The 2007 Census of Agriculture shows that almost 1 out 5 US farms and nearly 10% of all Iowa farms are run by women as sole operators.
Angie Treptow with Farm Credit Services of America says she sees more women taking on more responsibilities on farms, such as bookkeeping and risk management decisions. Women are also outliving their husbands or fathers and often pass their farms on to the next generation.
Iowa State University has an educational program aimed at women in charge of farm decision-making. Annie’s Project, named after a woman from Illinois who became a business partner with her husband, is held in 27 states and has the following stated goal.
To empower farm women to be better business partners through networks and by managing and organizing critical information.
Treptow says women need training to be successful farm operators; Annie’s Project holds sessions for women to learn about economic issues in an environment conducive to supporting conversations and positive reinforcement. She adds that, as a lender, Farm Credit Services of America treats women equally in financial consultations.
