Journal of NACAA

Impacting Leasing, Conservation, and Succession through Iowa's Women Farmland Owners and Operators

ISSN 2158-9429

Volume 19, Issue 1 - June 2026

Editor: Bindu Poudel-Ward

Abstract

As extension professionals strive to report program impacts, this study provides an example to draw on. In Iowa, women own nearly half of all farmland, are one-third of all farmers, and make important decisions on three key farmland management issues: leasing, conservation, and succession. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach plays a critical role in educating this important group of managers. Our team completed 9 local workshops, 3 local courses, 4 regional forums, 9 statewide conference sessions,11 webinars, and 11 Ag Decision Maker news articles from 2021 to 2025. These educational programs were attended by 745 in-person participants and 1,212 online participants. In 2025, participants were invited to reflect on program impacts. There were 8 (n=8) women who attended a follow-up focus group, and 124 (n=124) women who completed a follow-up on-line survey. Survey results indicated 45% of respondents negotiated new leases, 45% enrolled in a conservation cost-share program, and 43% created or updated estate plans. These and other actions taken led to economic benefits as 43% of respondents reported cost savings and 48% reported added income. 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 the next generation farmers. All Iowans benefit when women are supported in improving the three pillars of agricultural sustainability including the economy, environment, and community.