In the Perspectives guest blog series, Farm Foundation invites participants from among the varied Farm Foundation programs to share their unique viewpoint on a topic relevant to a Farm Foundation focus area. In this post, Gillian Villa discusses the impact of attending a professional conference with her cohort of the Field to Future program. The Farm Foundation Field to Future Program engages underrepresented undergraduate students studying at an accredited university and/or land grant institution in a two year-long program of learning experiences focused on gaining a deeper understanding of production agriculture, food processing, marketing, and agribusiness. Gillian is a sophomore at Kansas State University, studying agribusiness with a secondary major in global food systems leadership and a minor in agronomy. 

Attending the Women in Agribusiness conference in Denver, Colorado, left a lasting impact on my perspective as a young woman in agriculture. The agricultural sector can often be daunting, and I frequently find myself facing challenges that can feel discouraging, leading me to question my qualifications and value within the field. However, meeting accomplished women from diverse backgrounds in the agricultural industry was incredibly inspiring. Their stories of resilience and success demonstrated the strength of women in this sector and highlighted the vital role we play in feeding, housing, and clothing the world.

I gained a deeper understanding of how innovation is reshaping our industry, from the growing interest in AI and its applications to the advancements in research and development, as well as the vital role of agricultural policy and advocacy in driving innovation forward. Further, I discovered many avenues where I, as a next-gen leader, can contribute meaningfully to the industry.

I felt empowered by the collaboration among like-minded women who share a passion for making a positive difference in agriculture. Back on campus, I am actively fostering conversations about the insights I gained at the conference. I even had the opportunity to connect with a company represented at the conference that has proven to be beneficial to my undergraduate research.

Overall, it’s clear that we must work together to foster innovation that will positively impact our food system. While it was centered around female leadership, it’s essential to recognize that both men and women, regardless of age or experience, must collaborate to drive progress in agriculture and create a sustainable future for all. Sharing knowledge, experiences, and resources is so important to the development of leaders and industry. This conference reaffirmed my commitment to being an advocate for change and a voice for the future of agriculture. I left Denver with not only newfound knowledge and connections but also a sense of purpose and determination to contribute positively to this essential field.

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