SAVANNAH, GEORGIA (RFD News) — This year marks the “International Year of the Woman Farmer,” and the Georgia Farm Bureau is joining the celebration.
The organization recently hosted its Women in Ag Summit, bringing together women from across the state to get more involved in agriculture, both on and off the farm.
The event focuses on connecting women from different backgrounds and experiences within the industry.
Heather Cabe, the Women’s Leadership Program Coordinator, says it starts with building relationships and making long-lasting connections.
“I think that women by nature love to connect with each other. So it’s a great time for them to do that with people in industries that they would never interact with,” Cabe said. “They love getting their hands dirty and getting together and supporting their communities.”
Cabe says those connections can lead to opportunities in areas like ag in the classroom, leadership development, and advocacy efforts.
The group also takes part in community service projects. This year, they partnered with Ronald McDonald House and Over the Moon Diaper Bank.
Cabe says finding others who understand farm life can make a difference.
“It’s important for them to connect with like-minded women who might face the same struggles and celebrate the successes together.”
According to the latest Census of Agriculture, 36 percent of farmers are female. They operate 407 million acres and contribute more than $200 billion in agricultural sales.
