AGvocate speaker available for farming, ag and agritourism conferences, expos and panels.

Presentations include goat care and husbandry, farm market marketing, agriculture and agritourism advocacy.

FORMER SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

Spring Arbor University - Woman's Leadership Conference
MSU Extension Kent County - Staff Day Workshop Training
Ada Bible Church - Women's Ministry Thrive Night Speaker
Hook A Sister Up - Women Who Write Author Showcase
2024 KDL Summer Wonder Children's Program Presenter
2025 MI Farm Bureau - Growing Together Workshop Presenter

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AGvocate SPEAKING FEE

$500 Per Presentation Topic

Presentations include a 50 minute speaking topic, PowerPoint, digital participant handout file, Q & A after presentation and photo opportunity with event attendees. Complimentary storybook signing available by request. Presentations are virtual or in-person. Travel fee of $1.50 per mile in Michigan. If needed, overnight accommodations, car rental and/or airfare billed to event host. Speaking disclaimer, Nicole Zaagman is not a veterinary technician, veterinarian or lawyer. Please always obtain expert advice and services regarding your specific needs in care of livestock from a licensed veterinary professional and legal counsel from a practicing attorney.

SPEAKING TOPICS

Goat Care 101 Thinking about owning goats or are you a new goat parent? This presentation is perfect for those just starting out with any breed of goat. Learn goat care basics from nutrition, routine care and common ailments and remedies.

Goat Husbandry Want to get into goat breeding and husbandry? This presentation is geared towards those interested in good breeding practices and learning what to expect when your goat is expecting, kidding signs and when to assist.

Goat Critical Care What can go wrong often does go wrong in the life of goat ownership. Topics include wound care, emergency veterinary intervention, C-sections, impending illness symptoms and signs and unexpected health complications.

JOY In Adversity Farming is physically and mentally challenging work. What does it take to persevere in the midst of hardship? A relationship with Jesus Christ. Lean into Joy and learn tips to balance mental and physical wellbeing in the process.

Storybook Publishing Designed for authors interested in self-publishing their agriculture related children's storybook. Topics: hiring editors, designers and illustrators, copywrite, title and ISBN registration, printing, author visits and sales.

Farm Marketing Being a farmer requires juggling many tasks and skillsets, marketing included. In a technology and social media driven world, learn how to leverage a marketing plan that works for you and your farm that yields tangible results.

Agritourism Advocacy For Michigan farms adding agritourism to operations and municipalities interested in supporting farms in their townships. Topics: zoning ordinances, Right to Farm Act and helpful programs such as GAAMPs and MEAEP.

Agritourism Diversification Learn innovative ways to diversify farm profits with offerings such as overnight farm stays, farm education programs and farm tours. Leave inspired to grow your farm into a one-of-a-kind agritourism destination.

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS:

Agritourism Operator, GAAMPs and MAEAP verified
Life Coach Certificate - IAP Career College 2023
1 year HS teaching experience with Foursquare Community
9 years of marketing and coaching experience 2014 - present
5 years of event planning and public speaking experience 2015 - 2018
Hosted a weekly radio show interviewing entrepreneurs 2014 - 2015
2 years of equine therapy (EAGALA model) work and volunteer experience
2 years of art activity volunteer experience with Artists Creating Together
Formerly certified dog-handler therapy team with West MI Therapy Dogs
15 years of graphic and website design and creative consulting experience
Former corporate positions: Gordon Food Service and MLive Media Group
Bachelor's of Arts Degree (graphic design) - Spring Arbor University 2009
Graphic Design Certificate - Kent Skills Career and Technical Center 2006
10 years raising and showing livestock with 4-H locally and at the state level
Follower of Jesus Christ, using biblical principles and prayer if desired

Member of American Goat Society
Member of National Pygmy Goat Association
Member of International Organization of Professional Life Coaches

Member of Kent County Youth Agricultural Association

Member of Michigan Farm Bureau

Member of Michigan Agritourism Association

Speaing Topics

TESTIMONIALS

Takeaway: being more intentional in regards to daily routine and address people personally first before diving into talking about business matters.

WORKSHOP CLIENT

I learned to know in order to find fulfillment, I have to do what makes me happy and to do it. This is a workshop you should attend.

WORKSHOP CLIENT

So glad I was able to hear Nicole speak. She made me feel like I had real purpose and helped us understand that you are not too old or too young, not too messy. It doesn’t matter because God can use us. He can use our gifts towards His purpose so we have a reason for getting up in the morning and to impact others.

EVENT ATTENDEE

I loved Nicole’s use of an acronym because it helps attendees remember what was taught. I thought her presentation was very good. When she spoke about life's uncertainties and you wonder where God is in it, she illustrated you can really lean on Him. She encouraged us through scripture that He uses everything. Whether bad or good, He works it together for a purpose.