Arkansas Women in Agriculture (AWIA) marked its 20th anniversary at the nonprofit’s annual conference, held March 31-April 1 in Hot Springs, where they celebrated two decades of empowering women in the state’s agricultural sector. The two-day event featured keynote speeches by Lisa Smartt and Brooke Clay Taylor, along with 20 breakout sessions focused on topics ranging from farming practices to community leadership.

Vendors offered a variety of agricultural products, while Blazing Breeze provided custom hat-burning services for attendees, adding a unique flair to the conference. The event spotlighted the vital role women play in Arkansas’ agricultural communities, where farming remains a cornerstone of economic and social life.

Lindsey Holtzclaw, an AWIA advocate, emphasized the significant contributions women make in these towns. She noted their leadership spans from elected officials to church organizers hosting donation drives and community involvement events, propelling local growth and resilience. Holtzclaw expressed hope that AWIA will continue to educate and connect women, strengthening farms and communities across Arkansas.

This milestone conference served as a testament to the dedication and influence of women shaping the future of agriculture in the state. Learn more about AWIA at arwomeninag.org.