Columbia County Conservation District Holds Women in Agriculture and Conservation Conference
Photo provided by CCCD.
Submitted by: Olivia Hubler, Environmental Education and Watershed Specialist, Columbia County Conservation District
The Columbia County Conservation District (CCCD) held its 11th Annual Women in Agriculture and Conservation Conference on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, in Bloomsburg, PA. A record number of 80 registrants attended the conference, which consisted of refreshments, speakers, lunch, and was accompanied by a hands-on activity.
Presentations included Waterfowl Research by Molly Giles from the PA Game Commission; a Farm Highlight on Hemsarth Dairy by Cheryl and Greg Hemsarth; Funding Availability and Potential Project Types by Gary Rinehimer, Phil Hemsarth, and Olivia Hubler of the CCCD; Cottage Product Rules & Regs by Shane Hartman and Rachel Glosek from the PA Department of Agriculture; and Early Success in Agribusiness by Brynn Karnes, Elyse Karnes, and Kira Hack from Fishing Creek Floral Company.
Throughout the presentations and activities, the participants were given extra time to network with speakers, staff, sponsors, and friends from the ag and conservation community. The lunchtime activity included sampling locally made “cottage” products including, bread, pickles, cheese, jams, jellies, spreads, salsa, and more! This tasty activity encouraged attendees to shop local and support small businesses. The event was a great success and will be held again next year!