With every great farm, you see more and more women helping them grow. According to a recent study by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, women make up approximately 30 percent of the United States agricultural workforce, whether on the farm as owners and managers or off it as agronomists and veterinarians. In many cases, UW Madison Extension Regional Dairy Educator Aerica Bjurstom says women’s duties on the farm are in addition to a full-time job away from it. Because of this, Bjurstrom adds that they often need extra support to toggle all the different tasks they are charged with throughout the year.

The UW Madison Extension will focus on women in agriculture as a part of its VITAL (Valuably Informed Thriving, Agriculture Leader) program this Friday at the Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center in Manitowoc.