By Andi Anderson
Ohio State University Extension is preparing to host the 2026 Southern Ohio Women in Agriculture Conference, an annual event designed to empower women involved in farming and rural life.
The conference will take place on Friday, April 10, 2026, at Bell Manor in Chillicothe, Ohio. Running from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., the program offers a full day of educational sessions, hands‑on workshops, and meaningful networking opportunities for participants across the region.
This year’s conference theme highlights the importance of safety, wellness, and family‑friendly farm practices. The sessions aim to provide participants with practical knowledge they can use in their daily farm work and home life.
Attendees will learn about protecting themselves during outdoor work, managing farm‑related stress, selecting age‑appropriate farm tasks for children, and preventing tick‑borne illnesses.
The event also includes a lunch catered by Carson Farm House Favorites, giving guests a chance to relax and connect with peers, sponsors, and members of the agricultural community.
Several engaging sessions will be offered throughout the day. “Block the Burn” will focus on sun safety and will be led by Lisa Barlage, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator with OSU Extension Ross County.
Another session, “Farm Families, Farm Stress, Farm Wellness,” will explore the physical and mental health impacts of farm life, with insights from Susan Rogers of NAMI of Southern Ohio. For families involving children in farm work, the session “From Play to Pay: Kid‑Safe Farm Jobs” with Dee Jepsen will highlight safe and age‑appropriate farm tasks.
Participants may also join “Ready, Aim, Extinguish,” a hands‑on training experience on using fire extinguishers correctly during emergencies. The program “Tick Talk,” led by Tim McDermott, will provide important information on tick safety for families and livestock. A creative activity, the “FuFu Flowers Workshop,” will be facilitated by Ally Smith, where participants can design and take home a dried‑flower arrangement.
Registration for the conference is required, and the cost to attend is $45. Interested individuals can sign up at go.osu.edu/womeninagconf. For any questions or additional assistance, participants may contact OSU Extension Ross County at 740‑702‑3200.
The 2026 Southern Ohio Women in Ag Conference promises a valuable and educational experience for women looking to strengthen their skills, enhance family well‑being, and build community within the agricultural world.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-shotbydave
Categories: Ohio, Rural Lifestyle