Program for women farmers increases well-being, safety and productivity

Nationally, women account for 36% of all U.S. agricultural producers and 41% of beginning farmers. The Northeast corridor, which extends from Maine to West Virginia, is home to many of the counties with the highest percentage of women farmers.  

Yet, U.S. Department of Agriculture data consistently show that farms in which a woman is the primary operator tend to be smaller and more vulnerable to a broad range of agricultural risks, many of which are further amplified on beginning farms. Because labor by the farmer, farm family and employed workers is so critical to the success of these farms, practices that support physical and mental wellness are key.  

To address these issues, University of Vermont Extension’s Women’s Agricultural Network developed a new, women-centered, multi-session, online program, “Preserve and Protect Your Most Important Tool: You.” Offered in November 2023 and April 2024, this program was for, and led by, women farmers. The program covered building flexibility and strength for farm work, understanding muscles and joints, preventing and managing injury, chronic pain and conditions in the context of farm work, cultivating rest and recovery and accessing and using health care resources. 

In a survey, nearly 95% of the more than 70 participants said they already had or were likely to make a change based on what they learned in the sessions. In open-ended comments, participants identified actions such as incorporating warming up and stretching, using proper bending and lifting postures to prevent strains on joints and muscles, and teaching others who work on their farm to make the same changes. When asked about confidence, more than 95% reported increases in confidence, with 33 ranking their increase in confidence as “significant” or “considerable.”

View the full statement on the NIDB.

Project supported by USDA Competitive and Smith-Lever (3b&c) funds.