Women's Agricultural Network (WAgN)

 A Resource for Women

Who Manage, Operate, Own or Dream About Farming

Welcome!

The Time & Tide Resource Conservation & Development (RC&D) Area organization has been a proud sponsor, advocate and acting fiscal agent for WAgN for more than 10 years.  Currently WAgN is undergoing a transformation and is restructuring its organization.  In an ongoing collaborative partnership, the Time & Tide Council has agreed to host WAgN's web information on its site in an effort to keep WAgN's members and supporters, as well as all those who benefit from the many wonderful opportunities that WAgN presents, informed and up to date on local events.

WAgN's History

 The Women’s Agricultural Network (WAgN) started out as a collaborative effort of the University of Maine Cooperative Extension and the Time & Tide RC&D Area.  Through a series of educational, technical assistance, and networking opportunities, WAgN works to increase the number of women owning and operating profitable farms and ag-related businesses, as well as their profile in leadership positions throughout the agricultural sectors of business, government and community.   From developing and assessing a business idea through the advanced planning and implementation phases, WAgN offers a program to support and encourage these varying levels.

                  Photo:  Experiential Weekend Workshop                       Photo:  Food Science Lab Tour/10th Anniv. WAgN Conf.

Who We Are

The Women's Agricultural Network of Maine is a collaborative effort of farmers, agriculture and related non-profit, for-profit and governmental agencies seeking to help women and develop the skills necessary to begin or continue farming and managing woodland profitably.

Statement of Purpose

The Women's Agricultural Network in Maine enables women and other underserved people to successfully own, operate and support agriculture and natural resources related enterprises through practical education and peer networking.

Upcoming Events!

 To view .pdf files you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer.  If you do not have Adobe installed, try this link:   Adobe Reader

WAgN Transition Gathering  - To Be Announced

The next WAgN transition meeting has not been scheduled yet.  Please refer back to this site for the latest information.  Once scheduled the meeting will be held at the Augusta USDA Field Office Conference Room located at 21 Enterprise Drive in Augusta.  Map to Field Office

News & Other Information!

Green Heron Tools - "Farm & Garden Tools for Women"

Survey Request

Despite the growing number of women farmers, and the distinct differences between women’s and men’s bodies, virtually all equipment is designed for men. Using tools and equipment produced for male farmers puts women at higher risk for injuries and reduces efficiency.  Green Heron Tools' mission is to provide high-quality agricultural tools and equipment appropriate for women. 

To reach their goals to best meet the needs of women growers, they need your assistance.  Please take a few minutes of your time to complete their online survey.  Thank you!

http://www.farmtoolsforwomen.com/Survey.html

Look for our informational display at any one of these venues:

• Maine Agricultural Trade Show
• Maine Ag Day at the Legislature
• Maine Livestock Expo
• Fiber Frolic
• Common Ground Country Fair / September 19-21, 2008 / Unity Fairground
• Other Ag related fairs, shows and events

Employment Opportunity

ME Agricultural & Forest Experiment Station - Farm Superintendent

Application Deadline /  Sept. 5, 2008

The incumbent in this position is responsible for managing the ­­­­­J. F. Witter Teaching & Research Center, which includes the Witter Farm, Rogers Farm and Smith Farm in Orono and Old Town, Maine.  For more information download the employment notice.

Join Us!

Attend a gathering...share your ideas...serve as a mentor...attend educational programs and workshops...be added to our directory...and network, network, network!

To join WAgN, download our brochure, complete the membership information and mail to the Time & Tide RC&D office.

Maine WAgN - Newsletter 

The WAgN Newsletter is available as an Adobe Acrobat .pdf file. 

December 2007 Newsletter

March 2008 Newsletter

To view .pdf files you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer.  If you do not have Adobe installed, try this link:   Adobe Reader

Resource Links    

Beginner Farmers of New Hampshire

Center for Rural Affairs                              

Kentucky Women In Ag, Inc.

Maine Agricultural Center

Maine Business Works     

Massachusetts CISA Women's Ag Network

Missouri Alternatives Center 

New England Small Farm Institute    

USDA Risk Management Agency 

WAgN - Pennsylvania

WAgN - Vermont

Women, Food and Agriculture Network

Women in Agriculture

Women, Work and Community

For More Information About WAgN, Contact:

Vivianne Holmes

(207) 336-2484

Mary Ann Haxton

(207) 388-2979     or Thyme@megalink.net

Susan Watson

(207) 947-6622, ext. 5, then ext 1    or

susan.watson@me.usda.gov

Collaborative Partners

Agricultural Council of Maine

Heart of Maine RC&D Area

ME Dept of Agriculture

ME Forest Service

ME Centers for Women, Work & Community

US Dept of Agriculture (USDA)

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service