Arkansas

History

The Arkansas Women in Agriculture (ARWIA) conferences began in 2005, led by Dr. Jennie Popp (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 Board 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 and 5th annual conferences, averaging approximately 250 attendees. The Board of Directors appointed a CEO/Project Director who oversees the organization and conducts risk management education workshops for farm and ranch women around the state.

Join Today!

Risk Management Education

ARWIA provides risk management education workshops for producers in Arkansas. Our current risk management program is Annie's Project. To learn more, click here. 

2010 Board of Directors

• Julie Leondard, President - Sebastian County, julieamanda0201@gmail.com
• Allison Gurley, 1st Vice President - Prairie County, advancetherapy@centurytel.net
• Shannon Mirus, 2nd Vice President - Washington County, shannon.mirus@gmail.com
• Mary Frances Perkins, Secretary - Lonoke County, gperkins@d-c1.com
• Jacki Whisnant, Treasurer - Lawrence County, mrs.whiz@gmail.com
• Jennifer Aday, Communications Director, Pope County, jennifer.aday@farmcredit.com
• Mary Wheeler, NE AR Representative - Crittenden County, mary.wheeler@ar.usda.gov
• Trenea Tubbs, NE AR Representative - Craighead County, jtubbs@bscn.com
• Jane Bryant, SE AR Representative - Jefferson County, rbryant@arkansas.net
  
• Carey Robertson, SE AR Representative - Jackson County, cwcfarm@yahoo.com
  
• Janet Sanford, SW AR Representative - Nevada County, jkfarms1980@centurytel.net
• Melissa Beck, SW AR Representative - Nevada County, melissa.beck@uaex.edu
• Jackie Cherry, NW AR Representative - Logan County, jackie.cherry@ars.usda.gov
• Kenda Woodburn, NW AR Representative - Johnson County, sugargate@yahoo.com
  
• Marianne Vollmer, Member at Large - White County, marianne.vollmer@smail.astate.edu

• Carrie Hirmer, CEO/Project Director - Miller County, carriehirmer@yahoo.com