Content
Human Resource, Production, and Financial Risk Management
Education for Nebraska Farm Women
Project Director:Jessica Groskopf - University of Nebraska-Lincoln
About ExtensionRME
Success in Every State
“Other women are going through the same stuff as you. Participating in something like the Nebraska Women in Agriculture Conference gives you a group of people to turn to. It gives you comfort knowing you are not the only one out there. It helps so much to take this material home to your farm or ranch. Participating in this program helps give you a new network of people to interact with who share similar stories and backgrounds. - Participant
Situation: Women play a critical role in the sustainability of Nebraska agriculture. Targeted educational programming for women strengthens community connections and builds networks among women farmers and agricultural resource providers. Through the Nebraska Women in Agriculture program, this project supported the 2024 Nebraska Women in Agriculture Conference, the 2024 Herd That! Conference, and a webinar series that aligned with NCERMEC priorities. Programming focused on farm and ranch wellbeing, climate resilience, business management, land access and transition, and communication, with the goal of empowering female producers and strengthening sustainable agricultural practices. The project reached 590 unique participants. The Nebraska Women in Agriculture Conference delivered over 12 hours of risk management education to 373 participants, while the Herd That! Conference engaged 40 participants in person. Nine webinars exceeded participation expectations, reaching 291 attendees and averaging 32 participants per session, with 702 recording views as of October 15, 2024. Overall, the project exceeded expected outcomes in 6 of 12 result areas, with the greatest improvements observed in family well-being and communication skills.
Outcomes: Participants increased knowledge and skills related to family well-being, weather and climate resilience, business and enterprise management, land access and transition, and communication. As a result of the program, participants adopted at least one new practice to improve family well-being, business management, or communication. Participants also gained awareness of and engaged with state and federal programs, including Nebraska Weather Ready Farms, USDA, SARE, and land access resources. Several participants took concrete action by applying to assistance programs, developing business, transition, or estate plans, and meeting with professional advisors to implement next steps.
Impacts: Participants gained practical tools to strengthen family well- being, business resilience, and long-term farm viability. The program increased understanding of comprehensive transition planning, emphasizing family communication, succession resources, and the need for plans beyond wills and trusts. One participant found herself better equipped to navigate the complexities of a multi-generational farm. The communication strategies she gained helped her move past "working around" issues with her husband and in-laws, leading to a much clearer and more collaborative family dynamic. She also took a deep dive into crop and livestock marketing—a move driven by a clear vision for the future. While her mother-in-law is currently at the helm of grain marketing, this participant is ensuring she’s ready to step up when it’s time to lead the operation. Over the course of the initiative, the program fostered a supportive community, helping women navigate the complexities of agriculture while promoting economic and environmental sustainability. This initiative has strengthened networks among women farmers and resource providers, recognizing the critical role women play in the viability of Nebraska agriculture.