Report in a Snapshot

Women involvement in agricultural operations has been more accurately documented in the latest two Census of Agriculture (AgCensus) as they collected information for up to four producers. Based on 2022 data, in the US, there exist

1,224,726 female producers accounting for one third (36%) of total farmers. In Louisiana we observe a similar pattern. Female producers total 15,160 accounting for 35% of producers. This report provides highlights of the 2022 AgCensus and key indicators documenting changes since 2017. Below are some highlights.

1) Occupation & Experience: Farming as primary occupation is reported by 33% of female producers. New and beginning farmers account for 37% of female producers in Louisiana.

2) Production Emphasis: Highest concentration of female producers in farms between 10 and 49 acres. Beef ranching, sugarcane farming and aquaculture operations among the top 5 with highest concentration of female producers.

3) Primary Operators: The number of farms reporting one producer, hence farms with female primary operators decreased from 2,180 to 1,611 (a 26% decrease). Most of the operations with female producers report two producers, one male and one female.

4) Decision Making: Most of the female producers focus on day-to-day decisions (22%), followed by record keeping and financial management (20%).

5) Market Value & Economic Class: The less than $1,000 economic class reports the highest number of female producers. But female producer numbers have increased in farms reporting $50,000 or more.

Visit the Farm Labor website to find publications in the series for selected subgroups including producers with military service, young producers and new and beginning producers.

See PDF for the full report.