Engaging Women Producers Through Targeted Utah Extension Programming
Agricultural Issues
Melanie Heaton
Assistant Professor Ag and Natural Resources
Utah State University
Panguitch
Abstract
Despite their essential role in Utah agriculture, women participate significantly less than men in agricultural Extension programming. Although the number of female agricultural producers in Utah has increased nearly tenfold since 2002, many traditional Extension programs remain male-dominated, limiting women’s access to educational and networking opportunities. To address this gap, Utah State University Extension faculty established the Utah Women in Agriculture team in 2023. The team developed a social media community, conducted a needs assessment survey, and created targeted educational programming for women involved in production agriculture. Outreach included social media, email communication, and informal interviews to gather feedback and disseminate program information.
Two primary programs were implemented: Women in Ag Nights, which provided networking and professional development opportunities, and the Cattlewomen “Boot” Camp, which offered hands-on livestock training in a women-focused learning environment. To increase exposure to existing Extension programming, the boot camp was scheduled alongside the long-running Cattleman’s Reproduction Workshop, encouraging participants to attend both events.
Program outcomes were evaluated using post-event surveys completed by participants. Ninety-five percent of boot camp participants (n = 35) rated the event as very good or exceptional, and 85% reported regularly applying skills learned during the training. Additionally, 51% of boot camp participants attended the Cattleman’s Reproduction Workshop, increasing female participation in that program from 26% to 38%. Knowledge gains of 26–67% were documented across topics including cattle nutrition, EID law compliance, and reproductive management.
Integrating women-focused programming with established Extension events increased educational access, strengthened agricultural skills, and expanded networking opportunities among female producers. This approach provides a practical model for increasing participation and engagement among women in agriculture.
Authors: Melanie Heaton, Reganne Briggs, Brooke Holgate, Rebekah Esplin Iverson, Maggi Mathews
-
Melanie Heaton Assistant Professor Ag and Natural Resources, Utah State University Extension, Utah, 84759
-
Reganne Briggs Assistant Professor Ag and Natural Resources, Utah State University Extension, Utah, 84064
-
Brooke Holgate Professional Practice Assistant Professor Ag and Natural Resources, Utah State University Extension, Utah, 84021
-
Rebekah Esplin Iverson Professional Practice Assistant Professor Ag and Natural Resources, Utah State University Extension, Utah, 84720
-
Maggi Mathews Assistan Professor, Utah State University Extension, Utah, 84404