"'Women Impacting Agriculture' is part of extension's leadership conference every year. I go out across Iowa and interview women about their role in agriculture to share at the event," Lisa Scarbrough said. "Women from large and small operations share their stories with me, and they are so inspirational and show the increasing impact women have in agriculture, a male-dominated field."
She recalled a particularly difficult interview with a woman whose daughter was tending to cattle on the farm with her dad when he was killed.
"The mom hadn't been very involved in the business side of the farm, but the two of them used Annie's Project to learn and be able to make informed decisions. Sharing their story was emotional -- I was crying while I was listening to them -- but their story is so empowering.
"Sharing these stories is important because we are seeing a huge influx of women who want to be part of agriculture. Their stories show how you can succeed, with determination," she added.
