Louisiana Women in Agriculture Conference & Expo 2023

We are PROUD of our amazing farmers, and want to invite you to join in for a conference full of fun, networking and empowering speakers!

It is our goal to provide SUPPORT, EMPOWERMENT and EDUCATION to our amazing Women in Agriculture who are Growing Louisiana’s Future!

If you have attended the conference before, you will not want to miss the exciting new additions to this year's conference.

THURSDAY, APRIL 13 | TOURS + MEMBER MEETING + EVENING RECEPTION

• Board Tour Buses (~ 7 or 8AM)
• Members-Only Meeting (~ 5PM)
• Evening Reception (~ 7PM) | DJ: Pat Arcement with Karaoke & Kookin'

FRIDAY, APRIL 14 | CONFERENCE AND EXPO

• 7:30AM Registration & Expo
• 8:30AM Conference kicks off
• 9:30AM Keynote presentation + breakout sessions
• 12:15PM Lunch [see menu below]
• 1:15PM Lieutenant Governor of Louisiana, Billy Nungesser + Commissioner of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Mike Strain
• 2:00PM Afternoon keynote presentation + breakout sessions
• 4:30PM Conference concludes

LUNCH ON FRIDAY WILL BE CATERED BY RNL Authentics LLC

CHEF: Niematulai Digrazia

• Jerk Chicken Mac & Cheese
• Baked Chicken served with Caribbean rice & peas and cabbage
• Beef Teriyaki served with Caribbean rice & peas and cabbage

Karen Eddington is a 20-year identity researcher and is the author of Understanding Self-Worth, who learned proven methods to combat stress by listening to people like you. As an advocate for those who work in agriculture, she teaches skills from her work in The Under Pressure Project to help us pass through a breaking point. When not speaking or researching she can be seen driving carpool in her farm town, usually caught behind the tractor.

TOPIC: Strong Under Pressure

We are strong. We can do hard things. We also need time to repair and connect. When it gets difficult to power through, you can learn different ways to recover when we feel tired. Find out one of the top solutions based on Karen’s research to navigate pressure. Come re-charge in this community-based session aimed to cheer you on.

A North West Louisiana native, Alicia DuCote is a woman of faith, a former college professor, and community advocate. Her mission is to unite conventional and organic farmers to feed and educate communities on the importance of overall wellness.

Growing up on a cattle and horse ranch in NW LA, Alicia was consumed with becoming the next world champion barrel racer until she fell madly in love with a local guy and conventional farmer. After starting a family and selling out of both land and animals, they started a new adventure.

As a science enthusiast Alicia earned a Masters degree in Exercise Science while living in Franklin, Tn. As a wellness director she studied and worked with numerous scientist, nutritionist, and doctors during a partnership between her local YMCA and the Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute. This opened her eyes to the link between food and wellness.

Upon returning home to Louisiana in 2018 Alicia and her husband of 28 years, Lee, decided to come full circle and start a small produce farm on their 8 acre homestead in N. Bossier Parish. They grow heirloom produce using sustainable practices. They have raised chickens and recently added Gloucester Old Spot pigs and a rescue pony named Cricket. Alicia has also produced a 4 part documentary series airing Spring 2023 “Chasing Clean Food” which will air on several streaming platforms.

TOPIC: Influencer to Educator - Educating your community to buy Local

How to educate your community to buy from local farms and encourage those who are influencers to become educators.

Billy Nungesser is the 54th Lieutenant Governor of the state of Louisiana. He was elected in 2015 and took office in January of 2016. From July 2019 to July 2020, Nungesser served as Chairman of the National Lieutenant Governors Association, a professional association which charts issues and work to be pursued by the second-highest ranking officials in all 50 states and U.S. territories.

Today Billy is second-in-command in the executive branch and Louisiana's ambassador as Commissioner of the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism. From natural disasters to promoting our great state...Billy Nungesser is a man for all of Louisiana.

Dr. Mike Strain, elected to serve as Commissioner of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry in 2007, was sworn into office in January 2008. He was reelected in 2011.

For Louisiana to maintain a leading position, we must surpass existing standards of agricultural and forestry achievement and seek additional opportunities for growth and prosperity. Louisiana's agricultural industries and its forestry, soil and water resources are critical to the advancement of our state and play a central role in our diverse cultural heritage. As your Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry, I am committed to working with the farmer and forester, producer and processor and all others to ensure our food is safe, our fiber production among the best and our animals strong and healthy. Thank you for the honor and privilege of serving you. - Mike Strain DVM

In agriculture there are highs and there are lows. What do you do if you are in a low place, and it stays low a little too long? Karen will teach you seven skills to ride the wave. Learn what you can do to pass through a breaking point. This session includes help for when stress turns to burn out, when decision fatigue is pressing, and understanding strain when you don’t have the luxury of repair time. Learn take home skills to help you have more peace and confidence.

For more about Karen, see her bio in the "main speakers" section.

Mahaffey Farms in Haughton, LA ???

⛔️ This tour is SOLD OUT ⛔️

Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of regenerative agriculture at Mahaffey Farms in Haughton, Louisiana! Join us on a tour of this thriving farm where chickens, pigs, and cattle roam on lush green pastures. Learn about the farm's mission to provide healthy, delicious food for their community while regenerating the land through sustainable methods. Witness the harmony between nature and agriculture as you see the animals being raised with high welfare standards. After the tour, sit back and enjoy a picnic-style lunch on the farm's picturesque land. Don't miss this unique opportunity to learn about sustainable farming and taste its delicious results.

Visit www.cultivate318.com to learn more about Mahaffey Farms.

The tour is on a working farm therefore walking will be required.

⛔️ This tour is SOLD OUT ⛔️

Tours are first-come-first-serve and all spots have already been filled for this tour.

D&G Frey Crawfish in Iota, LA ?

Join us on a journey to the heart of Louisiana's rich agriculture heritage, where crawfish, rice, and alligator farming reign supreme! Meet Dana and Gerard Frey, who have been running their family-owned farm, D&G Crawfish, for 40 years with a focus on exceptional customer service. Explore their crawfish and alligator processing facility and see the secret behind their high-quality seafood. And what better way to cap off the tour than a delicious lunch by the crawfish and rice ponds? Get a taste of the unique blend of tradition and innovation at D&G Crawfish.

Learn more at www.freylouisianacrawfish.com

The tour is on a working farm therefore walking will be required.

⭐IMPORTANT ⭐ Tours are first-come-first-serve! Be sure to snag your ticket early for your choice of an Ag Tour. Limited spots are available!

Landry Vineyards in West Monroe, LA ??

Savor the essence of the vine at Landry Vineyards in West Monroe! Embark on a tour of the blooming vines and indulge in a tasting of their delectable wines. Led by the knowledgeable and passionate owners, Mrs. Libby and Mr. Jeff Landry, this tour is a one-of-a-kind experience. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the vineyard and learn the secrets behind their delicious wines. And to top it off, enjoy a scrumptious catered lunch on the property. This is an opportunity not to be missed!

Visit landryvineyards.com to learn more.

The tour is on a working farm therefore walking will be required.

⭐IMPORTANT ⭐ Tours are first-come-first-serve! Be sure to snag your ticket early for your choice of an Ag Tour. Limited spots are available!

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To book your room call (318) 541-8333 and mention Louisiana Women in Agriculture or use group code: ???

They're honoring a discounted rate of $109/night.

*There are a couple of suite rooms that are $119 or $129.

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To book your room call (318) 442-2226 and mention the block code: ???????

They're honoring a discounted rate of $109/night.

Who can attend?

• Though the content is geared towards women, both men and women are welcome!

Where will the conference/reception take place?

• The main conference and the evening reception will take place at the Randolph Riverfront Center

Where do you recommend for dinner on Wednesday evening?

There are several options within walking distance of the conference that offer dinner:

• Crossroads Tavern [located in the lobby of the Holiday Inn]
• The Diamond Grill Steak & Seafood
• The Bentley Room Restaurant

Where do you recommend for breakfast and/or coffee?

Within walking distance of the conference:

• Tamp & Grind Coffee [Located one block from either hotel] - they're a coffee shop but they also serve house-made avocado toast, egg frittatas, waffles and more.

What should I wear on the tour?

Remember you're going to a working farm! It's important to wear closed toe, comfortable shoes. Comfortable attire.

Host or Publisher Louisiana Women in Agriculture