According to a new study by the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), women are expressing their interests in leadership roles, learning opportunities, and advocating for the agricultural industry.
The study was conducted through a set of surveys and focus groups and included more than 4,000 women participants from all 50 states and Puerto Rico. It also featured representation from more than 25 crops and commodities.
The study sought to examine the roles women play in agriculture, but also to identify areas where additional training and resources could provide support to furthering those roles.
The survey ultimately found that more than 90% of participants were not only interested in taking on leadership roles now or in the future, but also in learning opportunities to further develop technical, business, and leadership skills.
Most participants expressed their confidence in speaking about agriculture in community and professional settings, as well as their strong desire to do so.
The survey also found that women were seeking opportunities to develop and practice business and financial management skills, equipment or technical skills, and policy engagement, advocacy, and mentorship skills.
The survey identified five main areas in which women in agriculture need support in order to succeed. These include their need for support with their time and caregiving responsibilities, as well as their need for support in financial planning, developing skills, and accessing leadership opportunities.
AFBF desires to use these findings to “help shape future programming and leadership development efforts for women in agriculture over the next five years.” The Farm Bureau is currently analyzing the data, but they feel the study reinforces the growing role women are playing in agriculture.
AFBF Women’s Leadership Chair Isabella Chism believes that 'agriculture around the world has flourished with the full support of women oftentimes behind the scenes but increasingly in leadership roles.”
She added that “this study allows us to take a closer look at the role women play in raising crops and tending livestock, but also balancing off-farm jobs, caring for children, volunteering in their community and so much more.”