20 Women who own or manage farmland in Hancock and surrounding counties attended a free Conservation discussion and field tour on June 4, 2015 at the Nine Star Connect, 2243 East Main Street, Greenfield, IN 46140. Photos are of the day’s event.
“We estimate that women now own or co-own between one-fourth and one-half of the farmland in the Midwest and they are very interested in farming practices that benefit the health of their land,” said Jennifer Filipiak, associate Midwest director for the American Farmland Trust. “Our goal is to connect these women with each other and with the resource professionals who can help them with their farmland management goals.” Jane Hardisty, Indiana’s State Conservationist was in attendance for our event.
Women Caring for the LandSM meetings bring together landowners in an informal learning format for a women-only morning discussion followed by a more in-depth look at the characteristics of healthy soil and farming practices that promote it. Female conservation professionals are on hand to answer questions and share resources. “These meetings have been well-received in other parts of Indiana,” remarked Jeanie Foster, SWCD Supervisor “and we’re looking forward to continue bringing this unique educational opportunity to our area.”
Following lunch, area conservationists lead a bus tour to view conservation practices on the ground. Topics for discussion ranged from soil health and water quality, wildlife management and government cost-share programs, to how to talk with tenants about management practices. The meeting was presented in partnership with the Women Food and Agriculture Network, who pioneered the program in Iowa. “We continually hear from women how grateful they are for a women-only learning environment,” commented Bridget Holcomb, executive director of the Women Food and Agriculture Network, “and they tell us that they are able to discuss issues that they wouldn’t feel comfortable bringing up in any other setting."
The Hancock County Board of Supervisors and Office Staff would like to thank everyone that has worked with us in 2015 and look forward to working together in the future. You can reach us at 317-426-2283 ext. 3.
This session of Women Caring for the Land was sponsored by American Farmland Trust in partnership with the Women, Food and Agriculture Network, and the Hancock County Soil & Water Conservation District. Funding comes from a Conservation Innovation Grant from the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Nina P. Mason Pulliam Charitable Foundation.
More information can be found at http://womencaringfortheland.org/indiana/