2018 is wrapping up to be another great year for Women, Land & Legacy. Over 30 educational and networking events were held throughout the state. Four new counties joined the WLL team and conversations have started to kick-off many more new chapters in 2019. Below are some re-caps of events from late summer into fall and winter. Keep an eye on our WLL calendar and team Facebook pages for 2019 events.

Buchanan county formally joined Women, Land & Legacy on August 28th with two Listening Sessions. Over 50 women participated in the sessions, which focused on listening to the interests and needs of Buchanan women involved in agriculture and land management.

Following the Listening Sessions, the Buchanan WLL team held two events, including a craft night in October and a transition planning meeting November. Stay tuned for more from the Buchanan Co. WLL team on their Facebook page.

On September 10th Cedar/Muscatine/Scott WLL had a successful launch with its two listening sessions at the Durant Community Center. The sessions were an opportunity for women who are engaged in agriculture and land management to let the WLL local team know what their strengths and needs are and to share ideas about how agencies and organizations can better assist them. Many women are facing similar issues and it was helpful to them knowing they are not alone and that WLL is a resource to help and support them. Based on the feedback, once a month afternoon gatherings will be held, once a quarter/afternoon evening farm tours will be held, quarterly newsletters will be issued and the Facebook group will be kept up to date with team news and upcoming events.

The first event was held on October 16th, a tour and networking gathering at Ardon Creek Vineyard and Winery in Letts. Two other events were held at Gramma’s Kitchen in Walcott, covering topics on Transition Planning and Securing Ag. Finance.

Tama WLL November 8th Learning Session featured Farm Bureau’s Andrew Wheeler and his presentation, “Connecting Past the Fence Row.” No matter where people sit at the “agricultural table,” strong opinions about agriculture can be found everywhere, from social media to the corner café. Participants learned how to help navigate this “message minefield” in order to get a story of agriculture told where it needs to be heard. Stay tuned to more from Tama Co. WLL on their Facebook page.

Johnson WLL held an estate planning meeting in Iowa City November 8th. Speaker Dennis Mitchell with MidWestOne Bank shared tips and tools for thinking about farmland transition. Also in attendance were representatives from non-profit organizations Bur Oak Land Trust, the Sustainable Iowa Land Trust and Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation. Stay tuned to the Johnson Co. team’s Facebook page for 2019 news.

On December 12th Emmet/Palo Alto WLL held a painting craft night. Participants  crafted home made signs for the holidays and enjoyed snacks and socializing. The Emmet/Palo Alto team has several great events in the works for 2019. Stay tuned to their Facebook page for more details.