18 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN February 2025 Celebrating 40 Years of Empowering Women in Nebraska Agriculture NEBRASKA WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATIONS The Nebraska Women in Agriculture Conference was founded in 1985, sparked by a simple idea and a prayer. After presenting Managing for Tomorrow, a program designed for farm and ranch couples, University of Nebraska-Lincoln faculty members Jane Green and Deb Rood noticed that women were eager to expand their knowledge in farm and ranch management. Recognizing this need, they envisioned a conference specifically designed for women in agriculture. With the support of Larry Bitney, Glennis McClure and Pat Parmley, they combined their talents and passion for the industry to establish the first-ever Nebraska Women in Agriculture Conference. The inaugural conference featured 10 workshops on topics such as record keeping, family communication, marketing, financial management and starting home-based businesses. Initially expecting around 75 attendees, the event exceeded expectations with more than 200 women from across Nebraska, marking the beginning of a powerful movement. The mission of the Nebraska Women in Agriculture program has remained unchanged since 1985: to offer unbiased, research-based education on agricultural risk management to women involved in all aspects of the industry. Managed by Nebraska Extension, the Nebraska Women in Agriculture program is the longest running university-led initiative of its kind in the United States. Nebraska Extension Educator Jessica Groskopf, who has served as the program’s director since 2018, has been a driving force behind expanding the program’s reach and impact. When Groskopf took the helm, her goal was to create year-round educational opportunities tailored specifically for women. She recognized that women have a unique and integral role in the agricultural industry, yet often face distinct challenges. “The future of Nebraska agriculture depends on equipping women with the skills, knowledge and network they need to face the evolving challenges of the industry with confidence and creativity,” Groskopf explains. Women play a crucial role in the success of Nebraska agriculture. According to the latest Census of Agriculture, women represent 33 percent of the state’s farm and ranch operators, a 6.6 percent increase from 2017. Women are not only involved in day-to-day management, with 70 percent of female producers making key business decisions, but 32 percent also consider farming or ranching their primary occupation. Upcoming Events Looking ahead, the Nebraska Women in Agriculture program has several exciting events planned for 2025, offering CONTINUED ON PAGE 20 PERSPECTIVES
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