More women studying agriculture

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - As students return to colleges and universities around the country, a growing number of female students are enrolled in their schools’ agriculture programs.

This summer, the Food and Agriculture Education Information System reported that women now out-number men in undergraduate agriculture programs at the nation’s land-grant universities.

The trend of women interested in agriculture is carrying through at local community colleges as well. News 10 caught up with six women studying agriculture at Ivy Tech in Terre Haute to get their perspective.

Many of the women said they came from farming families or participated in 4-H, though a few said they were simply looking for job opportunities. All agreed they wanted to avoid office work.

“I didn't want to sit in an office and wear heels and have to dress up every day,” said agriculture student Hannah Cuiksa. “I wanted to be able to be outside and do something I would enjoy."

Students also said they understood the growing popularity of agriculture studies among women.

“I think women are finally deciding that if a guy can do it, why can’t girls do it,” said student Kyra Strole. “We can probably do it just as good as them, if not better.”