The Kane-DuPage Soil & Water Conservation District, with sponsorship from American Farmland Trust and Kane County, put on an introductory gathering for Women in Ag: Farm Conservation Community Series last Thursday, August 29, 2024, at Rosewood Farm near Sugar Grove.
The event featured Dr. Stacy Zuber, research data scientist on the agronomy team at the Illinois Soybean Association, who gave an introduction to soil health practices.
But the main attraction for attendees was to be in a space reserved for women. An opportunity to connect with others in agriculture, ask questions, find mentors, share expertise, and discover new tools. Kat Gerdts, administrative coordinator for the Kane-DuPage SWCD, said the talks are for people thinking about starting a farm-based business, newly launched enterprises, or experienced farmers.
The attendees got to hear from host Julie Warpinski, who started Rosewood Farm just before the pandemic shutdown; from Sarahy Castro, Farmland Preservation Administrator for Kane County, who talked about efforts to preserve farmland and control development; and taste peaches and arugula wrapped in prosciutto, bruschetta, and other hors d’oeuvres by Dana Bujalski of Forest Edge Farmstead and Body Fuel by Dana, from just down the road in Big Rock.
Also on hand were other agricultural advisors including Olivia Winters, conservation planner for an Illinois Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Conservation Service initiative, and Michelle Blackburn, agricultural coordinator for the Kane County Forest Preserve District.
Future events in the series will be held about every two months, with the next balanced between harvest and the holidays. A poll taken during the evening had 100 percent of attendees indicating a preference for in-person gatherings rather than a webinar. Contact Kat with Kane-DuPage SWCD (web) or Facebook to be notified of future events.
The event was planned with the help of Ellen Kamps with Sustainable Agriculture Consulting Services.
Kat let attendees know there are soil and water conservation districts across the United States, with 97 districts here in Illinois. Districts champion healthy soil and cleaner water on agricultural operations and working lands, and also work for cleaner watersheds within urban development.
Her goal for the series is for the women involved to say what help they need most to keep the series going, and to start or improve agriculture ventures. And her success from the first event was connecting with a landowner with an erosion challenge of a stream eating way at a field. Her office will conduct a site visit with the hopes of enabling a streambank stabilization project.
Julie Warpinski, owner of Rosewood Farm, (left) and Kat Gerdts, Kane-DuPage SWCD, introduce guests to the program at Women in Ag: Farm Conservation Community Series, Introductory Gathering.
More than 20 people attended the initial gathering of Women in Ag: Farm Conservation Community Series.
Stacy Zuber, research data scientist on the agronomy team of the Illinois Soybean Association, speaks during Women in Ag: Farm Conservation Community Series, Introductory Gathering.
Soil health experiment with a conventionally tilled field’s soil disintegrating and clouding the water, while soil that is no-tilled and farmed with cover crops and other conservation practices holds together and absorbs water.
Kane County’s maps featuring preserved farmland and other development.
Sarahy Castro, farmland preservation administrator for Kane County, speaks to guests at Women in Ag: Farm Conservation Community Series, Introductory Gathering.
The day was planned with the help of Ellen Kamps with Sustainable Agriculture Consulting Services.
Flowers grown by Big Rock Organics on display at the American Farmland Trust table.
American Farmland Trust’s (from left) Julie Larsen, Marlee Giacometti, and Kathryn Pagura, at the Women in Ag: Farm Conservation Community Series, Introductory Gathering.
Dana Bujalski of Forest Edge Farmstead and Body Fuel by Dana, photographs (below) bruschetta, peaches and arugula wrapped in prosciutto, and other hors d’oeuvres.
Hors d’oeuvres by Dana Bujalski of Body Fuel by Dana.
Hors d’oeuvres by Dana Bujalski of Body Fuel by Dana.
Hors d’oeuvres by Dana Bujalski of Body Fuel by Dana.
Hors d’oeuvres by Dana Bujalski of Body Fuel by Dana.
Check out more on Body Fuel by Dana, including a recipe for a Vegan Black Bean & Zucchini Brownie or on Facebook.
See more on Rosewood Farm (web) or Facebook.
Photos and story by AISWCD Communications Coordinator, Steve Warmowski
Additional resources via American Farmland Trust . . .
- American Farmland Trust: Women for the Land
- Women for the Land: American Farmland Trust initiative focused on women farmers and landowners
- Women on the Wing: Pheasants Forever initiative inspiring women conservationists
- Women Owning Woodlands: Resources to support women forest landowners
- Natural Resources Conservation Service programs
