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Ladies Raising Livestock

Agricultural Issues

Alyssa Large
Sneedville

Abstract

Ladies Raising Livestock is a specially designed Extension Education Program focusing on and empowering women in the predominantly male agricultural industry. The rising number of women in agriculture manifests the need for educational and networking opportunities for women who work in this industry. The 2025 Ladies Raising Livestock Conference successfully met this need as we engaged a diverse group of female livestock producers from across the state of Tennessee. Through educational sessions lead by University Extension personnel and industry professionals, networking, and a hands-on Storytelling in Agriculture workshop lead by Courtenay DeHoff, conference attendees were provided education and training on a variety of agricultural topics. Measurable increases in knowledge across all topic areas were reported as follows: 48% in Storytelling in Agriculture, 41% in Farm Financials, 38% in Direct Marketing, 34% in Working Smarter Not Harder, 29% in Getting Ready Before You Start, and 26% in What’s in Your Veterinary Toolbox. Conference attendees reported financial impact associated with attendance at the conference, gained through knowledge to help them increase profits and reduce costs. Total financial impact was reported as $246,000, averaging $3,785 in impact per attendee. These results indicate the conference effectively met its goal of equipping attendees with valuable knowledge and skills to enhance their own operations. Future Ladies Raising Livestock programs will continue to address the needs of women in agriculture, enlightening and empowering them through education and unique inspiration.

Authors: Alyssa Large, Sarah Orr , Jessica Wilkinson Smith , Jenni Goodrich
  1. Alyssa Large Agricultural & Natural Resources Extension Agent, Member, Tennessee, 37869
  2. Sarah Orr Agricultural & Natural Resources Extension Agent, Member, Tennessee, 37821
  3. Jessica Wilkinson Smith Agricultural & Natural Resources Extension Agent, Member, Tennessee, 37748
  4. Jenni Goodrich Agricultural & Natural Resources Extension Agent, Member, Tennessee, 37887