OPSU Women in Ag Lead the Way with PanhandHER Ag Conference, Empowering Women Across the Region

The OPSU Women in Ag, in collaboration with the OSU Extension Office of Texas County, successfully hosted the inaugural PanhandHER Ag Conference, welcoming over 100 women of all ages from across the region. The conference, aimed at empowering women in the agriculture industry, provided opportunities for learning, networking, and mentorship.

Keynote speaker Emma Alexander, Field Representative for U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin, delivered an inspiring speech about leadership and the crucial role of women in agriculture. Guest speakers Ashlynn Remington and Venessa Wood also shared their personal experiences, offering valuable advice to attendees.

Alongside the speakers, thirteen mentors from various industries facilitated discussions on career development, leadership, and overcoming challenges unique to women in agriculture. These mentor-led sessions were a highlight, allowing attendees to build meaningful connections and gain invaluable advice in a one-on-one setting.

Rylin Baker, President of Women in Ag, reflected on the significance of the event, saying, "The most impactful part of the conference for me was seeing the diversity of each woman there. We all came from different backgrounds but were still able to relate to each other and had many shared experiences." She added, "Ashlyn Remington was very relatable. It felt like she was talking to us as friends. She shared her struggles about finding a job, and it fit what a lot of women in the room have struggled with."

Kaylee Woolman, Vice President of Women in Ag, echoed the sentiment, noting how inspired she was by the collaborative atmosphere. "The most impactful part of this conference to me was seeing all these strong, powerful women come together because they want to help each other and continue to watch agriculture succeed. The mentors were so willing to help us succeed, and that support meant everything," Woolman said. She also shared how the conference encouraged her to face her fears and step out into the world. "It inspired me not to worry about stepping out into the world on my own at a young age. It's good growth, and no matter how scary it seems, I learned to be bold, go after my dreams, and make them a reality."

Advisor Chyanna Black expressed pride in the Women in Ag members and their hard work in hosting such a successful event. "The girls exceeded my expectations. It was a large turnout with over 100 women in attendance, and for their first year, it went smoothly. The meaningful conversations that happened at the mentor tables were a standout. The ladies got to meet and talk with several women in different industries, giving them confidence in areas where many young women struggle," Black said. She added that the team is already preparing to improve next year's event by refining their marketing strategies and strengthening sponsor relations.

Tracy Kincannon, Dean of the College of Agriculture, Science, and Nursing stated, "I was very blessed with the turn out. It showed the area the great ag leaders OPSU has and the leaders we are developing. I am very excited about future leadership opportunities that Women In Ag will bring to the OPSU campus."

The conference was made possible with support from sponsors, including Western Equipment, Plus One Cattle Co., Guymon Nutrition and Energy, Bar Double Diamond Seed, Five State Spray, Farm Credit, and Anchor D Bank.

With a successful first event behind them, the OPSU Women in Ag are already looking ahead to next year, determined to continue empowering women in agriculture and providing more opportunities for growth and learning.