Women are becoming more interested in agriculture, according to recent studies conducted by the Iowa State department of agricultural education and studies.

Bethany Wihlm is one of the growing statistics of women entering the field of agriculture. Wihlm, junior in animal science, chose to study agriculture because she has been around animals her whole life.

Wihlm said Laura Shurtz, her teacher at North Iowa Area Community College, inspired her to follow a career in agriculture.

Wihlm said she believes the progress of women in agriculture careers is going to get better, and she isn’t treated differently than men in the agriculture department.

“I believe I fit in pretty well,” Wihlm said.

Agriculture opportunities are increasing for women, and more women are rising to leadership positions, said Robert Martin, chair and professor of agriculture education and studies.

“Are women advancing into higher positions? Yes. As fast as they would like? No,” Martin said.

Education and mentoring are two keys for women and men to make progress in their chosen fields, he said. His advice to women just entering an agriculture career is to seek out a mentor; people need someone other than a supervisor to answer questions and concerns, he added.

“Mentoring is key to success,” Martin said.

The salary equity between men and women in agribusiness is slowly changing, but at the professional level it is almost equal, he said.

Ten years ago, Iowa State University made a recruiting effort for women entering the College of Agriculture, which had a big impact, he said.

“Now, some ag majors are close to 50 percent male and 50 percent female,” Martin said.

“Once [women] are more aware of career opportunities, the better the progress will be,” he added.