The Dairy Girl Network (DGN), an organization supporting all women in dairy by enhancing lives and creating opportunities, announced national conference dates, new Catalyst national event sponsors and hiring of Renée Norman-Kenny.
Forward TogetHER National Conference presented by Diamond V
The DGN National Conference will be held on November 1 – 3, 2016 in Minneapolis, Minn. Diamond V introduces the DGN ‘Forward TogetHER' conference set to deliver dynamic speakers, breakout sessions and thought provoking panel discussions. Personal and professional development will be the main focus with technical sessions helping dairy girls learn, lead and succeed on farm, at home and throughout any career related to dairy farming.
"It's an honor to be leading the coordination of the first Dairy Girl Network National Conference," said Kristy Pagel, regional sales manager at Diamond V. "The roles that women play within agriculture are recognized by Diamond V and we look forward to doing our part in advancing the skills of all attendees."
Best value registration is now available online at www.dairygirlnetwork.com. The complete agenda will be posted in May.
Cargill and Zoetis welcomed as DGN Catalyst national event sponsors
DGN Networking Events are continually added to the calendar in locations from coast to coast. As the organization grows, DGN welcomes Zoetis and Cargill as Catalyst national event sponsors.
"We are proud to support the Dairy Girl Network, and women across the industry," says Justin Howes, strategic marketing lead for Cargill's U.S. dairy business. "Great things happen when you bring passionate people together to network, innovate and advance their development."
Brandon Garrett, area business manager for Zoetis also added "At Zoetis, we are always looking for opportunities to support and cultivate the next leaders in the dairy industry, and the Dairy Girl Network is helping to create a foundation for women in agriculture like few organizations have done before."
Upcoming 2016 Networking Events are scheduled in conjunction with the All-American Dairy Show, World Dairy Expo and Minnesota Dairy Conference and Expo. Additional locations may be considered.
Sponsors help move DGN forward through programs and events. With this support, members gain valuable connections and resources by making limited personal investments. Additional businesses on a quest to support women in dairy and the partnering with DGN should contact a board member. Sponsorships opportunities are also available for the Forward TogetHER Dairy Girl Network National Conference.
Renée Norman-Kenny hired as director of program development at DGN
To support the DGN mission, vision, members, sponsors board of directors, Renée Norman-Kenny, Pa., was recently hired to serve as director of program development. Renée is a dairy farmer, farm wife, mother, freelance graphic designer and blogger.
"Renée is a dairy girl through and through. Her passion, purpose and goals align perfectly with our organization," says Laura Daniels, founder and president of the Dairy Girl Network. "Renee brings the unique combination of creative design flair, expert writing and proven project management. All three skills will immediately aid the Dairy Girl Network in moving our mission forward."
Renée's passion for agriculture and the dairy industry was instilled at an early age through her family's dairy farm, Normandell Farm, in north-central Pennsylvania. As a youth, Renée participated in 4-H and Jersey activities which all helped to further spark her passion. Since her graduation from Penn State with an Animal Sciences degree, she has served in dairy communication and marketing positions and freelance graphic design work.
Today, Renée and her husband, Clayton own and operate a 220-cow Jersey dairy farm, Kenny Jersey Farm LLC, about an hour north of Pittsburgh. Besides working at the farm, she has been launching and developing her blog, Eat Farm Love. Off the farm, Renée is involved in the Pennsylvania Jersey Cattle Association as the youth committee chairman, as a 4-H Dairy Club leader, and as a Penn State Dairymen's Club board member. Renée and Clayton have a one year old daughter, Nora, that loves the farm life as much as her parents and are expecting a second child this fall.
The Dairy Girl Network is supported by vision sponsors: Diamond V, Land O'Lakes and DairyBusiness Communications, in addition to contributions by event and conference sponsors. Learn more about the organization at www.dairygirlnetwork.com.
5.31.2016
