Kansas Statewide Women in Agriculture
"The Heart of the Farm"
One Day Workshop

Program Focus:
Mental Health, Women’s Health, Total Farmer Health Coach,
Lead Midwest Areas of Expertise: Aging Farmers, Musculoskeletal System,
Respiratory Health, PPE, Family Dynamics

“Enhancing Relationships to Reduce Stressors; Why Social Connection is Your Most Valuable Input”.  

Linda Emanuel's experience as a rural Registered Nurse and the proprietorship of her multi-generational Nebraska family farm has shaped her into a natural advocate and educator for agriculture producers and healthcare professionals. As AgriSafe Network's Agricultural Health Liaison, Linda is responsible for curriculum design and outreach for behavioral wellness, women’s health, and occupational health exposures. Her work is promoted on a state, regional, and national level through webinars, onsite presentations, publications, and more. Her passion to support Total Farmer Health® drives her actions as a liaison between research and practice. Linda has a diverse background in acute care nursing, intensive care, pediatrics, home health care, and rural primary care clinics. She is an AgriSafe Network Nurse Scholar and a Nebraska LEAD fellow. She belongs to the American Nurses Association, Rural Nurses Organization, and Nebraska Nurses Association. 

She and her husband own and operate a row crop farming operation that has welcomed back their sons and families to continue a legacy.  


Linda will also be the lead for the agribusinesses panel.

Linda Emanuel, BSN, RN

AgriSafe Network
Agriculture Health Liaison, Ag Producer
Keynote and Panel Spokesperson

"How to Save your Farm from the Five Most Costly and Common Mistakes"

Garrett Ruskamp is a fifth-generation farmer from Northeast Nebraska and is married with four boys. On his family farm operation, they raise corn, soybeans, wheat, alfalfa and cover crops, as well as manage a custom grazing operation.

In his early years of farming, he overcame many challenges brought on by financial instability. Driven by a deep understanding of what’s at stake in ag, Garrett started Pioneer Farmer. Through financial coaching and strategic planning, Garrett equips fellow farmers and ranchers with the tools, strategies, and clarity they need to make confident decisions, regain control of their operations, and build long-term success.

Garrett Ruskamp
Pioneer Farmer

"Connecting with the Consumer"

Stacy Rethman dairies in northeast Kansas with her parents, milking 500 cows using eight robotic milkers. Stacy joined the farm full-time in 2020 after teaching middle school math and science for seven years. She remains active in education through the Adopt a Cow program, providing school farm tours, and connecting with the public on social media.
In her free time, Stacy enjoys volunteering at her children’s school and participating in church events.

Stacy Rethman
Rottinghaus Holstein Farms

  "Farming Under Pressure:  Markets, Risk
and the Cost of Going it Alone"

Tim Strunk and his wife, Cheyenne, live in Wamego, Kansas, with their three children, ages 2 to 7. Tim has more than 20 years of experience in agricultural risk management and works with clients across the Midwest, providing services that include crop and property/casualty insurance, commodity brokerage, and grain and livestock risk management consulting. Cheyenne serves as Board Chair for LeadingAge Kansas and as Advocacy Lead for Grace Team Services, a senior living management and development company. After 15 years as an Executive Director in senior living, she stepped back to focus on raising their children while continuing her advocacy work. Together, Tim and Cheyenne bring a personal and practical perspective to agricultural mental health, shaped by a tragic experience in their lives in 2020. They are active owners of a family farm and ranch in western Oklahoma, giving them firsthand insight into the daily pressures of agriculture. Drawing on their lived experience and Tim’s career in ag risk management, they are committed to helping others navigate both the visible and unseen risks faced by those in agriculture. 

Tim and Cheyenne Strunk

Collaboration of Mental Health and Risk Management

Sarah A. Gideon, MBA, is the Executive Director of the Health Innovations Network of Kansas, Inc. (HINK), a role she has held since 2016. The 15 member hospitals of HINK have the following shared purpose: "We are stronger together as we support each other to improve the health of our members and communities in the region we serve".

A native of Manhattan, Kansas and a Kansas State University College of Ag alum, Sarah has 16 years of experience in healthcare management. She began her career in the agricultural sector as the membership and education director for Kansas Farmers Union and has a passion for rural issues and communities. Sarah serves as a National Cooperative of Healthcare Network Board member, the Board Chair for the Holton Community Hospital Foundation, and a volunteer for Kansas FFA.   

Sarah Gideon

HINK

Angela Dake is the founder and owner of Hidden Hill Farms in Auburn, Kansas — an agritourism destination and working farm where conservation comes first. She champions healthy soil and regenerative practices to raise grass fed, finished beef, pastured poultry, seasonal produce, and farm fresh eggs, all delivered directly to the local community through a farm to consumer model. 🌱🐄🥚

After a lifelong career in public education, she and her husband RJ bought an 80-acre farm in 2015 and have been dedicated to sharing the importance and joys of agriculture through immersive experiences: kids’ farm camps, pop up food events and markets, internship workshops with local ag students, and hands-on learning adventures. The property also hosts a cozy farmstay, retreat, and community center where visitors can reconnect with the country, taste truly local food, and learn why healthy soil and sustainable systems matter.

After her husband's passing in 2024, Angela continues the legacy of the farm with her adult children and devoted community of helpers. They look to the future, developing existing and new enterprises for longevity and success. Angela also speaks publicly, writes articles about her farm experiences, and is a consultant and mentor to beginning and developing farmers — urban and rural — on regenerative practices, soil health, urban farms, growing practices, business strategies for added value, direct to consumer sales and creative problem solving.

Angela will be a part of a panel of agribusinesses. 

Angela Dake
Hidden Hill Farms

Delaney New and Brylee (New) Smith of New Family Farms and Taste of the Land, near Holton, Kansas, explain how ‘things are done right’ on their generational farm and business, inspired by their father, Shane New. Their farm's journey has been one of constant evolution. But, even with success, they have never stopped searching for something more meaningful.  Regenerative Agriculture has sparked family conversations and is part of what they do today.

Delaney and Brylee will be a part of a panel of agribusinesses.

Delaney New and Brylee (New) Smith
New Family Farms/Taste of the Land

Leigha and Anita Rokey represent the Rokey family behind Rokeyroad Creamery, a local, family‑run creamery in northeast Kansas. They’ll share how their operation blends practical farm know‑how with small‑business entrepreneurship, including crafting farm‑made ice cream and other local favorites for the community!

Leigha and Anita will be a part of a panel of agribusinesses. 


P.S.  Attendees may get to taste what they produce! 


 

Anita and Leigha Rokey

Rokeyroad Creamery