Highland County Women Farmers Speak Up!

     The Voice of Ohio Women Farmers in Highland County is a report of a study of area women farmers conducted in late 2009. Twenty-four Highland County women farmers representing 23 area farms contributed to the study by sharing information about themselves and their farms, stating their skill development interests, expressing aspirations for their farms, themselves as farmers, and for women farmers in general, and offering advice to organizations that serve them. 

     The Ohio State University Extension Highland County assisted independent research Sharon D. Sachs, PhD to facilitate this study of and by women farmers. In-kind support was provided by other local organizations including The Highland County Auditor office and the Highland County District Library. The Study was endorsed by the Ohio Farm Women Consortium, a self-organized group of service providers who foster and spread great ideas that benefit Ohio women in agriculture. 

    There is more to this study than noteworthy facts about Highland County women farmers and the production, marketing, and business strategies they use.  Other women farmers are urged to read the study and learn more about their importance to Ohio agriculture. Specific recommendations are made to education and training service providers about the development needs and preferences of women farmers. In addition to women farmers and OSU Extension, Study participants seek the attention of USDA NRCS and FSA, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and area businesses associated with the Chamber of Commerce and that sell goods and services to farmers. 

     A copy of the 19-page report is now available at no cost, posted on the Highland County Extension website:   http://highland.osu.edu/  click “Top Stories” or for $4.00 upon request to the researcher Sharon Sachs who can be contacted at OWFStudy@aol.com or 614-885-3042.