More Women In Ag

More Women In Ag

More Women In Ag. I'm Greg Martin with today's Line On Agriculture.

Over the past 10 years, the presence of women in agriculture has increased with a 14 percent rise in the number of female farm operators and a 21 percent rise in the number of female principal farm operators, according to the latest Census of Agriculture. American Farm Bureau Women's Leadership Committee Chair Terry Gilbert explains what contributed to this increase.

GILBERT: There are women who are getting into farming to do specialty-type farming. A lot of women are involved in the vegetable and fruit area that is reaching that local market. Everybody wants to know their farmer, know their food and know where their food comes from, and I think a lot of women are getting into farming, answering that need.

Gilbert says women in agriculture still face obstacles.

GILBERT: There still seems to be a little bit of a prejudice or negativity against a woman, "well she can't do what a man can do," but I think women are extremely capable of being leaders in our agriculture industry and in our organizations.

Gilbert would like to see more women involved in agricultural leadership.

GILBERT: Farm Bureau women's programs can help women become involved in leadership positions in agriculture. We try to offer educational programs, programs that help train them to be spokespersons, to help them feel comfortable speaking in front of a group and talking about what they do and why they do it. And I feel like that's a very important job that we do as a women's leadership program.

That's today's Line On Agriculture. I'm Greg Martin on the Ag Information Network.

Previous ReportBacking Farmers
Next ReportForage Expanding