Next phase builds on statewide effort to connect and empower women in agriculture
The Women’s Ag Network (WAN) is inviting proposals for new contract opportunities that will expand its statewide presence. This week, WAN launched Requests for Proposals (RFPs) to engage six Hub Managers and one Social Media & Communications Technician, positions designed to strengthen regional programming and digital storytelling.
These one-year contracts are the next step in WAN’s work to connect, engage, and educate women in agriculture, conservation, and related fields.
“This announcement marks an important step in bringing our vision to life—empowering community champions to foster meaningful engagement and nurture leadership development on the farm, ranch, and beyond,” said Rebecca Blue, Founder and Project Coordinator of the Women’s Ag Network.
A vision rooted in lived experience
Blue’s idea for WAN was sparked by her own experience. Raised in Huron and trained in agronomy and soil sciences at SDSU, she spent nearly a decade in Washington, D.C., working in agriculture policy. When she returned to South Dakota, she realized she lacked a professional network in her home state. “It was strange for me to work my whole life in ag, be from South Dakota and have no network here,” she said.
To fill that gap, Blue launched The Best Job in South Dakota podcast in 2023, highlighting women across the state making a difference in their communities. The podcast laid the groundwork for WAN and helped secure a $1.17 million Conservation Collaboration Cooperative Agreement with the Jones County Conservation District, NRCS, and the South Dakota Association of Conservation Districts.
Statewide Hubs and digital outreach
With that support, WAN established six regional Hubs in Sioux Falls, Brookings, Huron, Eagle Butte, White River, and Spearfish. The new Hub Managers will host events, develop local programming, and strengthen networks that reflect their community’s needs. A Social Media & Communications Technician will amplify these efforts through digital campaigns and online engagement.
Angela Ehlers, executive director of the South Dakota Association of Conservation Districts, said the Hub model is crucial in a state where distance can limit access. “These Hubs give women a place to share ideas, gain confidence, and connect with resources,” she said.
Apply by September 21
Contractors interested in applying should submit proposals by September 21, 2025. Award notifications will be made in late September, with contracts beginning October 1, 2025. Full RFPs and submission instructions are available at www. womensagnetwork.org