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Resources for Women in Agriculture
Farmer demographics have started to shift recently and more young women are getting into the agriculture industry. We take a look at some helpful resources for women in agriculture, from associations to financing opportunities.
The face of farming in North America is changing. According to the 2017 Census of Agriculture, 36% of the farmers in the US were women. They tended to be slightly younger, newer to farming, and more likely to live on the farm where they worked than male farmers. The demographics in Canada are similar - in 2016, 28.7% of farmers in Canada were women.
According to Doris Mold, president of American Agri-Women, the role of women in agriculture is changing, too.
“Over the past few decades the amount of women who are receiving undergraduate and advanced degrees has increased drastically—across the board,” says Doris. “Women have become a significant part of the nation’s work force, and this translates to the agriculture industry. In the past, women weren’t encouraged to enter this field, but now there are many programs and resources in place to support female growth and participation in agriculture.”
If you’re a female farmer or are interested in getting into the agriculture industry, check out these resources for women in agriculture.
National Women in Agriculture Association
Founded in 2008, the National Women in Agriculture Association (NWIAA) has chapters across the US with a focus on helping rural minority women become part of the agriculture business and gain access to locally grown food. Members can get USDA grant and loan information and resources for growing agriculture businesses, no matter the size.
American National CattleWomen
American National CattleWomen (ANCW) members get access to a national networking group of other cattlewomen that stays up-to-date on legislation related to the beef industry. The organization also has local chapters for members to get involved in policy at the state level. ANCW also offers member events to learn the latest on cattle management, as well as programs to teach kids about agricultural awareness.
USDA Women in Agriculture Mentoring Network
As part of the resources that the USDA offers for women in agriculture, they have a Women in Agriculture Mentoring Network. Members can talk to other women in the agriculture business, learn about upcoming news and events, as well as participate in a quarterly engagement call.
FCC Women Entrepreneur Program
FCC has dedicated $500 million to loans and resources for Canadian women in agriculture. Besides financial aid for farmers, FCC also offers events, including a Women’s Summit, and business tips and articles.
Ag Women’s Network
The Ag Women’s Network (AWN) is a volunteer-led online community for Canadian female farmers that offers a women’s mentorship program, virtual events, round table discussions, and volunteer opportunities. Members from across Canada have the chance to connect with and learn from each other as part of this group.
Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Program
Caterpillar is a proud partner with the American Farm Bureau Federation. Their Women’s Leadership program provides women with opportunities for growth and development. Any female Farm Bureau member can also register for the Women’s Communications Boot Camp, which is an intensive training opportunity to build skills for advocating for the agriculture industry at a local, state, and even national level. Download Farm Bureau’s Women in Ag survey report from 2019 to view additional insights.
There are plenty of great associations and resources for women in agriculture out there, but also don’t forget to check general agriculture associations for specific women’s initiatives. Membership has its perks! While not limited to just women, if you’re a member of Farm Bureau or Midwest Food Products Association, you can get exclusive discounts on Cat® equipment that you can use on your farm.
Resources like these are just the tip of the iceberg. It’s a great idea to see if there are other resources or groups within your local community that can help your farm grow.
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