An interesting -- but perhaps not widely known -- fact is, that a significant percentage of our nation's farmland is owned, co-owned, and/or operated by women. According to a Census Bureau report (using stats from prior reports as the 2007-2008 census data has not yet been tabulated), farm owner/operators control and operate approximately 55 percent of farmland, while landlords who lease their land to others account for the 45 percent balance.

Of the landlord owned land, 70 percent involves female ownership which includes 40 percent as sole owners. A significant percentage of farm operations, too, include female participation. I estimate for Bourbon County (using my own admittedly non-scientific statistical research) that female farmland co-owners, farm/ranch operators, and sole landowners are likely involved in up to 75 percent of farmland in the county.

A recent Iowa report shows that females own 47 percent of all farmland in that state. Further involvement as co-owners and operators, then, adds to this total. (This report also included another interesting stat: in 2004, 48 percent of all farmland owners were over age 65 compared to only 29 percent in 1982.)

In response to this significant involvement and contribution by our female agricultural producers, the Bourbon County Conservation District, with the cooperation of local USDA agencies, K-State Research and Extension, Agricultural Engineering Associates of Uniontown, and Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks are sponsoring a "Conservation Tour for Women by Women."

The tour will depart the Fort Scott Community College east parking lot by bus at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 21, 2008. The tour bus will return at approximately 3:30 p.m. that afternoon. A light lunch will be served.

A number of informative stops are planned with topics ranging from soil erosion concerns; noxious weed control; Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) opportunities; Conservation District administered conservation programs; Marmaton River Watershed development; conservation career opportunities for women; and wildlife issues for landowners.

Reservations for a spot on this tour bus can be secured by calling Cheryl at the USDA Service Center (620) 223-3170, ext. 28, or by emailing cheryl.bennett@ks.nacdnet.net; or stop by the office at 1515 S. Judson.

A limited number of seats are available which will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Cheryl suggests long pants, sturdy shoes, sun hat, sun screen, and insect repellant.

Bottled water (as well as the light lunch) will be provided. Some tour stops may require walking 100-200 yards.