Mark Your Calendar
March 9, 2012 Women Changing the Face of Agriculture, Link HERE
March 29-April 1, 2012 American Agri-Women Mid-Year Meeting, Lied Lodge, Nebraska City, NE
June 4-7, 2012 American Agri-Women Fly-In, Washington, D.C.
November 8-10, 2012 American Agri-Women Annual Convention, Denver, CO
News
For upcoming IAW meeting information and for previous meeting highlights, go to the State Meetings Tab.
For AAW meeting and convention information, go to the National Meetings Tab.
Women Changing the Face of Agriculture--IAW is gearing up for the third annual WCTFA conference on March 9, 2012. The event is for women of any age to learn more about careers in agriculture. The keynote speaker will be from John Deere's diversity program to share information about the efforts of that company to include women throughout the various divisions. Learn more and register for the event at www.womenchangingthefaceofagriculture.com.
IAW and IDA Honor
Visionary Women in Agriculture--The Illinois Agri-Women, in an
effort to recognize the growing number of women succeeding in a
predominately male field, have initiated new awards for females involved
in farming and agribusiness, and we inducted our first member to the IAW
Hall of Fame, which will include the elite group of Illinois Agri-Women
members who have acted as a guiding light and inspiration for others
through their life model and tireless work for agriculture. Below are
three award winners for 2011.
Ibendahl, First Inductee in the IAW Hall of Fame--Jean
Ibendahl has been chosen as the charter inductee to the Illinois Agri-Women
Hall of Fame. Jean was nominated by a number of her fellow
Illinois Agri- Women. She has made a huge impact on many members and
inspires them all to greater deeds. Jean has led the Illinois Agri-Women
through her tireless work and initiative and continues to keep abreast
of all things concerning agriculture.
Outstanding Illinois Woman Farmer--Joanie Schone
of Jacksonville was selected as the 2011 Outstanding Illinois Woman
farmer for her outstanding leadership and dedication to the family farm
and n community. She has been a long standing supporter of local FFA and
4-H youth groups and the Morgan County agriculture community, giving
freely of her time and talents to ensure future generations of farmers
and ag professionals get a good start on their chosen career.
Outstanding Women in Agribusiness--Evelyn Brandt
Thomas was named Outstanding Women in Agribusiness for dedication to
agriculture industry, future of farming, and community projects.
IAW Scholarship--The IAW Scholarship is awarded to College Seniors
attending an Illinois College or University, majoring in Ag Education,
with the intent to teach ag education. The purpose of the scholarship is
to assist ag education majors in crucial time during their education:
student teaching. The Scholarship form can be located on the IAW
website, www.illinoisagriwomen.org, and the deadline is May 15, 2012.
IAW Member Named Regional Winner for Monsanto's Farm Mom of the Year Award--Past President Cheryl D. of Cerro Gordo, IL, was awarded Midwest Farm Mom of the Year. "I am blessed to have such a supportive family. I am just one member of a farming team. I want my children to learn about agriculture the same way I did – by getting dirty and taking risks. Farming is a rollercoaster, but agriculture has always been my passion. I truly want to empower others to pursue their agricultural dreams and protect the right to farm for the next generation," Cheryl said. Read the nomination essay written by Cheryl's daughter HERE. The national winner is Carol Cowan of Watonga, OK. Learn more at www.monsanto.com.
AAW TV Show Airs on RFDTV-- Farm women are making a difference from coast to coast. RFD-TV will air a tv show produced by American Agri-Women (AAW) for farm women on Tuesdays at 9:30 p.m. EST, beginning Tuesday, August 31. The show will repeat each week on Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m. The American Agri-Women Show is a series by, for, and about farm and ranch women. In this half-hour series, AAW brings a weekly topic of concern to farm, ranch and agribusiness women and shares information about how to manage risk in agricultural operations. Each show features expert advice on that week's topic and includes a visit with a farm woman who is addressing that issue in her farming operation. Farm women from Oregon to North Carolina are featured on the show. AAW President Chris Wilson said, "It's been our goal to bring programming to farm and ranch women throughout the country. We are very grateful to RFD-TV President Patrick Gottsch for making this dream a reality, and we are excited to be part of this great network." The American Agri-Women Show is made possible through a grant from USDA's Risk Management Agency. RFD-TV is Channel 345 on DIRECTV and 231 on DISH and is available on many cable channels throughout the country. For more information, visit the AAW website: http://americanagriwomen.org.
AAW Responds to Food, Inc--Food, Inc. is a documentary that aims to change the way America eats and the way American food is produced, but many in the ag world say that the movie didn’t get it right. American Agri-Women is eager to clear up misconceptions from the movie and continue the dialogue about our food. American Agri-Women addresses many of the statements made in the film in the 45 page Agriculture Responses to Food, Inc.
CFAR Recognizes IAW Member--The Illinois Council on Food and Agricultural Research (C-FAR) recognized long-standing members at its recent 2010 Annual Meeting in Springfield. At this special celebration, Illinois Agri-Women was acknowledged for being a 15-year member of C-FAR. Denise S. of Franklin serves as a representative of the organization to C-FAR. “We are deeply grateful for the dedication of Illinois Agri-Women and other members recognized at our recent annual meeting,” said Jim Charlesworth, C-FAR vice chairman of the board and membership chair. “They represent the foundation of C-FAR and have clearly demonstrated their commitment to Illinois having a sound food and agricultural research program.” C-FAR is a statewide partnership organized to support relevant, high-quality research and related outreach programs for Illinois’ food, agricultural, and related systems. For more information on C-FAR and its research programs visit www.ilcfar.org, send email to cfar@aces.illinois.edu, or call 217.244.4232.
Women At The Reins: Farm Memories Based On The Collection "From Mules To Microwaves"--History books generally ignore or minimize the contribution of women in the development of agriculture; however, many farms and ranches would have gone belly-up without the strong faith, undying spirit and stubborn determination of the women. This book contains a compilation of non-fiction stories about rural life, collected as a special project by the American Agri-Women. This project, From Mules to Microwaves, preserves the oral and written histories of rural women in order to document history from the woman's perspective. Print out the flyer HERE or order your copy today at www.heritagebooks.com.
American Grown Goodness--American Agri-Women (AAW) has established a trademark program, American Grown Goodness, which is designed to provide a way for growers, processors and marketers to identify their American grown products. Producers can either print the American Grown Goodness logo on the packaging of American grown products or adhere a small sticker to fresh or packaged products. A brochure on American grown products is also being produced by AAW. The American Grown Goodness program will be featured on a future episode of the American Agri-Women TV show to air on satellite and cable networks in 2009. To learn more about this program and encourage your local producers and companies who might be interested in this program, go to americanagriwomen.org. The application for the American Grown Goodness program can be accessed from the link at the top of the homepage. AAW is also developing a database of such companies and would welcome information about companies interested in being included in this database. Please send this information to agg@americanagriwomen.org.
Croplife Ambassadors Needed--Croplife Ambassador Network (CAN) is the educational community outreach program of the Mid America Croplife Association. It provides free speakers to present scientifically-based, accurate information to the public regarding the safety and value of American agricultural food production. The goal of CAN is to place agriculture producers and professionals in the classroom across the Midwest to share positive messages about American agriculture. Currently, the network received hundreds of request and has 300 active , informed Ambassador Volunteers but the program is looking to expand. In Illinois, ambassadors are especially needed in the Chicago and Peoria area. You do not have to be a professional speaker just very knowledgeable about the material you present to participate. CAN provides presentations and materials needed for the classroom visits. To learn more about the Croplife Ambassador Network visit the CAN’s website: http://ambassador.maca.org or contact Janet Braun at janet@maca.ccsend.com
IAW Membership Dues--IAW annual membership dues are due March 15 every year. Dues can be paid at the annual meeting or mailed to the Membership Chair Susan D. Please note the dues have increased to $50. Thank you for your continuous support of IAW. Go to the membership page for more information.
Scholarships available for Agri-Women events--Scholarships are available for members interested in going to AAW events throughout the country. Contact IAW Treasurer Linda G. at lindag@jisp.net for information. Print out a copy of the form HERE. Application forms for AAW scholarships can be found at the www.americanagriwomen.org website. Any application for an AAW or AAW Resource Center-sponsored scholarship, must be reviewed by the Illinois Agri-Women Executive Committee prior to submittal because in some cases they are limited to the number of applicants each affiliate state can submit. Please submit your applications to the IAW Executive Committee, through Heather H., at least 30 days ahead of the AAW deadline.
Vision for Illinois Agriculture--The Illinois Agriculture Legislative Roundtable has identified the need to develop a vision to grow and enhance the Illinois food and agriculture industry. A planning team has been formed that represents various sectors of agribusiness and production agriculture in Illinois. Planning team members represent sectors ranging from agriculture equipment, agriculture finance, biosciences, food and agriculture processing, production agriculture, agriculture energy, specialty agriculture, academia, and state government. The goal of the vision project is to identify and develop strategies that will enhance and grow the competitiveness of Illinois food and fiber industry. IAW is proud to be a secondary sponsor for VIA. Heather H. represented IAW on the planning committee. To learn more, go to www.illinoisagriculturevision.org.
IAW has opportunities to get involved--Choose from three ways to increase your involvement in IAW. 1. Participate in any of the calendar of events listed above. 2. Serve as a committee chair for the next 24 months. 3. Serve as a regional coordinator for the next 24 months. If you have a passion for a topic related to agriculture, contact IAW President Cheryl D. to discuss your interest and your background.
IL Ag Legislative Day--Every March, IAW joins four dozen Illinois agricultural organizations in sponsoring an annual legislative event. This annual initiative is a collaboration of farm, trade, and commodity organizations whose leaders meet with members of the Illinois General Assembly to urge passage of legislative initiatives key to agriculture. While not all groups agree on all issues, the organizations jointly push for passage on issues of common ground. The day begins with an early breakfast with legislators at the State Capitol. After breakfast and a concise briefing on current legislative events, participants make personal visits with assigned legislators. The IAW Officer team encourages members to participant in this event. Click HERE to see our 2009 Ag Week commercial.
National Agricultural Week--National Ag Day is celebrated in classrooms and communities across the country and is part of National Ag Week (every March). Why Celebrate Ag Day? Americans need to understand the value of agriculture in their daily lives. The National Ag Day program encourages every American to: understand how food and fiber products are produced; appreciate the role agriculture plays in providing safe, abundant and affordable products; value the essential role of agriculture in maintaining a strong economy; and acknowledge and consider career opportunities in the agriculture, food and fiber industry.
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