Learning Circles for Women in Agriculture

Our Women for the Land Learning Circles have supported more than 2,080 women agricultural producers and landowners in over 16 states with access to resources, information, and peer networks to support them in taking action toward farm viability and improved conservation on their land.

Developed, in part, out of a partnership with the Women in Food and Agriculture Network in Iowa, AFT’s Women for the Land Learning Circles combine research-based, participatory methods to create peer-to-peer spaces for women in agriculture to share their expertise and experiences with each other while connecting with resources that can assist them in navigating challenges. Lengthy introductions and non-hierarchical structures allow women to develop relationships and skills that are key to supporting their success.

At Learning Circles, women gather to hear from each other and agricultural resource providers from their local communities regarding practices and programs that support soil health, water quality, climate resilience, farm viability, and/or legacy planning for the land under their care. Follow-up research with past participants demonstrates the effectiveness of these gatherings at driving action on the landscape and supporting women in gaining confidence as stewards of precious agricultural land.

Learning circles are adapted to fit the unique needs, audiences, and partnerships on the ground across the country. Formats for learning circles range from half-day to three full days, and due to the necessity of social distancing brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, online virtual gatherings are also being developed and implemented.

 During this period, Women for the Land continues to refine and expand the Learning Circle model to meet the diverse needs of women landowners, producers, and agricultural professionals. Gatherings take many forms – always centering peer-to-peer connection, shared learning, and trust-building.

We’ve learned that flexibility is essential. Some Learning Circles are six-hour, day-long sessions that offer participants deeper immersion in conservation practices, with ample time for relationship-building and reflection. Others are three-hour sessions, ideal for focused discussions or hands-on learning when time or travel is limited.

In-person gatherings often feature farm tours and field walks, allowing participants to see conservation practices firsthand and engage directly with women implementing them. We also host hands-on circles focused on specific skills such as soil testing, cover cropping, or farm planning.

As digital engagement has grown over time, virtual Learning Circles and Coffee Hours help create opportunities for connection across states and regions – allowing women to share experiences even when travel isn’t possible.

Our Learning Circles have also evolved into both one-off events – standalone opportunities to connect on specific topics – and cohort models, where participants meet multiple times to build community, deepen relationships, and follow through on conservation goals together.