1:18 p.m., Jan. 28, 2010----The University of Delaware Cooperative Extension is sponsoring the 9th annual Women in Agriculture conference to be held Tuesday and Wednesday, Feb. 16-17, at the Dover Downs Hotel in Dover, Del.

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The goal of the Women in Agriculture conference is two-fold: to recognize women for the critical role they play in day-to-day farm and agri-business activities, and to provide risk management information and tools so that participants can make informed decisions concerning their agribusinesses and families. This conference offers an opportunity for participants to learn and network in a relaxed atmosphere.

A variety of educational workshops will be offered throughout the conference. Select topics include: high tunnel produce production, farm diversification through small poultry flocks, grain marketing, estate planning, landlord/tenant relations, food safety, and alternative energy.

Featured speakers are Anirban Basu, Sage Policy Group, and Andrea Lohr, New Directions Communications.

Basu is chairman and CEO of Sage Policy Group, an economic and policy consulting firm in Baltimore. Basu is one of the Mid-Atlantic region's most recognizable economists. In recent years, he has focused upon health economics, the economics of education and economic development.

Lohr was raised on a farm in southwest Kentucky, but never lost her Southern accent or zest for life. She and her husband Matt, along with their two young children Caroline and Carson, live on a Century Farm in Broadway, Va., where they raise sweet corn and pumpkins. In addition to farming and speaking, Lohr serves on the Virginia Board of Agriculture.

On Tuesday evening, a reception will be held with an opportunity to watch harness racing. The reception will follow a presentation on social networking given by Nan Stenzel, east region IT coordinator for University of Maryland Extension.

Conference cost is $40. Reservations are required by Feb. 2. For information, call (302) 831-2538, send e-mail to [lgw@udel.edu] or visit the Women in Agriculture Web page.

A block of hotel rooms has been held for conference participants. Please call the Dover Downs Hotel at (866) 473-7378 by Feb. 2 to reserve a room at the conference rate of $125, for single or double occupancy. You must mention that you are with the Women in Agriculture group to receive the reduced rate.

The 2010 Women in Agriculture Conference is presented by the University of Delaware Cooperative Extension in collaboration with the Cooperative Extension Services of University of Maryland, Rutgers the State University of New Jersey, and Delaware State University.