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SC Women's Agricultural Network Inaugural Conference

Extension Education

Sarah Scott
Horticulture Agent
Clemson Extension Service
Edgefield

Abstract

The South Carolina Women’s Agriculture Network (SC WAgN) was developed as an overarching initiative to provide all women in agriculture the tools they need to grow their success, feel confident in their roles and provide a network for women in agriculture in our state. Currently, there are three existing program areas under SC WAgN: Annie’s Project, Ladies Engaged in Agriculture Development, and Women Owning Woodlands. Each of those areas had their own developed programs and network of participants; however, agriculture in South Carolina is not one-dimensional, and different program areas often overlap. Creating a larger SC WAgN Conference to unite and educate females on all aspects of agriculture is essential. 

The SC WAgN Conference was the state's first women-in-agriculture conference offered by Clemson Cooperative Extension. This two-day event allowed participants to attend farm tours of Clemson’s facilities to expose them to research, practices, and resources available through Clemson University. In addition to farm tours, the first day of the conference offered attendees the time and space to network and make connections through a casual social event. The conference's second day provided educational breakout sessions on farm income tax basics, agriwellness, finance, hydroponics, forestry, agritourism, marketing, youth agriculture education, integrated pest management, and more.

Following the educational sessions on day two, a survey was given to each participant to complete. Short-term outcomes included witnessing participants interact and share ideas with each other. Participants also shared contact information with presenters and others to follow up in the future. The results from the overall Conference survey showed that 94.3% of participants felt that the conference met or exceeded their expectations, and 91.4% said that they would attend the next conference if available.

Sixty-five program participants from all across South Carolina attended the inaugural SC WAgN Conference. Twenty-five speakers provided over eight hours of educational content. Based on the post-conference survey and feedback, the SC WAgN committee has decided to make this an annual event.

Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: Sarah Scott, Jaime Pohlman, Charlotte Maxwell, Kathy Coleman, Dawn White, Bethany Funkhouser, Marie Bolt, Hannah Mikell, Heather Benjamin, Chase Baille, Amber Starnes, Janet Steele, Becky Davis
  1. Scott, S. Horticulture Agent, Clemson University Cooperative Extension, South Carolina, 29824
  2. Pohlman, J. Extension Agent, Clemson University Cooperative Extension, South Carolina, 29835
  3. Maxwell, C. Extension Agent, Clemson University Cooperative Extension, South Carolina, 29526
  4. Coleman, K. Director, Sandhills REC, Clemson University Cooperative Extension, South Carolina, 29229
  5. White, D. Director, Clemson Extension Publishing, Clemson University Cooperative Extension, South Carolina, 29634
  6. Funkhouser, B. Extension Agent, Clemson University Cooperative Extension, South Carolina, 29532
  7. Bolt, M. Director, T. Ed. Garrison Arena and Expo Center, Clemson University Cooperative Extension, South Carolina, 29634
  8. Mikell, H. Extension Agent, Clemson University Cooperative Extension, South Carolina, 29102
  9. Benjamin, H. Extension Agent, Clemson University Cooperative Extension, South Carolina, 29505
  10. Baille, C. Extension Agent, Clemson University Cooperative Extension, South Carolina, 29526
  11. Starnes, A. Extension Agent, Clemson University Cooperative Extension, South Carolina, 29709
  12. Steele, J. Extension Agent, Clemson University Cooperative Extension, South Carolina, 29115
  13. Davis, B. Extension Agent, Clemson University Cooperative Extension, South Carolina, 29003