How OPSU Women in Ag are Shaping Tomorrow’s Agricultural Industry

On August 23, five members of the OPSU Women in Ag club, accompanied by their advisor and Executive Director of the Panhandle State Foundation, Chyanna Black, attended the AgHERculture Collegiate Conference at the Governor's Mansion in Oklahoma City. This event aimed to empower young women pursuing careers in agriculture. Organized by the Oklahoma State Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry, Secretary Blayne Arthur and her team, held this conference that brought together female leaders from across the state, all with a shared goal: to uplift and prepare the next generation of women in agriculture.

The keynote speaker, Kirbe Schnoor, a well-respected figure in the agricultural community and TV Host of FarmHer, captivated the audience with her powerful message of that related to the women in the room as they plan their future. She focused on resilience, leadership, and the importance of women networking and supporting one another in the industry.

After the keynote speaker, the ladies had the opportunity to network with several industry leaders in a one-on-one conversation. Schnoor and mentors Kelli Payne, Kylee Deniz, Kirby Smith, Alisen Anderson, Brandi Herndon, Cortney Cowley, and Kass Newell all rotating every 25-minutes among the tables to tell their stories, answer questions from the collegiate women, and get to know what the next generation of women in ag are interested in and facing.

For Rylin Baker, President of Women in Ag at OPSU, the conference was a reminder of the vast opportunities available to women in the agricultural field. "Being surrounded by accomplished women made me realize the sky's the limit. We have the power to shape agriculture's future, and events like these give us the tools and confidence to do so," Rylin shared.

For Kaylee Woolman, Vice President of Women in Ag at OPSU, was inspired by the conference, stating, "Seeing women who have already blazed the trail for us is incredibly motivating. It's a reminder that we're not alone on this journey and that we have a responsibility to continue paving the way for those who will come after us."

Chyanna Black, stated, "Watching these young women engage with industry leaders and soak up the wisdom shared tonight was truly inspiring. The excitement and inspiration the group has for their upcoming conference along with new ideas for it, is exactly why these conferences and connections are important. They are the future of agriculture, and I have no doubt they will leave their mark on this industry."

The OPSU Women in Ag club is already looking forward to bringing the inspiration and knowledge they have gained to campus. On October 9, they will host their Women in Ag conference, continuing the conversation with speakers from the conference and empowering their peers. With leaders like the ones in the Women in Ag club at the helm, the future of women in agriculture looks brighter than ever.