1. Home
2. Conferences
3. 2023 Extension Risk Management Education National Conference

Managing Risk and Improving Resiliency for Women Livestock Producers

Kelly McAdam

Summary

New Hampshire has facilitated Annie's Project programs since 2014 and facilitators noticed that most participants were raising livestock for milk and meat direct to consumer sales. Common challenges among these farmers included pricing in a way that is profitable and competitive, limited infrastructure and land base, and a lack of regional processing facilities. UNH Cooperative Extension was awarded an Extension Risk Management Education grant to offer a program aimed at managing risk and improving resiliency for women involved with livestock businesses. Held over the course of one year, this program consisted of three parts - virtual learning circles to inform educational topics most desired by women farmers, a three-day virtual conference, and three in-person field days held throughout New England during the summer months. The virtual conference included presentations on pricing for profit, enterprise budgeting, collaborative marketing, and sustainable grazing practices. Time was provided for women to network with one another based on their livestock interests. All participants were invited to three field days held in New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, and Massachusetts. Participants visited livestock farms, and meat packing and processing facilities all operated by women. Women participating in these field days had the opportunity to learn first-hand how other women farmers are managing risk in marketing their products, financial decision-making, and utilizing best practices to optimize animal health and nutrition while minimizing environmental risk.

Details

---