OWENSBORO, Ky. — With more than half of all farming operations in the United States listing women as principal operators or a decision-maker, it’s important to recognize women as an essential part of today’s farming sector.
Commissioner Quarles presented the proclamation at the Kentucky Women in Agriculture (KWIA) annual conference in Owensboro, recognizing the importance of women in Kentucky’s farming sector.
KWIA’s membership comprises women who own and operate farms and agribusinesses, agriculture entrepreneurs, state and federal personnel, ag educators and students, and consumers. The annual conference allows attendees to network and nurture a recognized agriculture and agribusiness community. This year’s theme was “Rooted in Community.” By empowering women through education, involvement, and action, KWIA has a positive influence on Kentucky agriculture.
That influence is important, as the number of female farmers in Kentucky keeps growing. In 2017, 42,946 women farmed in Kentucky, up 36.7 percent from the number identified in the previous 2012 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) census. Of those, 33,550 were involved in making day-to-day decisions on the farm, 26,215 were the principal producers on their farms, and 12,648 listed farming as their primary occupation, the census found.
The Census of Agriculture is a complete count of U.S. farms, ranches, and the people operating them. Even small plots of land – whether rural or urban – growing fruit, vegetables or some food animals. The Census of Agriculture, taken only once every five years, looks at land use and ownership, operator characteristics, production practices, income and expenditures. USDA will start collecting information for the next census in November.
