Women concerned with rural issues can expect a conference filled with new events that are both fun and educational at the Regional Women in Ag Conference in Spearfish, South Dakota.  Join other women from a 4-state region at the Holiday Inn on September 29-30 to celebrate the diversities inherent in rural life while spotlighting the roles women can and do play in promoting agriculture.

New to the conference this year will be a Taste of the West.  After a day of stimulating ideas to fill your mind, visit Taste of the West to entertain your taste buds while browsing through the High Plains Western Heritage center.  There will be products to taste and products to purchase.  Meet the producers, hear their stories; learn how they created their business, and celebrate their success.

A Showcase of the West will feature rural friends and neighbors sharing their pride and creativity by displaying and selling a variety of products they have developed, grown, or made with their hands.  Learn about their business, shop and share ideas at this new event on Friday, September 29^th, starting at noon at the Northern Hills Convention Center.

The conference isn’t just for women with an established role in agriculture.  For the first time ever, a Young Women in Agriculture Conference will be held in conjunction with the main conference on September 30^th.  High school and college women considering a career in agriculture are invited to attend.  Come and learn about exciting careers in agriculture, plan for an agriculture career, and explore social networking and volunteerism.

In its second year at the conference is the photo gallery, which was a popular event last year.  Participants may participate either by viewing some beautiful photos of rural America or by bringing a photo or series of photos that tell a story about agriculture.  Individuals may bring more than one entry.  A “People’s Choice Award” will be given at the end of the conference.

Women of all ages interested in rural agriculture are invited to sign up.  Cost of the main conference is $75 for both days or $40 for one day.  Cost of the Young Women in Agriculture Conference is $10.  Registration deadline is September 18.  Fore more information or to pre-register, contact your local extension office, the Meade County Extension Office at 347-2436, or the website at http://sdwia.sdstate.org