Despite the weather, Women, Land & Legacy teams across the state held a collective twelve events this winter. With a few re-schedules, and some events held in sub-zero temperatures, participants came out in high numbers to network and learn. Read some highlights below and stay tuned to our events calendar for upcoming sessions near you!

Des Moines/Louisa WLL hosted Steve Bohr and Mike Downey with Next Generation Ag Advocates on February 21 in Mediapolis.  Approximately 43 people attended to hear the presentation about flexible lease arrangements, strategies for transitioning farms to the next generation, connecting the next generation of landowners and producers, and the navigating the perfect storm in American Agriculture.

Mahaska/Marion WLL held a two-part Estate and Succession Planning series this winter. 25 people attended part 1 in Oskaloosa on January 28th with presenter Charles Brown of ISU Extension & Outreach. At this session, attendees were given a binder that contained a planning guide that helped them organize their personal and farm information, and encouraged them to think about all parts of their life when planning ahead. Part 2 was held in Knoxville on February 25^th with Charles Brown and Billi Braun with 35 people in attendance. This session was a follow-up from Part 1, but also allowed plenty of time for participants to ask our professionals questions about all aspects of estate and succession planning.

Tama County WLL held its 35^th event on March 12th: Hops in Iowa: From the Field to the Tap.  Keri Byrum of Cedar Falls Hops Company and brewer Nick Newgard of Second State Brewing in Cedar Falls discussed their businesses.  22 people were in attendance and learned the ins and outs of growing hops in Iowa (yes, it can be done!) and how the different varieties of hops impact brewers’ products. Stay tuned to the team’s Facebook page for upcoming events in Tama Co.

An ever timely and popular topic, on March 12th  Buchanan WLL held a session on estate planning and land transition with presenter Melissa O’Rourke of ISU Extension & Outreach. 29 participants joined for part 2 of this topic, following part 1 in the fall of 2018. Check out Buchanan’s Facebook page for information on their upcoming first annual conference, Connecting Women in Ag, to be held May 17th in Independence.