EMPOWERING OHIO FARM WOMEN THROUGH EDUCATION

1. EMPOWERING OHIO FARM WOMEN THROUGH EDUCATION Doris Herringshaw, OSU Extension – Wood County, herringshaw.1@osu.edu Julia Nolan Woodruff, OSU Extension – Ashland County, woodruff.94@osu.edu Abstract According to the 2002 Ag Census, there was a 22% increase in the number of women principle operators of farms in Ohio from 1997 to 2002. This accounts for 7660 women operators. While Ohio offers many agricultural programs for famers, farm women are not usually targeted and many times are intimidated or are an afterthought at meetings. The statistics, current interest and lack of programming for women showed that it was time to start addressing the needs of Ohio women involved in agriculture. Women in Agriculture conferences and Annie’s Project addressed the issues of family and business communication, financial management, marketing, legal risk, health and wellness, and farm safety. The programs also introduced women to the vast selection of resources available to assist producers to help improve their businesses and families. From a long running Women in Ag Program, in Wood County an interest was developed to expand educational opportunities that were more in-depth. As a result, farm couple educational tours were planned and conducted and Annie’s Project was piloted in 2006 in two Ohio counties. The programming has benefited over 2,000 women and also brought together private industry and Extension Educators from across program area and across the state. These efforts have enabled Ohio to become part of a larger Women in Agriculture movement helping to expand our programming efforts. Evaluations have been conducted to support each of the programs. The results and impacts on farm families will be shared. The results have shown a need for continued educational efforts for this underserved population. Women in Agriculture supports families involved with agriculture by conducting educational programs and activities that address their pursuit in building independent and productive lives. EMPOWERMENT THROUGH EDUCATION OSU Extension embraces human diversity and is committed to ensuring that all educational programs conducted by Ohio State University Extension are available to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, age, sex, gender identity or expression, disability, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, or veteran status.