Abstract

The 2017 Iowa Farmland Ownership and Tenure survey finds that women own nearly half of all acres in Iowa, thus they are an essential group in agriculture and natural resources. However, the significance of this group is overlooked and many women landowners have limited farming experience. The purpose of this study is to improve the knowledge and confidence of women landowners on the use of more equitable farmland leases and access, the adoption of soil and water conservation practices, and the implementation of efficient plans to transition farmland to next-generation owners. Using a sample of 358 responses from women landowners of Iowa farmland, this study provides a timely and informational update on the interests and concerns of women landowners in farmland leasing, conservation practices, and farmland transition plans. The study also summarizes respondents’ preferred ways to receive educational programming on these issues, which can be a critical reference for developing educational material for women landowners.