Under the leadership of Clarence Bunch, Ph.D., in tandem with the president of the National Women in Agriculture Association, Kay Bell, the Women in Agriculture Program (WIA) was created by women of the Agriculture and Natural Resources Cooperative Extension Program at Prairie View A&M University.
The goal of the WIA program is to provide agricultural, business, and hands-on education for women farmers, ranchers, landowners, or those interested in starting or improving their agricultural entrepreneurships. While the WIA program is developed with women in mind, we welcome anyone to participate in this program.
Mission Statement
To help women in agriculture improve their businesses and farms, connect with other women and increase financial security and entrepreneurship; to encourage the youth to value agriculture in the future by seeing local women in agriculture thrive.
Women in Agriculture Program
How the WIA Program Works
The WIA program is an annual program set off each spring with a day-long Women in Agriculture Conference that covers a myriad of topics of interest selected by women in agriculture; this conference also serves as a networking opportunity and showcases various agricultural vendors.
Post conference, the WIA Program offers a yearly series of educational classes both virtual and in person depending on the class. Classes are generally offered once a year and topics are subject to change from year-to-year.
Women in Agriculture Program Educational Topics
2023 Educational Topics
- Small Tractor, Walk-Behind Tractor, and PTO Implement Training
- Ag Business Planning
- Forestry and Estate Planning
- Taxes, Ag Tax Exemptions & Record Keeping
- Utilizing Grants
- Agrotourism
- Beekeeping
- Small and Midsize Farm Tours
- Becoming Certified Organic
- Growing Community Connections
- Soil Health and Sustainability
- Organic Options for Soil Nutrient Management