Department of Agricultural Education & Studies

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Graduate Programs: Greg Miller 515-294-2583 / Undergraduate Programs: Mike Retallick 515-294-4810

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Graduate Student Scholarly Work

 

Corn, A.E. (2000). The voice of women leaders in American agriculture: A case study of women’s conceptions of leadership. Master’s thesis.

As the face of agriculture changes, so do agriculturalists faces. Women are quickly becoming more visible within the agricultural arena. This qualitative case study explored leadership experiences of five females working in the agricultural industry. The women represented (a) academia, (b) activism, (c) agribusiness, (d) farming, and (e) political components of the industry.

The purpose of this research was to illuminate ways agricultural women have become leaders. Three questions guided the study: (1) what adaptations have women made to become leaders, (2) what methods have women used to survive within the industry, and (3) how do women negotiate and manage their career-related relationships. Narrative reporting was used to capture the women’s voices and experiences and grounded theories presented a theoretical picture of the agricultural leadership conceptualizations of the women.

Women seek to create or organize structures to support other people’s needs. Next, women learned to “give-and-take” in their interpersonal relationships based on the importance of the issues at hand. Also essential, was the need to acquire the unique language of agriculture. Additionally, women drew support and encouragement from spouses and extended family. Finally, women learned the technicalities of agriculture and leadership from mentors and role models.

The following recommendations are made to aspiring leaders: (1) determine passions, (2) set priorities, (3) don’t give up, (4) learn to give-and-take realizing that some battles are worth fighting and others aren’t, and (5) seize opportunities as they present themselves. Academic institutions can foster the acquisition of the agricultural language and the development of leadership skills through early inclusion and the creation of applied learning opportunities for young women.

This study suggests that agricultural times are changing. With the inclusion of women and people who lack agricultural backgrounds into the industry, traditionalist need to realize and understand the strengths these people offer agriculture. One primary asset and skill women possess is the ability to unite communities and people to solve problems. This, in connection with their heightened concern for the earth and nature, affords them a holistic perspective of leadership.