As small farms across the country continue to disappear at an alarming rate, a growing number of women are venturing into this tradition-bound, male-dominated industry - and revitalizing it from within. Ladies of the Land explores the recent emergence of the woman farmer and her connection to the boom in organic farming.

Although women have always been involved in farming, it has long been thought of as a “man's job.” Traditionally, farm women have often identified themselves as something other than the “farmer.”

That's all changing. According to the USDA, between 1997 and 2002, the number of women who identified themselves as farmers increased by 13 percent. During these five years, Pennsylvania lost 2,000 farms, but gained 1,000 farms run by women.

Women are a fast-growing demographic in American agriculture, and they are doing things differently. While the average farm size in the U.S. has grown dramatically over the last 50 years, women tend to run smaller operations. Many choose organic and natural methods, in contrast to the highly mechanized and chemically-dependent farming that dominates the rest of the agricultural industry. And many women strongly value their relationships with the community, from selling their products at local markets, to using their farms as "de facto community centers."

Ladies of the Land profiles four women who never thought they'd be in charge of a farm, but today raise cattle, sell goat cheese and harvest organic vegetables. With commentary from Carolyn Sachs, PhD, one of the nation's leading experts on women in agriculture, and Amy Trauger, PhD, founder of the Pennsylvania Women's Agricultural Network – one of the only organizations of its kind in the country – this insightful documentary takes us on a journey through America's new heartland.

Directed by Megan Thompson
2007, 29 minutes
Purchase: $250 Rental: $85

* Winner, Student Academy Award, 2007
* Winner, Gracie Allen Award, 2007
* Official Selection, Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Festival, 2008
* Official Selection, Martha's Vineyard Independent Film Festival, 2008
* Official Selection, Women's International Film Festival, 2008

“Ladies of the Land profiles four women who, to their surprise, end up as local farmers in various locales. The film celebrates their victories and looks at some of the problems they have encountered in a traditionally male-centric industry like agriculture. Recommended for agriculture and women’s studies collections at the college and general levels.” - Educational Media Reviews Online