History

The Arkansas Women in Agriculture (ARWIA)conferences began in 2005, led by Dr. Jennie Popp of the University of Arkansas.  In order to facilitate the coordination and planning of the statewide conference, a steering committee of 20+ women was seated. The committee was made up of land grant professionals, farmers, ranchers, Farm Bureau Women's Committee members and officers, representatives from the three Farm Credit offices in the state and representatives from the nonprofit sector.

After the 2005 meeting, the steering committee continued to meet, planning and executing the 2nd annual conference, held in March 2006.  Due to the input provided by women farmers and ranchers at the 2006 meeting, and with the blessing of Dr. Popp, the group decided to immediately begin efforts to incorporate as an Arkansas nonprofit corporation, appoint a o20ad of Directors and seek 501 (c) 3 status.  Incorporation documents were filed in 2006, and 501 (c) 3 status was granted, effective November 2006.

The nonprofit ARWIA group organized, planned and executed on its own the 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th annual conferences, averaging approximately 200 attendees.  The nonprofit also provided the highly-acclaimed risk management workshops, "Annie's Project" from 2007 through 2011 at various locations around the state.