Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution. Midwest Women in Agriculture Conference Kelly L. Easterday Purdue Extension -Kosciusko County Presented at the National Women in Agriculture Conference April 7, 2006 St. Louis, MO

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution. Inspiration for conference Nebraska Ohio Kentucy

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution. Indiana Data 23% of farm operators are women (20,246) 7.5% of principal operators are women (4,520) Increase of 8% in principal operators since 1997

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution. Determining the Need for Programming Committee formed in early 2001 Combination of Extension Educators for agriculture and consumer & family sciences In February 2001 survey mailed to determine interest for a conference

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution. Creating the Conference Not a goal to go statewide in the beginning Purdue Agriculture Communications

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution. Mission of the Conference Meeting the needs of women in agriculture by addressing the personal, family, and farm issues that affect their lives, their families, and their farm businesses.

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution. Objectives of the Conference Define the woman ’ s role in making the family farm profitable Strengthen the role of a woman as she deals with emotional well-being of her farm family Build a network of support among women in agriculture

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution. Marketing of Conference Brochures Press Releases Web page Farm Shows Extension in Surrounding States SWCD, FSA, FFA, Farm Bureau, Ag Bankers Commodity Organizations

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution. Conference Website

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution. Example of Topics Covered Stress reduction Differences between men and women Agricultural products marketing Financial planning for later life Farming without a spouse Rural-urban relations Diversified agriculture Insurance Landscaping Tax tips Passing on the family farm Conflict management Working with a farm lender The future of agriculture Small-scale agriculture enterprise Economic Impact of China International Agriculture Agri-Tourism Meth Labs Farm Business Software Cash Rents

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Keynote Speakers Jolene Brown Kendra Smiley Dr. Ron Hanson Jane Eckert Dr. Bernie Erven Chris Fesko

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

1 st Conference women and men attended 1 day – March 21 $40/person $3,500 in grants & $5,800 in sponsorship Coverage in all Agriculture newspapers in IN Web site created True Team Effort

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution. Evaluation of the Conference Speakers –Immediately following presentations Conference –2 weeks after –Received $5 rebate for completing Follow-up –6 months after

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution Evaluation Results 70% - define role in farm profitability 85% - strengthened role in emotional well- being of family 66 % - build a network of support Follow-up survey in September 2002

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution Conferences Expanded to modified 2 day conference in Full two day conference 2005 Regional Meeting in southern IN 2006 Two locations – 2 days at each

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Conference Attendance

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution. Distribution of Attendees OH MI IL WI NY OK

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution. Demographics of Attendees 695 Participants, 6 six states, over 75% of IN counties over the 5 year history Employment –Half work off the farm Farm Size –Majority less than 500 acres Age –Average is in the years range Education –Majority have college background

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution. Financial Support Grants ($28,500) – North Central Risk Management Education Center –Women’s Challenge Grant Sponsorship ($29,050 – 3 year total) –Mainly local –Statewide Purdue –Registration brochures and web page design Product Donations Registration Fees –1 st Year - $40; 2 nd year - $60, 3 rd year and after $75

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution. Conference Impact Empowered women to make decisions about their family farms Increased confidence, morale, motivation Support from others dealing with similar issues At least 3 started their own soy-candle business

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution. Conference Impact in 2004 Contact a financial advisor for estate planning Work with the Purdue New Ventures Team Being more aware of pesticide handling Direct marketing Work on family relations Add more detail to family meetings Make sure all conditions are in writing Be more assertive To stay more positive Investing smarter Investigate insurance available

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution. Conference Evaluation History 84% - define role in farm profitability 92% - strengthened role in emotional well-being of family 85 % - build a network of support

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution. Conference Comments "Prior to the conference, I considered myself a 'ho-hum' farmer's wife. It made me far more aware of the important role I'm in." "It is interesting to see the "women's" role develop among interaction with other women. The conference gave me more confidence to take steps that I have always dreamed about implementing."

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution. Conference Comments I really believe in the conference since it provides information that we all need to hear and consider. I even tell my sisters who are involved in small businesses that they should attend, even though their business are not directly involved in agriculture. I am glad that my daughter could attend the conference with me this year, since each of us were able to gain different perspectives from the speakers.

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution. Future 2006 Statewide Women in Agriculture Committee Formed March 2006 –Survey mailed to those not attending the conference –Determine what changes need to made and how to move forward for 2007

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution. Summary A tremendous journey with many rewards……………… Thank You!

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.