aces.edu/go/4884. For more information, contact Dr. Kira Sims at 256-737-9386 or kira.sims@auburn.edu.
The Blount County Multipurpose Complex is located at 6700 County Road 1, Cleveland, Alabama 35049.
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