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Women Landowners Voices from Iowa: Empowering Expertise in Farmland Leasing, Conservation, And Transition

Jingyi Tong

Summary

Given the essential role women landowners play in Iowa farmland and yet the various challenges they are facing, it is crucial to investigate the attitudes and concerns of these landowners and develop targeted educational resources to assist them. This poster presents insights from 358 women landowners in Iowa, highlighting their potential as change agents in farmland leasing, conservation practices, and efficient land transition. Key findings include a significant interest in areas like responsibilities, costs, ownership economics, and rental rates. Concerns in conservation revolve around government program requirements, interference with land management, low cost-share payments, and limited environmental value. They are interested in conservation programs, carbon credits, soil erosion control, fertilizer improvement, and cover crops. In farmland transition, understanding different ownership structures and tax implications is crucial, with a strong focus on tax matters and succession options. Preferred educational formats vary: seniors lean towards print (fact sheets and infographics), those under 70 favor virtual methods (webinars), and under-50s prefer in-person meetings (half-day in-person meetings), with (electronic) newsletters being universally popular. The poster emphasizes the importance of understanding women landowners’ perspectives to develop effective educational strategies. It guides Extension professionals in developing resources and programs tailored to the diverse needs of women groups, empowering them and enhancing their roles in agricultural sustainability.

Details

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