The University of Missouri Extension Dairy Team has a rich history of providing educational programming to the dairy industry. However, surveys suggest the majority of participants involved are male. Additionally, women dairy operators in Missouri have recently eroded. The 2012 census of Missouri Agriculture reflects a sharp decline of 39% of women dairy operators when compared with 2007. Women who have no off-farm income or women who work <99 d off farm have decreased at a slower rate, 9% and 2%, respectively. The establishment of the “Women in Dairy” program targets women as primary operators and/or active women participants on the farm to address this educational gap. The objectives of the program were to provide a non-confrontational learning environment for women operators to obtain best management practices (BMP). Program content delivered by University of Missouri extension specialists included topics selected by a producer panel: calf care, farm succession-planning, reproduction and stress management. Many women participants reported plans for implementing BMPs on the farm. Post-program surveys were collected at monthly events throughout the year. Sixty-one surveys were returned (48.4% reponse rate) and reflected a 57% increase in understanding of farm succession and a 94% increase in knowledge and skill for dealing with stress and stressful situations. Altered from traditional extension format of the program delivery, meetings deliberately engage interaction. Women participants reported to enjoy: “the ability to chat freely” and to “learn so much (while) meeting other dairy wives.” The comradery of the group is tangible, yet difficult to quantify. By educating a previously underserved audience, we anticipate increased productivity of Missouri dairy farms. Through education, women operators will become more effective contributors to their operations and therefore the families’ livelihood.