“Shaping Ag Communities” is the theme of the 2026 Sidney Women in Agriculture Conference. The highly anticipated event returns on Friday, August 21, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Elks Lodge in Sidney, Nebraska. This engaging, full-day event brings together those involved in agriculture to learn, connect, and share ideas.
Event Highlights
Attendees can look forward to a dynamic lineup of speakers, hands-on workshops, and valuable networking opportunities focused on strengthening agriculture and rural communities.
Keynote Speaker: Kelly Dean
This year’s keynote speaker, Kelly Dean, brings a compelling story of resilience, career growth, and returning to her roots.
Raised in Dalton, Kelly grew up farming alongside her family and still proudly calls the community home. After earning her nursing degree in 2003, she worked as a registered nurse in Arizona, Colorado, and Nebraska before returning to western Nebraska with her husband, Jerod, to raise their family. Since 2012, she has served as a nursing instructor at Western Nebraska Community College, mentoring future healthcare professionals while also earning her master’s degree in nursing.
Today, Kelly and her family are back in agriculture through their business, JK Dean Ag, reconnecting with their roots in the family seed corn operation. In 2022, a family health crisis shifted her perspective and highlighted the importance of support and connection. That experience led her to create her blog, “Better Together,” where she shares reflections on resilience, community, and personal growth.
Registration Details:
• Early Registration (before August 10): $40
• Late Registration (on or after August 10): $50
Register online at go.unl.edu/Sidney. Space is limited, and early registration is encouraged.
Whether you're a producer, business owner, student, or supporter of agriculture, the Sidney Women in Ag Conference offers a valuable opportunity to learn, connect, and celebrate the people who keep agriculture strong.
