Economy

Idaho dairy farmers produce more milk and cheese than almost any state in the nation. Idaho is ranked third behind California and Wisconsin.

Women Are More Likely To Farm In Idaho Than Iowa

Boise State Public Radio News | By Frankie Barnhill

Published September 29, 2015 at 7:51 AM MDT

Female farmers in Idaho contribute $140 million to the economy.

If you're a woman in agriculture, you're more likely to farm in Oregon than in Idaho.

That's according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Idaho has a total of 13,043 women farmers, accounting for 33 percent of the state's producers. That's a good share compared to Midwestern states like Minnesota and Iowa. But the gender gap is narrower in Oregon where 39 percent of the farmers are women. The USDA calculates the economic impact of those producers adds up to more than $260 million. And in Washington, 37 percent of producers are women, contributing an estimated $240 million the economy.

Since February, the USDA has been working on ways to engage more female growers. The agency created the Women in Agriculture Mentoring Network to give farmers with different experiences a way to learn from each other and create new leaders. The initiative is looking for more women to join the network.

Find reporter Frankie Barnhill on Twitter @FABarnhill

Women Are More Likely To Farm In Idaho Than Iowa

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