Preventing and Responding to Farm Emergencies: an ER Nurse's Guide

Katie Hammock is an experienced Emergency Room nurse with six years of dedicated service at a Level 1 Trauma Center in southern Virginia. A resident of Museville, Virginia, Katie lives on a dairy farm with her husband and toddler son. Witnessing the devastating consequences of farm accidents firsthand, Katie is driven by a deep passion to merge her expertise in emergency medicine with her love for agriculture.

Katie's workshops equips individuals with key tools regarding pre-hospital first aid, providing valuable tips and tricks to increase confidence in emergency situations. Through sharing real-life stories and firsthand experiences, Katie empowers individuals with the knowledge and preparedness necessary to navigate critical situations and minimize the impact of farm-related injuries.

From Farm to Future: Strengthening Our Voices in Agriculture

Val Lavigne is a passionate advocate for the dairy industry, a seasoned communicator, and the host of The Dairy Hour Podcast. With a deep-rooted love for agriculture, she uses her platform to share the real stories behind dairy farming, educate consumers, and empower those within the industry. Beyond advocacy, Val is an integral part of her family’s 170-cow dairy farm in Schaghticoke, NY, where she works alongside her husband and parents. She manages the dairy herd, handles bookkeeping, and helps run the family’s catering business and food truck. In addition, she has embraced homeschooling her three children, cherishing the extra time with them while instilling the values of farm life. Val is also deeply involved in industry leadership. She serves as a Director for the National Dairy Board, Dairy Management Inc., and American Dairy Association North East. As a member of the Farmer Relations Committee, she plays a vital role in connecting farmers with checkoff programs that educate the public and promote the dairy industry. She is also active in Agri-Mark Inc.’s ALEC Committee and Sustainable Farms Committee, contributing to the future of dairy farming in the North East and the co-op. Through the Young Cooperators program—both within her co-op and at the national level—Val is dedicated to mentoring young farmers and encouraging women in agriculture to take on leadership roles and make a difference. With a passion for bridging the gap between farmers and consumers, Val uses her voice to inspire confidence, encourage involvement, and empower the next generation of dairy leaders. Join her as she shares insights on effective agricultural communication, building confidence in fellow farmers, and reaching for new heights in the industry. Connect with Val: www.dairygalval.com | @DairyGalVal

The Power of Showing Up For People:

Marlene Eick serves as Senior Director of Leadership Development at Ohio Farm Bureau. Over the course of her career, she has equipped leaders in agriculture with the tools they need to influence their industry and community, speaking to groups from Alaska to Florida.With stories of adventures, Marlene examines the multitude of ways we show up for others in our lives - our family and friends, neighbors, and larger community. You'll leave with a better sense of how you can expand your relationships as you build authentic influence and leadership.

With stories of adventures, Marlene examines the multitude of ways we show up for others in our lives - our family and friends, neighbors, and larger community. You'll leave with a better sense of how you can expand your relationships as you build authentic influence and leadership.

Hard Things Are Worth Doing

Hallie is a 5th-generation family farmer from Northwest Ohio, where she and her husband, Kyle, manage a diversified farming operation that includes beef cattle, corn, soybeans, and wheat. As a graduate of Oklahoma State University and a dedicated advocate for family and community well-being, Hallie brings a wealth of lived experience to her speaking engagements.

Hallie and Kyle are proud adoptive parents of Kaiser (5) and Kamila (1). They are committed to creating a non-traditional family rooted in openness, resilience, and authenticity. Hallie emphasizes the importance of maintaining strong, healthy relationships with her children’s birth families and navigating open adoption dynamics with grace and respect.

In her presentation, Hallie speaks candidly on the theme of "Hard Things Are Worth Doing." She explores the courage required to navigate both the challenges and triumphs of growing and preserving her family against the odds. By sharing her experiences of rural resiliency, she offers practical insights and encouragement for others on similar paths.

Hallie’s story is a powerful testament to the importance of authenticity, adaptability, and intentional living. Her commitment to challenging generational expectations and societal pressures serves as an inspiring example of transformation and strength in both family and community life.

Empowering Women in Agriculture: A blue print plan to taking action in animal agriculture & meat processing

Darby Walton, a third-generation auctioneer hailing from Sycamore, Ohio, embodies a deep-rooted passion for the agricultural industry. Born into a family steeped in auctioneering tradition, Darby's journey into the world of auctions began at a tender age, running clerk tickets for his father, Doug, and grandfather, Jay. Both esteemed members of the Ohio Auctioneers Association Hall of Fame, Doug and Jay, instilled in Darby a profound appreciation for the art of auctioneering. From his upbringing surrounded by the hustle and bustle of auctions, Darby cultivated a keen eye for all things agriculture. Specializing in the sale of farmland, equipment, and livestock, Darby channels his expertise and dedication towards serving the needs of farmers and agricultural enthusiasts alike. Beyond his active auctioneering career, Darby remains deeply rooted in the agricultural community. Alongside his wife Caroline and their son Reid, Darby tends to the family's 8th generation farm, where they raise cattle, soybeans, and corn. This hands-on involvement allows Darby to stay connected to the land and the livelihoods of those he serves. With a blend of tradition, expertise, and a genuine love for the agricultural way of life, Darby Walton continues to make his mark in the auctioneering world, leaving a legacy that spans generations.

Farm Family Mental Health and Wellness

Alicia Weaver is a Certified Health Restoration Coach helping clients out of The Wellness Way Ada. She grew up spending time in both Hardin and Wyandot Counties. She graduated in 2012 from Marion Technical College with two Associates' Degrees in Marketing Management and Business Management. She has always had a love for helping people. While raising her babies she was a Beachbody Coach while working full-time selling agriculture and construction equipment all over Ohio and the surrounding states. She then chose to be a stay at home mom and helped clients while Life Coaching part-time. Now using her personality and message she radiates contagious optimism to help her clients solve their health challenges. She has a strong drive to make an impact on Mental Health challenges in Agriculture. Her favorite accomplishment is her little family. Her husband and 3 children, almost 9, 7 and 5 farm with her husband's brother and his family as well as own and operate Ohio Farm Supply, a New Holland Equipment Dealership out of Upper Sandusky.

Alicia will share a different approach to mental health on the farm, and how it can be connected to seemingly unrelated topics like hormones, gut health, and other inflammatory triggers. Understanding these ideas will lead to better understanding and action steps to allow your family to thrive, not just survive - ultimately leading to the ability for the family farm legacy to continue into future generations.