Beaufort, S.C. – More than 90 women from 24 counties across the state gathered in beautiful Beaufort, The Pearl of the Coast, Sept. 22 and 23 for South Carolina Farm Bureau’s (SCFB) annual Women’s Leadership Conference. Edgefield County residents Betty Jackson and Jan Burch were among the group of women who spent the week participating in workshops that addressed aquaculture and mariculture, personal development and tools they can use to promote agriculture in their local counties. The conference concluded with a tour of historic Beaufort and plantation homes in the area.

Presentations were given by aquaculture producers and farmers in the Beaufort area. Frank Roberts of Lady’s Island Oysters, Jerry Gault of Gault Seafood and Robyn Clevinger of Beaufort Shellfish Company all spoke about their daily activities in their occupations while the conference attendees learned about how their seafood is grown. Julie Davis a living marine resources extension specialist for the South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium also presented at the conference. Davis shared her expertise and knowledge about her work with consumers and producers in aquaculture.

SCFB President David Winkles said: “We are thankful to have such dedicated women in the Farm Bureau. Without their enthusiasm and commitment, SCFB would not be able to have the far-reaching influence it has. So far this year, these women have put in more than 7,000 hours of purpose activities around the state. We are extremely proud their accomplishments.”

Farm Bureau Women at county, state, and national levels coordinate agricultural education and promotional activities. Their work includes supporting important family and agricultural legislation, youth programs, educational activities, leadership development and commodity promotions.

“SCFB women work hard to educate both students and consumers about South Carolina’s #1 industry – agribusiness,” said Ag Literacy and Women’s Program Director Vonne Knight. “Their knowledge of and interest in family farms contributes much to the organization, as they work for the future success of agriculture in our state.”