On Friday, April 24, 2026, the Marengo County Extension Office successfully hosted the 2026 West Alabama Women in Agriculture Event in Linden, Alabama. The educational program provided participants with valuable hands-on learning experiences and direct engagement with Extension professionals across a variety of disciplines.
The event featured a diverse lineup of Extension agents and specialists who delivered informative and practical presentations tailored to the needs and interests of women in agriculture. Presenters included Tera Glenn (Health and Wellness), Renee’ Vines (Financial Management), Alice Moore (Food Safety and Quality), and Leigh Akins (Family and Child Development). Each session addressed relevant, real-world topics and equipped participants with actionable tools and resources.
Renee’ Vines led a session on financial literacy, highlighting strategies for budgeting, debt management and long-term financial planning, and provided attendees with a WISE money management calendar for continued use. Leigh Akins explored the complexities of stress, distinguishing between positive and negative stressors while offering individualized approaches for managing mental and emotional well-being. Tera Glenn focused on simplifying meal planning, sharing techniques to reduce daily decision fatigue and promote healthier eating habits. Alice Moore provided guidance on food safety and quality, including proper thermometer calibration and best practices for food storage and handling.
In addition to classroom-style learning, participants engaged in hands-on agricultural skill development through trailer backing and tractor operation sessions. Regional Agents Taylor Evans, Jenna Schmidt and Court Green-Johnson partnered with Alabama Extension specialists Dr. Leanne Dillard (Forages) and Dr. Maggie Justice (Beef Cattle) to facilitate these experiential learning opportunities, allowing participants to safely operate a full-size tractor and practice backing a trailer with a Ford F-150.
The event also fostered networking and community engagement through informational tables hosted by agricultural and industry partners, including Natalie Kilgore (Marengo County Alabama CattleWomen’s Association), Kristin Jeter (Tractor Supply Company), and Wade Hummer and Margaret Ann Snow (ACES Commercial and Home Horticulture programs).
Participants enjoyed a catered meal provided by Hello Sunshine Eats of Linden, Alabama. The success of the event was made possible through grant funding secured by Tamika Dial, Marengo County Extension Director. Special appreciation was also extended to Tammy Glass, Administrative Support, for her contributions to event coordination.
Evaluation data collected following the event indicated a measurable increase in participant knowledge across several key areas, including tractor operation, trailer backing, food safety, nutrition, financial management and stress management. Overall, the 2026 West Alabama Women in Agriculture Event was a successful program that delivered meaningful education, strengthened community connections and empowered participants with practical skills to support their roles in agriculture and beyond.
