Boots in the Barn Program Empowers Women in Dairy and Beef Farming

Feb 17, 2025
By Denise Faguy
Assistant Editor, North American Content, Farms.com

One-day workshop offers hands-on learning for women in agriculture

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will host Boots in the Barn on March 14 in Edgewood. This one-day program is designed for women in dairy and beef farming, offering hands-on learning and expert guidance on key agricultural topics.

The event begins at Edgewood Locker, where participants will tour the facility and learn about direct marketing strategies, pricing, and meat processing. Attendees can also shop for local meat products.

At Woods Edge Golf Course, a lunch session with Farm Credit Services will focus on financial management. Experts will cover recordkeeping, cash flow, and profitability to help women strengthen their farm finances.

The afternoon session at Edgewood Veterinary Clinic will provide practical training on calf care. Led by ISU veterinary specialist Allison Vander Plaats and local veterinarian Sami Kemp, this session will cover health issues, feeding techniques, fluid therapy, and colostrum management. Participants are encouraged to bring their esophageal tube feeders for an in-depth discussion on maintenance and hygiene.

The Boots in the Barn program was created to address the growing demand for women-focused agricultural education. Jenn Bentley, ISU dairy specialist, emphasized the importance of small-group, hands-on learning. “Women often prefer interactive learning and open discussions,” she said.

Registration is open until March 10, with a $25 fee per person, covering lunch and materials. Interested participants can register online or contact the ISU Extension offices in Delaware County (563-927-4201) or Clayton County (563-245-1451). More details are available on the Boots in the Barn webpage.

Video: Women in Ag. The Promotion of Female Farmers through Social Media | Madalyn Thayer | TEDxBGSU

Less than 1% of Americans are farmers. The majority of those farmers are men. Many people have minimal experience with farms and agriculture. High schools are getting rid of their FFA programs and many colleges, including BGSU, do not have agricultural programs or classes. There is a new social media phenomenon where women are making content based on their farming endeavors and gaining lots of traction. Education is the one of the most important parts of agriculture, because the more people know the more they will emphasize with farmers and create policy that benefits everybody. Female farmers have taken to social media sharing their experience in the agricultural world. These women are breaking stereotypes and educating everyday citizens about farming which is extremely important for the future of agriculture. Madalyn is 19 years old and will be gradated with her bachelors degree in communication on December 2024. She lives on a farm and have spent lots of time working in agriculture. She has her own farmers market and love learning about all subjects, especially agriculture. She was on the BGSU Firelands Student government from 2021-2023 as a CCP Ambassador and was awarded the 3&1 communication excellency award in April of 2024. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community.