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Iowa Women Make Key Decisions on Leasing, Conservation and Transition

Patrick Hatting, Lisa Scarbrough , and Madeline Schultz

Summary

More than one-third of Iowa farmers are women, and they make important decisions on three key farmland management issues: leasing, conservation, and succession. Extension has an important role in educating women farmland owners and operators who may have fewer resources, be socially isolated or lack management experience. The team developed and conducted 9 local workshops, 3 local courses, 4 regional forums, 9 statewide conference tours or breakout sessions, 11 webinars, and 11 Ag Decision Maker news articles from 2021 to 2025. In 2025, a follow-up online survey was emailed to women who participated in one or more of the educational programs, and follow-up focus groups were conducted. Focus group participants were empowered to access resources, develop supportive networks and make confident farmland management decisions. The results of the participant survey indicated 45% of respondents negotiated new leases, 45% enrolled in a conservation cost-share program, and 43% created or updated estate plans. Survey results indicated 43% of respondents reported cost savings from actions taken after participation. The most common cost savings ranges were $5,000.01–$10,000.00 and $1,000.01 to $5,000. In addition, 48% reported added income with the most common ranges being $1,000.01–$5,000.00 and $500.01–$1,000. Women farmland owners and operators can be effective change agents for more equitable farmland leasing, adoption of conservation practices, and greater efficiencies in land transition to next generation farmers. All Iowans benefit when women are supported in improving the three pillars of agricultural sustainability including the economy, environment and community.

Details

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