Women in Agriculture

East Ohio Women in Agriculture Conference – Let’s Celebrate 10 Years Together in 2025!

The Eastern Ohio Women in Agriculture Team is looking forward to celebrating our 10th annual East Ohio Women in Agriculture Conference on March 21, 2025, in Wooster, OH!

Registration information is coming soon! If you are interested in supporting this event through sponsorship or being an exhibitor, please reach out to Emily Marrison at marrison.12@osu.edu or Corinna Gromley at gromley.8@osu.edu.

We are so pleased that Elaine Froese will be our keynote speaker.

Her superpower is helping families find harmony through understanding. Elaine’s passion is to share simple, practical, and actionable tools with farm families so they can talk about tough issues and get traction in their farm transition. Her topics are a catalyst for courageous conversations and conflict resolution.

Join Us for Farm Office Live in 2025!

From the Farm Office Team

As we wrap up the year, the Farm Office Team would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated in our Farm Office Live webinars over the past year. Your engagement and support make these sessions impactful and worthwhile.

We are excited to announce the dates for our 2025 Winter Series and invite you to mark your calendars for these upcoming webinars. Sessions will take place on Fridays from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon on the following dates:

  • January 17
  • February 21
  • March 28
  • April 25

What to Expect

Farm Office Live webinars offer timely and essential updates for farm operations, from legislative changes to business management insights.

Here’s the Tentative Agenda for our first session on January 17, 2025:

  • Legislative Round-Up
  • Farm Business Analysis Program Update
  • Long-Term Care Update
  • Quarterly Fertilizer Update
  • Crop Input Outlook
  • Livestock Outlook
  • 1099 Reminders
  • Farm Policy & Farm Bill
  • Winter Program Update

Where to Find More Information

Stay up-to-date and access past recordings and slides on our website: Farm Office Live.

Save the Dates!

Don’t miss these opportunities to gain valuable insights and connect with experts who are here to help you navigate the ever-evolving agricultural landscape.

We hope you enjoy a wonderful holiday season, and we look forward to seeing you in 2025! As always, feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

Warm regards,
The Farm Office Team

Looking for Women in Agriculture for Questionnaire Research Study

Dr. Mary Rodriguez and Alexis Zickafoose from The Ohio State University are researching to better understand how being involved in a cooperative can influence women’s agricultural enterprise self-efficacy. They hope to learn more about women’s experiences in agriculture and their agricultural enterprise self-efficacy. If you agree to participate, the questionnaire should take no more than 15 minutes of your time. The responses provided will be reported together so that individual participants will be protected. There are no risks in this study in addition to the risks that you face in everyday life.

Please click here to read more information about the study, decide if you want to participate, and complete the questionnaire.

Link to consent information and questionnaire: https://osu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6WgNtVqT9ZAE9pk

NW Ohio Newsletter 2025

📬 The 2025 Northwest Ohio Newsletter is Coming!

Exciting news! The 2025 Northwest Ohio Newsletter will be hitting mailboxes near the end of December! 🗓️

Packed with the latest updates on agriculture, Extension programming, and community opportunities, this newsletter is your go-to resource for staying informed and connected.

Prefer to read online? 📲 Check out the Virtual Version here.

Stay tuned—there’s a lot to look forward to as we kick off a new year together! 🌾

#Agriculture #Extension #NWOhio #StayConnected #LeanOnYourLandGrant #PauldingCountyStrong #OSUE

Women’s Tractor Safety and Operation held in Williams County

This event is a partnership between Williams and Steuben County Extension and is sponsored by Truland Equipment. The program is geared toward women in agriculture but is open to any participant.

  • Date & Time: Monday, April 8th 5:30-8:30 pm
  • Location: Truland Equipment, 2773 US-6, Edgerton, OH
  • Description: Participants have the opportunity to learn how to safely operate agricultural equipment in a fun, relaxed environment. Dinner is included in the cost.
  • Sponsored by Truland Equipment.
  • Dee Jepsen is the keynote speaker.
  • Registration: https://go.osu.edu/tractor_safety or call (419) 636-5608
    • Space is limited and registration is required by April 1st.
  • Cost: $25

Womens Tractor Operation and Safety program 4-8-2024 Williams County Official Flyer

Farm Science Review is just around the corner!

LONDON, Ohio – More than 50 companies will join the ranks as exhibitors for the 61st Farm Science Review Sept. 19-21 at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center. The new exhibitors represent various sectors in the agriculture industry including livestock handling, equipment advancements, agronomic technology, agricultural policy, and more.

Paulding County Extension Office has tickets for sale at a discounted price total of $10 per ticket. Tickets will be for sale until Monday, September 18 at noon. Continue reading Farm Science Review is just around the corner! →

Are you Ready… Emergency Preparedness?

Join us on September 13, 2023, for the Women in Agriculture next session.

Are you Ready… Emergency Preparedness?

What could be considered an emergency on your farm? Are you, your family members, and your employees prepared to respond to small- and large-scale incidents when they unexpectedly appear? More than stocking a first aid kit, this session will provide checklists and templates to help you create a customized emergency plan for your property in the event you need to take action.

To sign up for the Webinar: https://go.osu.edu/wiawednesdaywebinars2023

To see the official event flyer click September 2023 WIAWW.

USDA National Ag Statistics Cash Rent Estimates release on Friday, August 25

The USDA NASS Ohio Cash Rent County Estimates for 2023 were released by NASS this past Friday. The attached Excel file contains the 2017 through 2023 county average estimates. This data can be accessed directly through NASS Quick Stats.

https://quickstats.nass.usda.gov/

Ohio NASS will have their formatted summary for 2023 available sometime in the near future: https://www.nass.usda.gov/Statistics_by_State/Ohio/Publications/County_Estimates/index.php

Attached is a Formatted PDF of the data for simpler viewing with a comparison of the change in cash rent for all counties in Ohio from 2017-2023.

Women in Ag Wednesday Webinars

Official Flyer

Join us on March 8 at 10:30 am for the next program of “Women in Ag Wednesday Webinars” hosted by the Ohio State University Extension – Ohio Women in Agriculture Learning Network.

Join us on March 8, 2023, for the next session.

March represents Women in History and National Ag Day! Let’s mesh themes to chat about “Women in Agricultural History” with Ruth Hambleton, Annie’s Project founder and retired Illinois Extension Farm Management Specialist.

“From prehistoric times to modern times women have put their footprint in/on all things agriculture. For a fun perspective on the subject join Ruth Hambleton as she explores women in agricultural history.”

Register at this link one time for all the series. https://go.osu.edu/wiawednesdaywebinars2023

Farm Survey

Farmers, ranchers, and their partners raising children wanted! Researchers are looking for primary caregivers of children under 18 to participate in an online survey about how they are juggling children and work. Full- and part-time farmers and ranchers are welcome to participate and may choose to enter a raffle to win one of fifty $50 checks.

For questions or to request a paper survey, contact Florence Becotat at 715-389-9379 or becot.florence@marshfieldresearch.org

To fill out the online survey, visit this link:https://redcap.link/Survey1_FarmersRaisingChildren 

2023 Small Farm Conference Registration Open!

Ohio State Extension announced plans to host a Small Farm Conference in Mansfield Ohio on March 11, 2023.  The theme for this year’s Mid-Ohio Small Farm Conference is “Sowing Seeds for Success.”

Conference session topics are geared toward beginning and small farm owners as well as farms looking to diversify their operations.  There will be five different conference tracks including Farm Office, Horticulture and Produce Production, Livestock, Agritourism/ Marketing, and Natural Resources.

Some conference topic highlights include: How to purchase our family farm, food animal processing, beekeeping, sweet corn, blueberry and pumpkin production, small ruminant nutrition, agritourism laws, fruit tree pruning, and cut flower diseases.

Anyone interested in developing, growing, or diversifying their small farm is invited to attend including market gardeners, farmers market vendors, and anyone interested in small farm living.

Attendees will have the opportunity to browse a trade show featuring the newest and most innovative ideas and services for their farming operations. The conference provides an opportunity to talk with the vendors and network with others.

The Conference will take place from 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Mansfield OSU Campus in Ovalwood Hall, just minutes from I-71 and US Rt 30.

For conference and registration call OSU Extension Morrow County at 419-947-1070 or OSU Extension Knox County at 740-397-0401. Please follow this link to register for the conference: https://go.osu.edu/2023osusmallfarmconf

2023 Session Descriptions

Small Farm Conference Brochure 2023

Ohio State University (OSU) Extension’s Ohio Women in Agriculture Program announces opportunities to Learn, Grow, Connect, Inspire and Empower at the 2022 Farm Science Review!

Some of the best conversations and discussions have occurred around the family kitchen table. Grab a cup of your favorite beverage, lunch, or snack and join us from our kitchen table or yours to engage in conversations in-person or “virtually” on September 20, 21, and 22, 2022 for “Kitchen Table Conversations” hosted by the Ohio Women in Agriculture of Ohio State University Extension.

These sessions are offered during the Farm Science Review daily from 11:30 AM-12:30 PM. In-person sessions will be located on the north side of the Firebaugh Building at 384 Friday Avenue at our kitchen table. ZOOM session registration is required to participate. Register @ https://go.osu.edu/2022fsrkitchentableconversation

Programs will focus on key topics related to health, marketing, finance, legal, and production for women in agriculture.  Each topic will feature a leading expert and moderators to generate dialogue and empower discussion among participants.  A list of daily topics and leaders is provided below. Continue reading Ohio State University (OSU) Extension’s Ohio Women in Agriculture Program announces opportunities to Learn, Grow, Connect, Inspire and Empower at the 2022 Farm Science Review! →

Virtual Annie’s Project “Mitigating Risk Across Common Barrier’s” Webinar Sessions

In 2021, I had the opportunity to attend the national certification to become Annie’s program coordinator. Many people have not had a chance to hear about this program.  Let me share about the program and give you a few details of an upcoming FREE webinar series.

About Annie’s Project

Annie’s Project is an education program dedicated to strengthening women’s roles in modern farm and ranch enterprises. Launched in 2003 by University of Illinois Extension Educator Ruth Hambleton, Annie’s Project is a tribute to her mother, Annette Kohlhagen Fleck.

The program honors Annie’s entrepreneurship and her goal of raising a family and being an active partner in the family farm operation.

Farming is a complex business s and more farm women are becoming active business partners in their operations. The target audience is farm women with a passion for business and involvement. Participants will gain a better understanding of human resource issues, business plans, financial documentation, property titles, cash, and crops share leases, marketing pants, retirement, estate planning, and types of insurance.

“Our mission is to empower farm and ranch women to be better business partners through networks and by managing and organizing critical information.”

Annie’s Project – Education for Farm Women (APEFW) is an IRS-designated 501(c)(3) organization established for the purpose of providing education and other opportunities to woman farmers and ranchers so that these women can become effective owners and partners in farm businesses. Programs offered through APEFW are called Annie’s Projects. There are two level’s to Annie’s Project. For more information check out https://www.anniesproject.org/

Upcoming Programs

In March, we will be offering Annie’s Project Mitigating Risk Across Common Barriers to Profitability webinar series. This webinar series is free of charge. We invite you to attend! Attached is more information about the topics, dates, and times. There is a separate link for each Zoom session. Sessions are March 3, 10, 17, and 24.

See the official flyer for these programs Annie’s Webinar Flyer

Help Recruit Women Raising Children on Farms for OSU Research Project

Researchers at the National Farm Medicine Center and The Ohio State University are looking for women who are raising children 0 to 18 on farms in Ohio, Vermont, and Wisconsin to participate in a small group discussion and a short survey. This small group discussion with other women raising children on farms will be about the strategies you use to take care of the children and how these decisions connect with decisions related to the farm business, farm safety, and quality of life. Women who are full-time on the farm or work off-farm are eligible to participate. The small group discussions will take place in February through Zoom (with the option to call in by phone). 

 The discussion will last 90 minutes and $50 is available as a thank you for your time. 

To sign up to participate, visit this link: https://redcap.link/WomenRaisingChildrenOnFarms 

For questions, contact Florence Becot at 715-389-9379 or becot.florence@marshfieldresearch.org

Take the Wheel – OSU Extension and Kenn-Feld Group to Host Women’s Tractor Safety and Operation Program on August 28

Learn how to safely operate agricultural equipment with OSU Extension and Kenn-Feld Group at their Women’s Tractor Safety and Operation Program. OSU Extension Educational Program Manager Lisa Pfeifer will demonstrate how to stay safe around agricultural equipment and identify equipment parts. Then take the driver’s seat and practice operating equipment thanks to our hosting dealership Kenn-Feld Group.

The Women’s Tractor Safety and Operation Program will be held on Saturday, August 28 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Kenn-Feld Group, 2772 US-6, Edgerton. The cost of the program is $10 per person and includes coffee and refreshments.

Women of all ages interested in learning how to operate compact to mid-size tractors in a supportive environment and network with other area women are encouraged to attend. Registration is required by August 23 and is limited to 20 participants. Register online at go.osu.edu/WmsCoTractorSafety or call Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Educator Stephanie Karhoff at 419-636-5608 for more information.

Tractor Safety Program Promotional Flyer Final

Lady Landlord Program coming March 23

Lady Landlord Program held for all farmland owners and farmers

Lady Landlord Flyer

Do you have questions for what are the best practices for farmland leasing? Would you like to incorporate conservation practices or other items into your lease agreement? Do you know what should be in writing? If you are a farmland owner or farmer and you have these types of questions, consider attending the Lady Landlord program on Tuesday, March 23 from 9 am to 1 pm at the Robert Fulton Agriculture Center, 8770 State Route 108, Wauseon, OH.

Attorney Peggy Hall, OSU Extension Ag Law Specialist, will discuss the legal aspects of farmland leasing, Beth Scheckelhoff, OSU Extension Educator-Putnam County, will discuss landlord-tenant communication, and Melinda Robison, Andres, Oneil & Lowe Insurance Agency, will discuss key insurance aspects of farmland leasing.  Other topics will include understanding the current market’s cost of production (enterprise budgets), incorporating conservation into leases, and farmland liability coverage.  This program is open to all farmland owners and farmers.

Registration cost includes lunch and materials is $20 per landowner or farm family and is due by March 19.  Must be pre-registered to attend. Registration link: www.go.osu.edu/2021FultonLadyLandlord

Midwest Women in Ag Community Education Series

Midwest Women in Ag Community Education Series

Women working, owning, and operating in agriculture are an increasing demographic of the population of farms and ranches across the country. The 2017 US Census of Agriculture showed that the number of female operators is still growing. Approximately 28% of the population of farmers and ranchers in the United States are female with continued steady growth since 2009. Whether on a small farm or large operation, women are increasing their footprint in the agricultural soil as developers, entrepreneurs, and marketing enthusiasts.

Join us each Thursday in March from 9-11 AM (EST)/8-10 AM (CT) for the Midwest Women in Ag Community Education Series.  This series is a collaborative effort of land grant institution Extension and related non-profits including Ohio State University Extension, Purdue University Extension, Michigan Food, and Farming Systems, and Kentucky Women in Agriculture. This series will be held virtual on the Zoom platform and features a morning health and wellness segment followed by an educational session and discussion. Continue reading Midwest Women in Ag Community Education Series →

Take the OSU Extension Health Survey – Looking for Full and Part Time Farmers

  • Give us 15 minutes to tell us about your health behaviors for sun safety and 7 other areas: sleep, stress, nutrition, physical activity & a few more
  • We will not ask your name, or any other personal identifiers – your information will be aggregated with other farmer responses in Ohio
  • This information will develop future Extension programs and resources for healthy living.
  • There is a $10 gift card incentive for all completed surveys – for 100 Ohio farmers.
  • Go to our survey link directly:  www.go.osu.edu/HealthSurvey2020

For questions, contact:

Pat Brinkman, Extension Educator Family & Consumer Sciences, brinkman.93@osu.edu

Dee Jepsen, Ag Safety and Health, jepsen.4@osu.edu

Women for the Land Learning Circle – Targeting the Maumee Watershed

Please see attached the information concerning a women’s learning circle opportunity for the Maumee Watershed.  American Farmland Trust is hosting a series of virtual women’s circles starting early October.

Flyer: Maumee Learning Circles 12

Nearly 301 million acres of U.S. land is now farmed or co-farmed by women and at least 87 million additional acres are in the hands of women landowners.

JOIN US online, Virtual Learning Circles, and connect with other women landowners and resource professionals as we discuss incorporating soil health practices on your land.

REGISTER HERE for one circle or all 6!

Brought to you by funds from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative!
October Soil Health Virtual Learning Circles

  • October 7, 2 pm—3:30 EST | Session 1—Soil Health Overview Learn about the importance of soil, soil health terminology, and general soil health practices.
  • October 21, 2 pm – 3:30 EST | Session 2—Soil Health – Details of healthy vs. unhealthy soil, how to identify issues in your soil, and LIVE! soil health demos.
  • Future Sessions: November 4th, 18th & December 2nd, 16th

Sign-in information will be sent after registration. If you have limited internet access and would prefer to participate in the learning circles via phone please contact Ashley Brucker, AFT Ohio Program Manager, (614) 696-6623

OSU Women in Agriculture Goes Virtual at Farm Science Review

Ohio State University (OSU) Extension’s Ohio Women in Agriculture Program announces opportunities to Learn, Grow, Connect, Inspire and Empower at the 2020 Online Farm Science Review!

Are you familiar with one of Ohio’s pioneering women in agriculture and her connection to the Farm Science Review?  As the matriarch of the Farm Science Review, Molly Caren was instrumental in the establishment of the OSU research farm in London, OH. The Molly Caren Agricultural Center plays host to the annual review that attracts over 100,000 visitors each year. As we look at the US Census and NASS (National Agriculture Statistic Service) data, women who own, operate, and produce agricultural products have reached a 1:3 ratio for farmers and ranchers across the country. The same holds true in Ohio with a total number of women farm operators at 43, 256!

Ohio State University Extension’s Ohio Women in Agriculture Program invites all women interested or involved in agriculture to join us around the farm table daily from 11:30 am-12:30 pm for “Kitchen Table Conversations” during the 2020 Virtual Farm Science Review, September 22-24.

Programs will focus on key topics related to health, marketing, finance, legal, and production for women in agriculture.  Each topic will feature a leading expert and moderators to generate dialogue and empower discussion among participants.  A list of daily topics and leaders are provided below. Continue reading OSU Women in Agriculture Goes Virtual at Farm Science Review →