More than 200 women from across agriculture gathered Wednesday at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska to cultivate relationships and build leadership skills at the 27th annual Women’s Agricultural Leadership Conference. This year’s theme was “Rooted in Agriculture.”

Attendees were welcomed by Minnesota 4-H Agriculture Ambassadors, highlighting the broad variety of ages in attendance – from high schoolers to retirees.

The opening session, “Leading and learning at every stage,” built off the age variety. Featured speakers included Barb Liebenstein, co-owner of Wolf Creek Cattle and Farms, who has recently retired from dairy farming; Jamie Dreher, Vice President, Business Banking Underwriting Manager at U.S. Bank; Friendly Vang-Johnson, Director of Government Affairs, Minnesota Farmers’ Market Association, and Ashley Hagenow, previous Alice in Dairyland, who is just starting her career at CHS. Each speaker had a plethora of advice for the women in the room.

“When you put yourself last and fight for other people, that’s when you know you’ve become a leader,” Dreher said. Dreher was also honored with one of the two Outstanding Agricultural Mentor awards given during the event.

Networking was a huge focus, and those in attendance were given plenty of opportunities to learn more about their fellow agriculturalists, through activities, mini-sessions and breakout sessions.

One breakout session covered the ever-changing legislature. This allowed attendees to ask questions or express concerns related to their businesses and get real-time responses. Andrea Vaubel, deputy commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, was also available to answer questions related to state policy.

The Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC) sponsored the event. MSR&PC Director Rochelle Krusemark and several Council staff members attended.