Julie Kenney Kenney is a volunteer for CommonGround, a program of the National Corn Growers Association and the United Soybean Board and includes farm women from across the country.

As America grows farther and farther from its agrarian roots, there is a growingdisconnect between the farmer and the consumer. Misinformation and misleading marketing strategies have led to what USA Today has described as “a confused consumer epidemic.”

With farm and ranch families comprising just 2 percent of the U.S. population, it’s more important than ever for America’s farmers to connect with consumers and answer their questions about modern farming practices.

So how do we tell our own story?

Tama County Women, Land & Legacy is pleased to welcome Julie Kenney to its March 22 event, Agvocacy: Sharing Your Story. A light supper will be served, beginning at 5:00 p.m. The event will follow at 6:00.

This agriculture advocacy event will be held at the Tama County Nature Center at Otter Creek Lake and Park, northeast of Toledo. From Exit 202 (US 30 at US 63), travel north on US 63 for 2.25 miles to Co Rd E43. Travel east on E43 for 3.5 miles to N Avenue, then north on N Avenue for 1.5 miles to Otter Creek Park. Turn west into the park and then north at the Y (watch for the sign). Travel north along the east shore of Otter Creek Lake to the Nature Center.

An RSVP is preferred. Please call Melody Bro at 641-484-2702, extension 305 by Friday, March 18. The meal and event are free of charge and open to the public, both women and men, and are being sponsored by Tama County Farm Bureau, Mid-Iowa Cooperative, Key Cooperative, Tama-Benton Cooperative and DuPont Pioneer.

Julie Kenney is a marketing and communications consultant to some of the world’s largest agricultural brands and businesses. Prior to forming her own business, she spent ten years in marketing and communications management roles with DuPont Pioneer. She and her family farm operate a corn and soybean farm near Nevada, Iowa. Julie became a CommonGround volunteer two years ago and has participated in national media interviews, speaking opportunities and online videos.

CommonGround is a program of the National Corn Growers Association and the United Soybean Board and includes farm women from across the country. They volunteer their time to advocate on behalf of agriculture. The volunteers address key issues such as GMOs, farm ownership, animal welfare and sustainability. Learn more at www.findourcommonground.com .

26th Event

This will be Tama County WLL’s twenty-sixth event since it began in 2007. The project is currently active in almost 30 Iowa counties and brings together Iowan women interested in agriculture, local food and natural resources to converse, listen and become empowered for involvement on their landscape and in their communities.

Persons needing accommodations to participate in this event should contact 641/484-2702, ext. 305, TDD# or Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339 or melody.bro@ia.nacdnet.net at least 48 hours before the event. USDA is an equal opportunity employer, provider, and lender. USDA and Extension programs are available to all without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, or disability.