Those who attended the Nibble and Network meeting at The Locker in New Castle last week really seemed to benefit from it and already have expressed an interest in future events.
Speakers were Kelli Weakly, an independent insurance agent who was a huge proponent of networking events (including this one for women in agriculture in particular), Lindsey Davie, Henry County High School Agriculture teacher and FFA advisor and Katie Taylor, County Executive Director of the USDA Farm Service.
Attendees learned about the benefits of networking in general, local agriculture and farm services available to them, but they spent the bulk of their time creating new relationships with other women in attendance, who shared their thoughts on the need for further classes on grant information and low interest loans; estate planning; technology for recordkeeping; cost share programs; high tunnel production; regenerative practices; soil health; and rotational grazing.
New Castle Mayor Phoebe Thompson was generous in allowing the use of The Locker, and Jason Rayburn of Starview Greenhouses opened up early so we had centerpieces to create festive decor. Women involved in agriculture suggested this event, paid their own way for it and educated and connected with each other during our Nibble and Network forum.