Kentucky is recognizing women farmers. The Ag Department presented a proclamation making October 11th Kentucky Women in Agriculture Day.
More than half of all farming operations in the U.S. are run by women. The latest Census of Agriculture shows that nearly 43,000 of Kentucky’s 200,000+ farmers are women.
Ag Commissioner Ryan Quarles said the commonwealth helps lead the nation.
“Kentucky does a better job than most states with not only raising awareness, but also having a Kentucky women agriculture, organized a group that needs around the year that is always anxious to grow membership. So if there's any females that want to join this group, I encourage them to join.”
Quarles added that men can join the organization, as well.
Quarles said part of this recognition is about encouraging more women to join the profession.
“We want to encourage women of all ages, particularly before they enter college, to look at and perhaps use agriculture as a career.”
Quarles said 30-40 high school students attended this year’s conference, which had a record number of attendees this year.
The USDA will start collecting information for the next Census of Agriculture in November.
Quarles is seeking the Republican nomination for governor in next year's election.
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