In an industry as dynamic as agriculture, success often depends on having the right financial tools, up-to-date market insights, and a strong professional network. On March 3, 2026, FCS Financial hosted the Empowered Women Empower Agriculture seminar at Hermann Hill, bringing together nearly 80 women from across the state for a day dedicated to professional growth and industry connection.
The event was designed to be inclusive of the diverse roles women play in today’s agricultural landscape. From those managing multi-generation family farms to those leading in off-farm agricultural careers, the seminar provided a space for all attendees to sharpen their skills and navigate their paths with clarity and purpose.
Insightful Leadership and Market Outlooks
The morning session began with an Association Update from FCS Financial CEO Rob Guinn, who welcomed the crowd and shared the organization’s commitment to supporting Missouri’s producers and ag professionals. Following his remarks, the floor was turned over to Mary Kay Thatcher, President of MK Thatcher Consulting.
A fifth-generation farmer with over 30 years of experience as a lobbyist for the American Farm Bureau Federation, Thatcher provided a deep dive into the Navigating Agricultural Markets: Trends and Outlook for 2026. She provided an essential update on the current state of agricultural markets and the shifting political landscape in Washington, D.C. Her insights helped attendees identify how national policy and economic factors may create both challenges and opportunities for their operations and businesses in the coming year.
Bridging the Gap: Soft Skills in a Technical World
The education continued with Mark Stewart, President and CEO of Agriculture Future of America (AFA). Stewart’s session, "A Guide to Essential Workforce Skills in Ag," sparked a highly interactive dialogue with the audience.
Stewart challenged the traditional view of professional development by distinguishing between "Hard Skills"—the technical knowledge often found on a resume—and "Soft Skills," such as adaptability, emotional intelligence, and initiative. Using a "skills gap" framework, he illustrated how technical proficiency gets you the job, but soft skills are what drive long-term career success and effective leadership. The session was marked by a steady stream of questions from attendees, reflecting a deep interest in how these human-centric skills apply to modern farm management and corporate ag roles alike.
Hands-On Financial Empowerment
Following a networking lunch, the afternoon transitioned into a practical, interactive workshop: "Understanding & Utilizing Your Balance Sheet". Led by FCS Financial team members Chad McCollough, Jill Kohut, Ashley Forck, and Marisa Doerhoff, the session demystified one of the most crucial documents in financial management.
The workshop moved beyond theory, defining the balance sheet as a "point in time" snapshot of an operation's financial health, encompassing assets, liabilities, and owner equity. Attendees put their pencils to paper, working through a real-world case study for "Johnny & June Farmer". This hands-on approach allowed women to calculate liquidity and solvency ratios, seeing exactly how the FCS Financial team utilizes these figures to perform financial assessments and determine an operation's ability to meet obligations and grow.
A Community Built to Last
Beyond the presentations, the core of the day was the connection made between participants. Whether during the morning table introductions or the afternoon workshop, the Pavilion at Hermann Hill was filled with the sounds of women sharing their stories, challenges, and successes.
"Our goal for this event was to provide Missouri’s women in ag with the tools and connections they need to navigate their operations and off-farm positions with clarity and purpose," says Madison Farnan, Manager of Marketplace Engagement.
As the seminar concluded, attendees were encouraged to keep the momentum going. FCS Financial is proud to support the women who drive our industry forward, and we look forward to seeing many of these same faces at our upcoming Member Appreciation Day on March 24 at local offices across the state.
To stay informed about future educational opportunities and association events, we encourage you to visit our website or follow us on social media to join our growing community of Missouri ag professionals.
