The share of U.S. farms operated by women has nearly tripled over the past three decades, from 5 percent in 1978 to 14 percent by 2007, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The Cooperative Extension Service of Clemson University is holding a four-day educational retreat and networking opportunity for women in agribusiness in conjunction with Annie’s Project. Annie’s Project was founded in Illinois a decade ago as a networking resources for women in farming. The four-day event includes educational presentations, networking opportunities and local farm tours. Presentation topics cover financial management, marketing, social media, risk assessment, insurance, law, estate planning and more.
Jennifer Boyles, an extension agent at Clemson and South Carolina state coordinator for Annie’s Project, stated that “women are the fastest-growing segment in agriculture right now. Some are looking for something new. They want to work with the earth. A lot of them are retiring from careers or they are receiving family land through estates. They are seeing that farming is very gratifying. Annie’s Project offers are great opportunity for women to network and to learn tips for successful entrepreneurship.”