TILE DRAINAGE AND WATER QUALITY WORKSHOPS FOR WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE
Natural Resources/Aquaculture
Kristina TeBockhorst
Field Agricultural Engineer
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
Iowa City
Abstract
Women play an essential role in agriculture. Based on a recent work by Schultz et al., 92% of women farmland owners are in a decision-making role, (M. Schultz, 2022). Additionally, 47% of all acres and 55% of all leased acres in Iowa are owned by women, (W. Zhang, 2018). Therefore, improving women in agriculture’s knowledge-level and decision-making confidence in the areas of tile drainage and water quality can directly improve the productivity and sustainability of agricultural land. A series of two short workshops with small groups of women aimed to build understanding of tile drainage and water quality practices. The workshops taught the basics of subsurface tile drainage, the economics of tile, landowner-tenant agreements, water quality challenges, and water quality practices. Workshops utilized teaching methods to promote long-term learning, including real scenarios and hands-on demonstrations. Hands-on demonstrations involved activities to simulate the soil-water physics related to tile drainage, and small-scale models to show how edge-of-field water quality practices work. Workshops were conducted in partnership with local government and environmental agencies to bring in expertise on conservation program and cost-share opportunities. In attempt to keep the workshop atmosphere informal and comfortable to attendees, discussion and questions were prioritized and workshops were held in the evenings with a free meal. Workshop quality was assessed using short paper evaluations and pre- and post-workshop tests. All respondents reported that both workshops helped them to better understand the basics and economics of tile drainage, water quality practices, and cost share opportunities. Seventy percent of respondents improved their test scores from the pre- and post-workshop tests. All respondents reported that the workshops helped them feel more confident working with either a tenant or landlord on conservation goals. Ninety one percent of respondents reported that the workshops helped them to feel more confident in their decision making related to water quality and conservation. Lastly, around 80% of respondents reported that they plan to use the knowledge they gained in the workshop to make changes, either on the farms they rent or own, or with their clients.
Authors: Kristina TeBockhorst, Ryan Drollette, Rebecca Vittetoe
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Kristina TeBockhorst Field Agricultural Engineer, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Iowa, 52246
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Ryan Drollette Farm Management Specialist, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Iowa, 52246
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Rebecca Vittetoe Field Agronomist, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Iowa, 52353