News

Illinois Women in Conservation forms

The farmer training program manager with The Land Connection says a new group catering specifically to female landowners and farmers has formed in Illinois.

Crystal Siltman says Illinois Women in Conservation (IWIC) aims to provide a crucial link between women farmland owners and the resources they need to achieve their conservation goals.

“A lot of the same kind of wants and needs, a lot of women who are now owners of what was traditionally a conventional farm and their interest in conservation, it’s kind of making them more curious about your prairie strips, perennial crops, and transitioning to organic,” she says.

AUDIO: Crystal Siltman – The Land Connection

Christine Johnson, farmer education coordinator with the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute, tells Brownfield it’s based off a program that started in Wisconsin in 2020.

“What we’ve found is women coming together really showcase their leadership skills, decision-making skills, curiosity, and ingenuity for problem-solving and implementing land-based practices,” she says.

She says while the group is founded in conservation, it’s also about support.

“Finding community and building networks in your area is really what helps folks.”  She says, “I think oftentimes farmers can feel a sense of isolation and that can be particularly true for women.”

Siltman says the organization plans to hold informational meetings, both online and in-person, as well as farm tours and an online idea exchange.

Those interested in learning more can follow Illinois Women in Conservation on Facebook and Instagram.

AUDIO: Christine Johnson – Michael Fields Agricultural Institute