Beaufort County residents Anna Ackerman, Melinda Ackerman, Meghan Barkley, Beverly Brown, April Busby, Abigale Hansen, Laura Hansen and Sandra Simmons joined more than 100 women from across the state in North Charleston on October 14 and 15 for the S.C. Farm Bureau Federation’s (SCFB) annual Women’s Leadership Conference.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

The group of women learned how to bridge the knowledge gap those in agriculture face as they gathered in Aiken this week. They participated in workshops that showcased local agriculture, offered personal development and provided tools to promote agriculture in their counties.

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

“Farm Bureau women work hard to advance agriculture in South Carolina,” said Agricultural Literacy and Women’s Program director, Elizabeth Wood. “Their knowledge of and interest in family farms contributes so much to the organization, as they work for the future success of agriculture in our state.”

Agribusiness is South Carolina’s largest industry, generating nearly $42 billion annually and supporting more than 212,000 jobs each year in the state.

&nbsp;