MWA Conference 2025
Mississippi Women for Agriculture: Planting Possibilities 2025
The Mississippi Women for Agriculture 2025 Annual Conference was held March 20–21 at Mississippi State University. Starkville is a pretty good drive, but this time of learning, networking, and engaging with friends old and new made the trip well worth it. MWA has been a part of my life now for over 17 years, as I was privileged to be involved from its very inception. What started as a regional three-day seminar on risk management for farm women in 2007 has grown into a thriving and expanding organization, uniquely designed to meet the needs of women involved in all manner of farming, agribusiness, and ag professions.
The 2025 theme was Planting Possibilities. I thought of the early days when the concept was first introduced to women eager to learn more—like a seed placed in fertile soil—how the organization began to form, like a seedling being watered, cultivated, and fertilized. There were a few growing pains as we defined our purpose and goals—a little pruning here and there builds a stronger, more productive plant.
Through love and hard work, MWA began to bloom, bear fruit, and now, new growth has sprouted abundantly. This year we literally blossomed: 131 people registered for two days of excellent speakers, fun activities, and the spontaneous interaction that happens when women gather around to discuss a topic dear to their hearts.
Our scholarship program continues to sow into the future, investing in young women pursuing ag or ag-related degrees. This year, we awarded six collegiate and two high school scholarships. The catalyst and inspiration for our program was Dianne Evans, a member of our original steering committee, who left this world long before we were ready. Dianne’s influence continues to propel the organization she loved so much. Her family and her memory remain an integral part of Mississippi Women for Agriculture.
Dr. Julie White, Extension Specialist and Director of FARMtastic, is the current president of MWA. She leads an amazing team of highly capable and energetic women who contribute to the vigorous growth of the program. Several are former scholarship recipients, and it is encouraging to see them carry the principles and goals of MWA forward. Every detail of the annual conference was meticulously thought out and executed to make the experience superb.
During the business meeting, we were deeply touched when Secretary Tabitha Fulgham paused to acknowledge those of us who were there when the seeds were first planted. As a Lifetime Member, I can confidently say that our generation rejoices to see MWA flower.
I am thankful to note that the possibility planted in 2007 has proven to be… a perennial—and I can’t wait to see what future crops yield.
~~~Sandra: A Woman for Ag