By Scout Nelson
Minnesota celebrated its second annual Women in Ag Day at the Capitol on March 24, bringing together farm women from across the state to share their experiences and highlight their role in agriculture.
According to the latest Census of Agriculture, “There are 35,623 women in farming in Minnesota,” shared Susanne Hinrichs, Extension educator with the University of Minnesota. Of the 65,000 farms in the state, over half have a female working on them, and more than 75% of these women are primary decision-makers.
This year’s event, organised by the University of Minnesota Extension and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, included testimony from farm women who shared real-world challenges and the importance of state support. These included financial stress, access to healthcare and childcare, unpredictable income, and equipment issues—all of which affect farm families.
One speaker shared that net returns for soybeans and corn this year are expected to be negative $189 and $126.66 per acre, respectively. These figures emphasise the growing need for mental health support and economic relief through state initiatives like the Minnesota Farm and Rural Helpline.
Speakers also stressed the importance of biofuels programs and sustainable aviation fuel investment and highlighted the need for accessible healthcare and childcare in rural areas. Several pointed to grants like EQIP, the Livestock Investment Grant, and Ag Water Quality Certification as critical tools in building resilient, sustainable operations.
As Hinrichs said, “We want to work with legislators and other leaders to help inspire more women to pursue dreams of farming or other ag-related work.”
The day concluded with a strong message: women are essential to Minnesota agriculture’s present and future.
Photo Credit:gettyimages-baranozdemir
Categories: Minnesota, General