Women landowners improve knowledge at Agronomy in the Field

Extension program helps educate women landowners on current agronomic issues

Women landowners, farmers and ag retailers will have the opportunity to meet again this fall and winter to learn more about agronomy and related agricultural topics through distance-learning sessions of Agronomy in the Field.

This is the fifth year Agronomy in the Field for Women has been offered by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach at several locations across Iowa. The goals of Agronomy in the Field are to strengthen agronomic skills for women that allow for better decision-making, provide a better understanding of inputs for crop production, see and understand different conservation practices and increase confidence in communication with a spouse, farming partner, ag retailer or tenant. 

Programs are hosted by ISU Extension and Outreach field agronomists Angie Rieck-Hinz, Meaghan Anderson and Rebecca Vittetoe, with help from guest speakers on a variety of important topics.

Agronomy in the Field distance-learning sessions will continue monthly, December through April. Sessions will start at 6 p.m. and typically last until 7:30 p.m. These sessions will be provided through a web-conferencing program, so women can join online from the comfort of their own home, or participate in a watch party offered at several local county extension offices across the state. Contact agronomyinthefield@iastate.edu to find out which county offices are hosting these sessions. 

“It can be hard to travel in the fall and winter months with harvest season and weather challenges, so using web-conferencing technology allows women across the state to still be a part of the program, even if they are unable to physically be in the same location,” said Rieck-Hinz. 

All sessions will be recorded so women can access them at a time convenient for them if they can’t join the live sessions.

Agronomy in the Field for Women session dates and topics:

January 14 – Alternative Crops and Markets
February 18 – Growing Season Weather Outlook and Weather Resources
March 17 – Planning for Successful Implementation of a Herbicide Program Resources
April 7 – Early Season Scouting Tips and Tricks

Site-specific details and locations are still being determined. Any interested women landowners, farmers and service providers who would like to participate should contact Rieck-Hinz, Anderson, and Vittetoe, at agronomyinthefield@iastate.edu, to receive access to web-conferencing and resource materials.

There is no cost to participate.

Information and upcoming dates are also available on the Integrated Crop Management website at https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/upcoming-events.