Assessing and Meeting the Growing Needs of Arkansas' Women in Agriculture

Assessing and Meeting the Growing Needs of Arkansas' Women in Agriculture

Summary

In 2006, 300 women attended the Arkansas Women in Agriculture Conference which offered women: 1) production/business skills, 2) agricultural networking opportunities, 3) ways to balance personal/professional demands, and 4) ways to improve circumstances of Arkansas women and rural communities. Conference attendees also participated in a survey to assess women’s needs in agriculture. Survey results suggest women are rapidly moving into leadership/decision making roles in agriculture and need skills (financial, managerial, networking) to succeed. As a result of our efforts, women across the state have been empowered to lead future women in agriculture programs in the state.

Objectives/Performance Targets

Develop and convene the 2006 Arkansas Women in Agriculture (ARWIA) conference program that will consist of roughly 30 sessions that cover topics related to production, financial, marketing, legal, family and community issues important to Arkansas women in agriculture. Additionally, up to 50 vendors will be on hand to offer further educational opportunities and to provide examples of value added production that can be undertaken on Arkansas farms and in rural communities.
Develop and conduct a two tiered (high school and college level) writing contest that enables young men and women to learn more about the roles women hold in agriculture and agricultural related careers.
Design and administer the second research survey of Arkansas women in agriculture with for the purpose of assessing and understanding 1) the roles women hold in agriculture management, 2) their roles in the community and 3) factors that influence their success in agriculture/community, such as access to credit, information, and availability of time.
Analyze and distribute research survey results to researchers, extension personnel, community leaders, policy makers and Arkansas women in agriculture.
Conduct subsequent information sessions/focus groups to gather more in-depth information related to survey responses.
Devise the 2007 education and outreach program for Arkansas women in agriculture.

Accomplishments/Milestones

Results are listed by objective.

Objective 1: 2006 Arkansas Women in Agriculture (ARWIA) conference

The second statewide conference for women in agriculture was held at the Hot Springs Convention Center on March 6-7, 2006. (See Appendix I, Conference Program) Over 330 people registered for the one and a half day event. Over the course of this conference, conference attendees (300 were women) participated in 27 general and breakout sessions including asset protection, credit management, drug abuse, and environmental management for agriculture, equine production, estate planning, agri-tourism, financial performance, horticulture, legal concerns, native foods, retirement planning and more. Mr. Dick Bell addressed the role of the new Arkansas Department of Agriculture. Ms. Cynthia Edwards shared Senator Lincoln’s perspective on the future of the Farm Bill. Jolene Brown presented a keynote session on building confidence, and learning new ideas to increase achievement and positively influence our overall health and well-being –building.
Break times offered additional unique opportunities. Speakers conducted one-on-one consultations with conference participants. Participants visited with 27 Arkansas agricultural, health, and family related businesses, educators and government specialists in the vendor area. They also worked with volunteers from a local sewing center and Cooperative Extension Service to make 29 baby quilts that were donated to Arkansas Children’s Hospital.
Conference evaluations were filled out by 158 (or 47 percent) of the conference participants. Participants were very pleased with the breadth and depth of the topics offered and the educational and networking opportunities provided. They gave the conference an overall score of 9 out of a possible 10. Proceedings were placed on the Arkansas Women in Agriculture website at www.arwomeninag.com and kept there for one year. Information is still available to those who contact us. Five hundred CDs of the proceedings were distributed to conference participants as well as educators and other interested parties.

Objective 2: Writing Contest

In 2006 we sponsored a writing contest pen to male and female high school and undergraduate college students. (See Appendix 2, Writing Contest Fliers.) Students were encouraged to write an essay on the role of Arkansas Women in Agriculture: Past, Present and Future. A team comprised of members of the conference steering committee (academics, extension agents, agricultural producers, agricultural business owners) reviewed all essays. Thirty high school students and twenty undergraduate students entered the competition. Two finalists were identified at both the high school and the college levels. These finalists were honored during a special ceremony during the first evening of the conference. Based on her experience in the writing contest and at the 2006 conference, one of the college winners has since taken an active role in the 2007 conference planning.

Objective 3: Survey of Arkansas Women in Agriculture

Attendees at the 2006 conference were asked to complete a six page survey.(See enclosed copy of the survey.) The survey was developed with assistance from the University of Arkansas Public Issues Education Center. This survey was designed to gather information that would allow us to assess and understand 1) the roles women hold in agriculture management, 2) their roles in the community and 3) factors that influence their success in agriculture/community, such as access to credit, information, and availability of time. (See Appendix 3, 2006 Arkansas Women in Agriculture Survey).

This survey was constructed according to methods described by Salant and Dillman (1994), pretested on selected agricultural women and revised after the first conference. The survey consisted of two main parts – questions designed specifically for farm/ranch/agribusiness owner/operators (FARM women), as well as questions for all female attendees, whether they were farm employees, worked in supporting – e.g., credit, input – industries, were retired or students, (NON-FARM women). Owner/operators were given questions related to: 1) their operation/business (type, size, location), 2) their role in management, 3) sources of information to assist in that role, and 4) changes in their role and its impact on various decision making and other areas of their lives (use of capital, use of labor, impact on family finances, impact on quality of life for self and others). All female participants – FARM and NON-FARM - were asked to respond to questions related to: 1) importance of various characteristics of their work (such as applying their talents to the job, having secure employment, meeting financial needs, balancing work and free time, assisting others in the community, etc.), 2) areas of difficulty in their work (access to credit, networking with others, managing cash flow, marketing products, etc), 3) involvement in farm and community organizations and 4) various demographic characteristics.

Small changes were made to the survey for the second year. For all participants, questions asking about present or past ownership and/or management for different types of agribusinesses and agricultural operations were added, as well as a question to distinguish the primary work position. The question asking women if they or their spouse held an off-farm job was split into two questions to determine who (woman or spouse) held an off-farm job and why.

Objective 4 Analyze and Distribute Survey Results

Summary statistics were constructed over all questions and all ranges of responses. Responses were then separated into FARM and NON-FARM categories. Summary statistics were calculated to create a set of rankings of factors important to FARM and NON-FARM women for the success of their business activity and for problems they face in their businesses. Next, Chi square and Fisher’s Exact tests were used to determine if statistically significant differences existed in the responses. The same tests were used to compare responses between the two years.

All 300 in attendance at the conference were asked to participate in the survey; 108 responded for a response rate of 36 percent. Respondents were Caucasian (88%), Native American (8%), and African American (5%). Seventy-six percent were married, while 66 percent had no children in the household. Over 60 percent had a two year college level or higher degree. Almost 70 percent were between the ages of 35 and 64. Twenty-eight percent said that 75 to 100 percent of their income came from agriculture. Sixty-nine of the respondents were FARM women. The rest were NONFARM women with jobs and/or memberships in agribusiness or lending institutions, and farm organizations

Of the FARM women two-thirds are the main operator or one of the main operators for their business activity; almost half were full agricultural partners. Of these women, 15 (22% of the FARM women) were principal operators. Fifty-one (74%) of FARM women were in family or sole proprietorships. Most share decision-making responsibility with their spouses and family. Thirty percent said their role in the business has increased over the last three years, and over half of those women indicated that this has led to improvements in labor management, family finances, expansion/contraction plans, children’s roles in the business, relationships with other farm families and agribusinesses and quality of life for self and family. Sixty-six percent responded that should something happen to their domestic/business partner, they would probably (24%) or definitely (42%) continue to run the business activity on their own.

Of the FARM women, 56 percent held off-farm jobs. Most indicated a need of money for household and business expenses and a need of benefits. Seventy-four percent said the skills acquired in their owner/operator position enhanced their abilities in their off-farm job. Only 31 percent of the FARM women had spouses with off-farm jobs. Chi-square and fisher tests indicated that FARM women with off-farm jobs found balancing work and free time and providing jobs for the community less important in their jobs than FARM women who worked only on farm. Tests also found that FARM women with off-farm jobs have more difficulty finding good information about production/agribusiness/business best management practices and handling their cash flow. Researchers hypothesized that difference in farm sizes between FARM women with and without off-farm jobs might explain these differences in opinions because women with off-farm jobs on smaller farms would have less income from the farm to better handle cash flow and less value for a balance of work and free time and providing jobs for the community because of more constraint. However, statistical tests show there is no significant difference (p=0.108) in farm size between the two groups.

All respondents were asked to indicate whether certain factors were important to them in their operation/business. These rankings are presented in table 2. Visual review of the table suggests that rankings are different between FARM and NON FARM women. Factors most important to feeling successful in their work for NON-FARM women were trying new ways of doing things, applying talents and skills, employment security, being excited about work, and being able to meet financial needs. FARM women ranked applying talents and skills, being involved in the community, being excited about work, trying new ways of doing things, and participating in environmental conservation as the top five factors important to success. Statistical tests will be conducted soon to determine if significant differences exist in these rankings.

Statistical tests were conducted to determine if differences existed between FARM and NON-FARM women’s opinions on any one of those factors. Results are presented in table 3. Fisher’s Exact test showed there were significant differences in FARM and NON-FARM women’s attitudes toward the importance of the factors in their work life. Strong significant differences (p <0.05) were found for three factors. FARM women felt more strongly that it was important to be able to pass on the business to family. Non-FARM women felt more strongly that it was important to feel secure about their employment future. A higher percentage of FARM women disagreed that it was important not to have to make key decisions about the business. Non-FARM women felt more strongly that it was important to try new ways of doing things and balance work and free time.

All respondents were also asked for their opinion regarding potential problems they might face in their work. These rankings are also provided in table 4. Again, visual observation suggests differences. NON FARM women ranked being respected as a female business person, networking, qualifying for government programs, finding information about government programs and finding/affording a good lawyer as their biggest challenges. FARM women ranked keeping good employees, qualifying for government programs, being respected as a female business person, finding/affording a good lawyer, and keeping up with environmental regulations as their biggest challenges. Statistical tests will be conducted soon to determine if significant differences exist in these rankings.

As with the factors important to success, statistical tests have been conducted to check for significant differences between opinions of FARM and NON-FARM women for each problem. These results are in table 5. Fisher’s Exact test showed there were strong significant differences in FARM and NON-FARM women’s attitudes toward two problems—keeping financial records (more FARM women disagreed) and keeping good employees (more FARM women agreed).

Results were shared with University of Arkansas research and cooperative extension personnel, Arkansas Farm Bureau as well as with the Conference steering committee (comprised of women who are farmers and ranchers or employees of USDA agencies, University of Arkansas, state agencies, non-profit organizations, farm organizations and local agribusinesses). The material has served as the topic for an undergraduate thesis and has been presented at regional and national agricultural economics professional meetings. Results have been shared with Arkansas women in agriculture through follow up focus group meetings.

Objective Five: Conduct Focus Groups Sessions

Of the survey respondents from both 2005 and 2006, 120 agreed to participate in follow-up interviews in the fall of 2006 and the spring of 2007. Thirteen focus group meetings (88 women total this far) have been conducted in each region of the state. Women were interviewed in groups of eight or less. The following topics were discussed in the interviews: 1) causes of changes in the role of women in agriculture, 2) factors that are important in measuring their success, and 3) additional challenges faced in their agricultural roles and how those challenges may impact other aspects of life (family and community). All interviews were recorded and later transcribed to better facilitate analysis.

Focus group results reinforced the findings of the survey and introduced new factors. Focus group participants reemphasized the importance of being involved in the community, making a difference, helping others, and having a sense of pride in their work and accomplishments, when measuring their success in the business. One participant said, “…,we’re in the smallest, minute numbers, and yet, we’re providing food for the world. What better job could we have, and I’m proud of that.” Making key decisions and being respected were also found to be important but were less often cited. For the farm or agribusiness owners in the groups, it was important to be able to pass on their business and/or land to family, to implement environmentally beneficial practices, and contribute to a healthy food supply.

The problems faced by all the women, farm and non-farm, were few in number, but large in scope. A factor not addressed in the survey - the lack of agricultural awareness by the general public and the nation’s leaders - was discussed by several women. In another group, a woman voiced her concern, “I’m worried about the Farm Bill and political decisions that are made that will directly affect our lives and our business. And it’s out of your control. It’s just like the weather, it’s completely out of your control.” The difficulty of balancing family and work was another issue discussed by both farm and non-farm women.

Many more problems were addressed by the farm women in the groups. Labor, as shown by the surveys, was a large problem. Possible reasons for this problem and its effects were given by the women themselves. One woman found it simple, “… people don’t have pride in their work anymore.” Another said, “This is a second or third generation family farm, and you’re a good employee, but you’re not family… They don’t have any future in it[ ] they will always just be an employee.” The area economy was also given as a reason, “In our area, we’re not ever going to be able to have good employees. There are too many jobs, they don’t have to get dirty at other jobs.” Another problem faced was the overall economic situation faced by farmers, the increasingly expensive input costs and low prices received for their goods. Both of these problems were cited in every focus group interview. Lack of healthcare and insurance, rapidly changing market trends and available technology, instability and lack of control associated with agriculture including weather (“My husband always says we don’t need to go to Las Vegas because we open up that back door and roll those dice every morning.”), prices, and political decisions, and the amount of paperwork required to be completed were commonly cited. Non-farm women mentioned one other problem— “being respected and treated as an equal, as a professional.”

All participants supported the need for a network for agricultural women in the state. Many participants are interested in establishing mentoring relationships others interested in agriculture. It would also provide a means to become aware of educational opportunities to improve skills important to their roles in business, on the farm and in the community.

Objective Six: Devise 2007 Arkansas Women in Agriculture Outreach Plan

During the conference, two session times were set aside for steering committee members and conference participants to determine the nature of future research, outreach and education directed towards Arkansas Women in Agriculture. The theme for the 2006 Arkansas Women in Agriculture conference was “Stand Up, Step Out and Lead.” In keeping with this theme, conference participants were encouraged to volunteer to lead future efforts. The group identified leaders – farm women and employees of agricultural organizations – to lead the outreach and education efforts, with assistance from University of Arkansas research and extension personnel. UA will continue to direct research efforts. In late 2006 a non-profit was formed called Arkansas Women in Agriculture, Inc. This group elected officers and formed an advisory committee (the PI on this SARE grant served in a strong advisory role for the group as leadership transferred from UA to ARWIA, Inc). UA maintained the arwomeninag.com site for use by ARWIA to promote their efforts. Results form 2006 conference evaluations suggested that women liked the 1.5 day event and its location in Hot Springs. The participants rated highly 2006 sessions on loans/credit, estate planning, sustainable production methods, diversification, and US farm policy and requested advanced hands on sessions for these topics. Based on these evaluations the ARWIA, Inc convened the third Arkansas Women in Agriculture conference in March 2007.

Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes

This project produced a number of benefits:

1) Conference attendees have been provided tools that will assist them as they take on more leadership roles in agriculture. Tools and skill building offered through the conference included: 1) financial record keeping, 2) organic agriculture production and marketing techniques, 3) small animal production and marketing, 4) loan process, 5) estate planning among many other.

2) Women were offered time management; women’s health, childhood obesity, and elder care to not only make them better business people but to better serve their families and communities as well

3) Farm organizations for women – such as Farm Bureau’s women committee and Arkansas cattlewomen exist. However, for the first time, these conferences allowed women from all facets of agriculture (who perhaps are not active in Farm Bureau or Cattlewomen) and across all parts of the state to network. This provided women with new contacts for questions about their production and business methods, family matters and agricultural policy concerns.

4) The writing contest provided the means to encourage young people to become more aware and more involved in agriculture within the state.

5) This research provided a topic for an undergraduate thesis. The student who assisted on this project won first place in the 2006 American Agricultural Economics Association Undergraduate Student Paper Competition for her report on the survey findings. She continues to hold focus group meetings to better identify our appropriate research efforts for the future.

6) Thanks to extensive promotional efforts by the steering committee, the University of Arkansas, and others, there is a greater awareness of the state of the growing number of women in agriculture and of their changing roles in agriculture. As mentioned above, our efforts even caught the attention of the Arkansas General Assembly. In Fall 2006, we were invited by the Assembly to present our work during one of the agricultural sessions. The General Assembly supports our continued efforts and the Governor of Arkansas has designated Arkansas Women in Agriculture day in the state.