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Empowering Women to Lead: Women in Ag Leadership Conference

Madeline Schultz and Lisa Scarbrough

Summary

Whether leading from the farm family kitchen table or the corporate board room, women in agriculture have important leadership roles. Women have been more than 50% of college graduates since the 1980’s, yet leadership in-equality persists. For example, a 2021 study from the University of Wisconsin reported women make up only 8% of the members of boards of directors for producer cooperatives. Iowa State University developed an advisory committee and began a women’s leadership conference in 2017 to help address the leadership gap. Survey data from the 2024 conference indicated how successfully the event strengthened leadership capacity. There were 85.7% of respondents who agreed the conference gave them practical leadership skills they can use, 85.7% agreed the conference increased their belief in themselves and the power of life-long learning, and 81.4% agreed the conference connected them with other women who inspired their leadership journey. Overall, 82.9% agreed the conference increased their level of leadership growth. Survey responses indicated attendees committed to setting long-term goals, enhancing communication skills, and fostering networks. Action plans included estate planning, advocating for themselves in leadership roles, and creating niche markets. Attendees planned to implement strategies for in-between generational shifts, conservation practices, and finding mentors. Nearly half of survey respondents worked in agribusiness, while others identified as farmers/landowners, students, and educators/non-profit. Extension educators have an important role in teaching leadership skills and supporting women in agriculture to confidently take on new roles as they contribute to vibrant agricultural businesses and enhance global food security.

Details

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