"Rise and Shine" was the theme of the 13th annual Mid-Mo Women in Agriculture Conference, which drew about 230 people to the California First Baptist Church facility April 18.
Following a welcoming message, Steve Engelbrecht spoke on the topic "Trash or Treasure." Engelbrecht is a Tipton High School graduate and graduate of University of Missouri-Columbia with a B.S. in agricultural economics.
While his parents, Don and Lucy, still operate their Centennial Farm near Latham, Engelbrecht is owner and manager of Engelbrecht Farms Inc., which is a mushroom-growing operation near Miami, Oklahoma. In his spare time, he raises goats and is active in the First Christian Church-Miami. He and his wife Holly have five children. He spoke of the many life lessons he has learned, in his present work and in the 15-year career with large poultry companies.
The second speaker was Lorin Fahrmeier. Her talk was titled "Navigating Life as the Feisty Farmwife." She, her husband, Bret, and son, Murphy, live in Lexington on their family farm, growing nearly 40 acres of fresh fruit and vegetables. They have a u-pick business, and a roadside farm market focusing on selling their "diverse crops" directly to customers.
They also sell at the city market in Kansas City and to restaurants and also grow for around 300 community-supported agriculture (CSA) subscriptions. CSA is an alternative, locally-based economic model of agriculture and food distribution, which also refers to a particular network, or association of individuals.
A lunch was by "Sweet Chipotle Catering," Patrick Miller, executive chef/owner. Also at noon, there was vendor recognition, door prizes and games. Donations were made to The Special Learning Center.
Seven workshop sessions were presented in the afternoon. Workshops offered were: "Emergency Preparedness for the Family" by David Bledsoe, Moniteau County 911 director; Dehydrating Food" by Lynda Zimmerman, nutrition and health education specialist, and Melissa Cotten, registered and licensed dietician; "Today's Beef" by Taylor Tuttle, graduate of University of Missouri-Columbia with a degree in ag education and minor in ag economics; "Recording One's Legacy -Memoir and Other Writing" by Anita Allee, author, and Mary Hayden, illustrator; "Hot Plants that Are Cool" by David Trinklein, associate professor at University of Missouri-Columbia; "Holistic Approach For Women's Health" by Sally Ellebracht-Gerke M.D., who has practiced family medicine at Clinton and Boonville; and "Work-Life Balance" by Leah Roberts, RN, nine-year veteran as surgical nurse, who focuses on helping people move towards wellness and away from factors which lead to chronic illness or surgery.
Roberts emphasized setting short-term goals; balancing home, work and health; choosing healthy foods; and exercising, in spite of a busy schedule.
There were many vendors on-site with a variety of information and products, both manufactured, crafts and foods.
Following the event, those present networked, visited with friends and returned evaluations.