Strength in Diversity: A Multi Faceted Approach to Educating Women in Agriculture
Agricultural Issues
Nanette Neal
Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator
The Ohio State University
Owensville
Abstract
The Ohio Women in Agriculture Learning Network (OWIALN), an initiative of Ohio State University (OSU) Extension, serves as a statewide platform that supports, connects, and empowers women across all aspects of agriculture. The network addresses the increasing presence and leadership of women in Ohio agriculture—where one in three of the state's more than 132,000 farm operators is a woman—by offering research-based education, fostering peer networks, and promoting professional development opportunities. OWIALN delivers comprehensive programs covering crop and livestock production, business and risk management, legal and financial literacy, leadership development, farm health and wellness, and more. These educational efforts are communicated through various channels, including in-person workshops, regional conferences, social media communities, and a dedicated YouTube channel featuring production practices, personal leadership stories, and program updates. Over more than ten years, the network's growth demonstrates a strong commitment to innovative outreach and capacity-building for women across Ohio's agricultural sector. Programming within OWIALN is intentionally diverse and inclusive, designed to meet women wherever they are—whether new to agriculture, expanding their enterprises, or leading multi-generational farms. Signature initiatives include Annie's Project and Inspired by Annie's Project, which bolster skills in human, financial, marketing, production, and legal risk areas. Additional outreach strategies, such as Kitchen Table Conversations, Wednesday Women in Agriculture webinars, Lady of the Land, Women in Agriculture Roundtables, and large-scale engagement at Ohio's Farm Science Review, further expand access and impact. The network also fosters leadership growth through mentoring, youth involvement, and storytelling that highlights the experiences of women farmers, agribusiness professionals, and educators. These collaborative efforts build community resilience, improve management and communication skills, and develop supportive local and regional networks essential for maintaining Ohio's agricultural strength. Through its diverse programming and partnership efforts, the Ohio Women in Agriculture Learning Network continues to enhance women' s capacity to grow, lead, and succeed in agriculture. Its long-term impact illustrates how targeted Extension programs can not only meet the evolving needs of agricultural communities but also emphasize the vital roles women play in shaping the industry's future.
Authors: Nanette Neal, Heather Neikirk, Sarah Noggle, Beth Scheckelhoff
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Nanette Neal Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Ohio, 45160
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Heather Neikirk Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Ohio, 44647
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Sarah Noggle Agriculture & Natural Resources Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Ohio, 45879
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Beth Scheckelhoff Agriculture & Natural Resources Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Ohio, 45875