By Scout Nelson
The 27th Women’s Agricultural Leadership Conference (WALC) is set to take place on April 9 at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum near Chanhassen. This year’s theme, “Rooted in Agriculture: Cultivating Leadership; Growing Together,” highlights the importance of personal growth, leadership, and collaboration in agriculture.
“For many of our attendees this is the best one day event of the year as this unique event brings together people from all areas of agriculture to dialogue and network,” said Doris Mold, conference co-founder. “Our program encourages connections and energizes and motivates participants to become leaders in their work and communities. We’re also excited to offer two new pre-conference sessions, COMET and safeTALK, focused on giving participants the skills they need to support people struggling in their communities. The WALC is committed to promoting stress reduction and mental wellness in agriculture.”
A key feature of this year’s conference includes two new pre-conference sessions: COMET and safeTALK. These workshops aim to provide participants with tools to support mental wellness and respond to community stress.
The event begins with a welcome from Minnesota 4-H ambassadors, followed by a panel titled “Leading and Learning at Every Stage,” featuring leaders from farming, finance, government, and dairy sectors. Additionally, the conference will honor the 2025 Outstanding Agriculture Mentors, celebrating those who guide and inspire others in agriculture. Nominations are open until March 19.
Attendees can engage in breakout and mini-sessions focused on timely agricultural topics, such as weather resilience, branding, policy updates, agritourism safety, and plant-based wellness. There will also be insights into Minnesota’s demographic trends and strategies for strengthening relationships within the sector.
Another unique aspect of the conference is a presentation from Arboretum chefs about their new cafe, Rootstock, adding a culinary touch to the day.
WALC welcomes everyone with an interest in agricultural leadership—regardless of gender, age, or background. Early registration discounts are available through March 28.
This annual event is made possible through the support of agricultural organizations, financial institutions, and dedicated volunteers.
For more information or to register, visit www.womensagleadership.org or contact Doris Mold at 612-414-7574 or doris@sunriseag.net.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski
Categories: Minnesota, Business