Women and The Land: Using Annie's Project Inspired Events to Connect Women Landowners to Conservation Agencies
Agricultural Issues
Katie Bell
Local Food Systems and Small Farms Educator
University of Illinois Extension
Olney
Abstract
The goal of the program is to increase interactions between women who own or operate agricultural land and conservation agencies. Women landowners play a prominent role in agriculture and make pivotal conservation decisions. The program is designed to be Annie’s Inspired, meaning they use the values and atmosphere outlined by Annie’s Project but are delivered outside of the originally designed 18-hour course.
Based on the 2017 Census of Agriculture, 18,578 women indicated they were full-time, part-time, or tenant land holders. Illinois has 50 watersheds classified as HUC 8 (Hydrologic Unit Code eight-digit number to identify watersheds). 27 of Illinois’ HUC 8 watersheds lose more than 10lbs per acre of nitrate-nitrogen each year, and an average of 1.4lbs per acre of phosphorus lost across Illinois HUC 8 watersheds according to the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Team. Landowners struggle to navigate the various programs, practices, and assistance opportunities available to reduce nutrient loss and provide cost recovery to landowners and operators. Deliberate efforts should be made to build relationships between the service providers and landowners.
Annie’s Project provided the framework for Women and the Land: Spotlight on Conservation. Women and the Land uses agricultural risk areas to help local women make savvy financial decisions surrounding conservation. The program utilizes a team of an Annie’s Project facilitator, SWCD (Soil and Water Conservation District), and the NRCS (Natural Resource Conservation Service Agency). Local SWCD and NRCS representatives ensure that women landowners have a familiar face to work as they pursue cost-share or technical service programs.
The first pilot program was delivered on March 4, 2025, in Mercer County, Illinois. Representatives from the Mercer SWCD, NRCS, Illinois Extension, and an Annie’s Project facilitator delivered research-based information regarding nutrient loss and the financial considerations of various conservation practices. 15 women from the local area received actionable information and networking time with 8 professional guests from conservation and financial management agencies. Evaluations were sent following the program, and responses are currently being submitted. Verbal reception of the event was overwhelmingly positive, with several participants stating that they would attend again and recommend it to other women landowners.
Authors: Katie Bell, Rachel Curry
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Katie Bell Local Food Systems and Small Farms Educator, University of Illinois Extension, Illinois, 62450
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Rachel Curry Agriculture and Agribusiness Educator, University of Illinois Extension , Illinois, 61401