Empowering Women Through Financial Literacy and Strategic Partnerships
By Deanna Ciaccia
In today’s evolving agricultural landscape, financial literacy is crucial for success, particularly for women who are increasingly taking leadership roles in the agriculture sector.
According to a recent article from FNBO (First National Bank of Omaha), understanding financial principles helps farmers make informed decisions, manage risks, and optimize profitability.
The FNBO report highlights that nearly 60% of farmers believe improving their financial literacy could lead to better decision-making and increased profitability. At the upcoming Advancing Women in Ag Conference, scheduled for November 17-19, 2024, in Niagara Falls, participants will gain valuable insights from industry experts on financial strategies tailored for the agricultural community.
Ian Almeida, Associate Advisor at Roy Chopp Insurance & Financial Services, will team up with Marianne Edward, Operations Manager at Sheldon Creek Dairy, to lead a workshop titled “The Importance of Strategic Agribusiness Partnerships and Innovation in Today’s Marketplace.” They will discuss how strategic business relationships can foster growth and innovation within agribusiness.
Almeida and Edward will provide attendees with practical insights into maintaining growth through effective partnerships, underscoring that collaboration is key to overcoming financial challenges in agriculture.
Business financial literacy is not the only financial topic at the conference. In another engaging session, Sarah Seguin, Patricia Catallo, and Jetty Neufeld will present “The Dos and Don’ts that Can Impact Your Business and Personal Financial Situation.” Seguin, Catallo, and Neufeld specialize in working with women entrepreneurs and personal finance.
Drawing from the FNBO article, these experts will emphasize that financial literacy not only helps in avoiding common financial drawbacks but also enhances strategic decision-making. Participants will gain valuable recommendations on managing their business and personal finances, with opportunities for questions and discussion.
Kendra Wack, Executive Director of FEAD, will offer her own workshop titled “The Dollars and Cents – Growing Financial Literacy for Beginners.” As a self-proclaimed financial illiterate who has successfully built and exited a multi-million-dollar business, Wack understands the challenges of navigating financial concepts. She will share her secrets for understanding financial signals and knowing when to ask for help, making this session invaluable for those new to financial literacy.
Additionally, Marla Rice and Tracy VanPuymbroeck, both partners at Bossy Nagy Group, will co-lead a workshop on “Succession & Estate Planning: Taking a Step Forward.” This interactive session will guide participants through the crucial steps of determining their net worth and creating a legacy binder, essential for fair and thoughtful estate distribution.
Their expertise will help attendees navigate the often-complex journey of succession planning in agriculture, a process highlighted in the FNBO article as critical for long-term financial health.
The Advancing Women in Ag Conference aims to empower women in agriculture with the financial literacy and strategic partnerships necessary for success. Understanding finance is essential for enhancing profitability and sustainability in agriculture, enabling farmers to manage resources effectively and navigate market fluctuations.
These speakers and sessions are just a glimpse of the engaging conversations happening at AWC, the Conference will feature a wide variety of topics related to women in agriculture.
Click here to register today for the Advancing Women in Agriculture Conference!