by Stacy Bronec
StrongHer Together: A Conference for Women in Agriculture will host their third biennial conference in Fort Benton, November 16 -18. The event started in 2022 and was founded by two local women, Chandee Bomgardner of Loma and Stacy Bronec of Carter. The conference began as a spark of an idea, but once the seed took root, the two let it grow. They picked a date, lined up speakers, formed a committee, and found sponsors to make it happen. Their first conference was a success, with 120 women attending, and attendance has grown since then. In addition to Bomgardner and Bronec, the committee includes Erica Ebeling, Grace Thompson, Danielle Engellant, and Jordee Bomgardner.
As a nonprofit organization, their mission is to create opportunities for women in agriculture to network, learn, and collaborate. The conference features inspiring speakers, hands- on workshops, professional headshots, vendor opportunities, and intentional time for meaningful conversations and relationship-building.
This year’s keynote speaker is Brooke Taylor, an Oklahoma- based agricultural entrepreneur, brand strategist, and two-time breast cancer survivor. Brooke founded the Rural Gone Urban Foundation, which provides scholarships, small-business grants, and financial assistance to rural women and cancer patients. Her message of resilience, entrepreneurship, and community will inspire attendees. For the first time, their keynote speaker will give two presentations, instead of one. Brooke will open the conference on Tuesday, November 17, and serve as the final speaker on Wednesday, November 18, delivering her final message, “Bravery in Just Living.”
Other presenters include Jillian Streit, Montana’s Department of Agriculture Director; Morgan Tweet, CEO of IND Hemp; Sara Hollenbeck of Molt, on value-added agriculture; Natalie Kerfoot, a rural mental health advocate; a session on fermentation by Lydnsey Laursen; Mackinzie Barta, on grain marketing; Alexa Talkington, on rural wellness; and Jessica Garza of Washington, on Online Safety & Selling, and keeping your kids safe.
The agenda also includes a session on breath work and stretching, plus breaks for snacks, networking, and opportunities to shop the vendors (early Christmas shopping!). Vendors include leather makers, goat soap products, clothing, candles, and more.
Montana Marie Photography will provide each attendee with headshots. This was a popular addition to the 2024 conference, and the committee is excited to offer it again.
The conference will kick off on Monday, November 16 at The Banque Club in Fort Benton, with a social hour featuring food, drinks, and live music. The rest of the conference will take place at Community Bible Center, except for Tuesday evening dessert & drinks, which will be held at The Banque Club. The conference wraps up just before noon on Wednesday.
For out-of-town attendees, or local women looking for a “stay-cation,” The Grand Union is offering attendees a 25% discount to book a room, a great opportunity to stay at the historic hotel. Call the hotel at 406-622-1882 and mention the conference to book and receive the discount.
Registration is open, and more information is available on their Facebook page facebook.com/stronghertogether. The committee is still seeking sponsors. If you’re interested in learning more about the sponsorship opportunities or have questions about the conference, email the committee at stronghertogethermt@gmail.com.