Iowa’s Women Managing Farmland Increase Sustainability and Quality of Life
Extension Education
Lisa Scarbrough
Communications Specialist
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach - Women in Ag
Ames
Abstract
Women landowners and operators have significant roles in Iowa agriculture. They own nearly half (46%) of all farmland, and are one-third (33%) of all farmers in Iowa. Women make important decisions on three key farmland management issues: leasing, conservation, and succession. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach (ISU) plays a critical role in educating this influential group of agricultural managers. The ISU Farm Management Team led a four-year ‘Women Managing Farmland’ project to support women farmland owners and operators. The team completed nine local workshops, three local courses, four regional forums, nine statewide conference sessions, eleven webinars, and eleven Ag Decision Maker news articles from 2021 to 2025. These educational programs were attended by 745 in-person participants and 1,212 on-line participants. In 2025, in-person and virtual program participants were invited to reflect on program impacts. Follow-up focus groups were attended by eight women, and a follow-up online survey was completed by 124 women. The team worked with the ISU Research Institute for Studies in Education to conduct the third-party evaluation. Survey results indicated 45% of respondents negotiated new leases, 45% enrolled in a conservation cost-share program, and/or 43% created or updated estate plans. These and other actions taken led to economic benefits. Respondents reported cost savings (43%) and/or added income (48%) because of the educational programs. The most common ranges of savings were $1,000.01 to $5000 (22%), and $5,000.01 to $10,000 (31%). The most common ranges of added income were 500.01 to $1,000 (33%) and $1000.01 to $5,000 (33%). Women reported strong improvements on sustainability measures including increased long-term farm business planning (63%), and increased distribution of land or other farm assets to next generation farmers (42%). Improvements in quality-of-life measures included increased confidence in making farmland decisions (83%) and increased social networks with a supportive agricultural community (65%). Impact: Women farmland owners and operators can be effective change agents for more equitable farmland leasing, adoption of conservation practices, and greater efficiencies in land transition to next generation farmers. All Iowans benefit when women are supported in improving the three pillars of agricultural sustainability including the economy, environment and community.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
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Authors: Madeline Schultz, LISA SCARBROUGH
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Schultz, M. ISU Extension Specialist, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Iowa, 50011-3611
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SCARBROUGH, L. Communications Specialist, Iowa, Iowa, 50011-3611