Women in Ag Conference Brings Together Iowa’s Agricultural Leaders
Agricultural Issues
Lisa Scarbrough
Communications Specialist
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach - Women in Ag
Ames
Abstract
Iowa women have vital roles in farming, education, trade, research, agribusiness and other careers that keep agriculture strong. Women farmers represent 33% of all Iowa farmers and 61% of these farm women also have full or part-time off-farm jobs (NASS). In Fall 2025, women were 59% of the undergraduates enrolled in the Iowa State University (ISU) College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. AgCareers reported 71% of women feel confident about opportunities for career advancement in agriculture. American Farm Bureau Federation reported 91% of women feel there should be more women in agricultural leadership. To support women as they take on leadership roles in agriculture, the ISU Extension and Outreach Farm Management Team began hosting an annual Women in Ag Leadership Conference in 2017. The conference brings women together from all walks of agriculture, whether they are leading from the farm family kitchen table or the corporate boardroom. The keys to success include: 1) guidance from an advisory committee, 2) strong fundraising and industry support, 3) women impacting agriculture awards, 4) welcoming culture with networking opportunities, and 5) topics of importance to the audience. In 2025, 80 of the 171 conference attendees completed an online post-event survey for a 47% response rate. Respondents selected one or more roles in agriculture including working in farm businesses (41%), working in agribusiness (56%), and working in education/non-profits (25%). The overall quality of professional development was rated as ‘excellent’ (76%) or ‘good’ (23%) by 99% of respondents. The conference’s women-centered environment was important to 100% of respondents. Survey responses indicated 63% ‘significantly’ connected with other women who inspired their leadership journey, 51% ‘significantly’ increased belief in themselves and the power of life-long learning, 45% ‘significantly’ increased leadership growth, and 38% ‘significantly’ gained practical leadership skills. When Iowa State University Extension and Outreach extends knowledge and empowers women, they can become leaders in creating a more vibrant and resilient Iowa by expanding businesses, conserving natural resources, and supporting each other as a community of women in agriculture. Women leaders in the industry are key stakeholders in the production of safe accessible food, and agricultural sustainability.
Authors: Lisa Scarbrough, Madeline Schultz, Patrick Hatting, Ryan Drollette
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Lisa Scarbrough Communications Specialist, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Iowa, 50011
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Madeline Schultz Extension Specialist, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Iowa, 50011-3611
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Patrick Hatting Farm Management Specialist, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Iowa, 50009
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Ryan Drollette Farm Management Specialist, Iowa State University Extension and Outrach, Iowa, 52246-5812