News
West Virginia Women Make Up More Than 25 Percent of Farmers
By: Associated Press
Posted on:
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) – Federal agriculture statistics show that more than one-quarter of the farmers in West Virginia are women.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture says women farmers total 9,320 in the state. That translates to 29 percent of the farmers in the state.
They farm more than 1.25 million acres and contribute $62.4 to the economy.
Doolarie Singh-Knights is an assistant professor with the WVU Extension Service. She says the rate of women in West Virginia entering farming is three times the national average.
Singh-Knights said WVU Extension Service has made it a priority to educate and train women in agriculture.
The second annual Women in Agriculture Conference is scheduled Friday and Saturday at Canaan Valley Resort.
Singh-Knights said those interested in attending can contact her by email at Dosingh-knightsmail.wvu.edu.