Women are taking a larger role in the American farming and ranching industry as they reclaim their connection to the land.

According to the 2012 Census of Agriculture, nearly one million women are working America’s lands, which represents 31 percent of American farmers. Together these women are generating $12.9 billion in annual agricultural sales.

In New Mexico, 34 percent of farmers are women, contributing $88.5 million to the state’s economy.

New Mexico State University’s New Mexico Small Farm & Ranch Task Force is committed to supporting diversity and inclusion of women in agriculture.

“To meet the world’s growing food, fuel and fiber needs, it is our responsibility to make sure women have educational opportunities, and are encouraged and empowered to take on the challenge,” said Marcella Talamante, NMSU Extension agent in Rio Arriba County.

The task force, comprised of Cooperative Extension Service agents in northern New Mexico counties, will host a “Strengthening Our Agriculture Roots: Empowering Women in Agriculture” Conference Wednesday and Thursday, April 24-25, in Taos at the Sage Brush Inn and Taos County Fairgrounds.

Participants will receive an introduction to the hands-on skills and knowledge needed to operate or work for a farm or ranch.

“There will be workshops on family dynamics while operating an agricultural operation, inheritance option, taxes and marketing,” said Steve Lucero, NMSU Extension agricultural agent in Sandoval County. “Also, hands-on workshops on low-stress cattle handling, trailer and tractor safety.”

The “SOAR” conference is limited to 50 participants.

Online registration is available at http://www.soar2019.ezregister.com. Cost is $80, which includes dinner Wednesday. A limited number of scholarships are available on a first-come, first-served basis for residents living in northern New Mexico counties.

For more information on the seminar and scholarships contact Lucero or Talamante at 575-588-7423 or [email protected]. Special room rates are available at Sage Brush Inn for the “NMSU Ag” group.

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