Resources for Women in Agriculture

A 2015 census in agriculture study estimated that 38% of the approximately 300,000 persons who make decisions for farms that sold food in the United States are women. While a sizable minority, there is still room for more women to step into leadership roles within the agricultural community and there are numerous organizations that offer support for female farmers and ranchers.

Roles of Women in Agriculture

The USDA reports that women fill many roles within the agricultural system, from farmers, ranchers, agricultural researchers, and educators. Women also serve in farm management and business planning, farm marketing, and directly contributing to local food systems. This list is not exhaustive, but it does highlight a sample of many of the jobs that women perform within the farming and ranching community.

Associations for Female Farmers

There are a number of associations and organizations which have been created with the specific purpose of supporting women in agriculture. Some are more broad and encompass women in all of the various roles within the agricultural community, while others work with specific niches:

American Agri-Women is the nation’s largest coalition of female farmers, ranchers, and agribusiness owners. Founded in 1974, its purpose is to advocate for and promote women in agriculture.

American National Cattle Women provides a voice for women within the beef ranching community. Its focus is on beef promotion, education, and legislation. The ANCW also hosts conventions and trade shows annually to bring together women in the industry.

National Women in Agriculture Association was founded in 2008 with the mission of saving lives and eliminating poverty by increasing the availability of fresh, locally grown foods while expanding economic opportunities. The NWIAA is the first and fastest growing non-profit professional agriculture organization for women and minorities in the United States. The organization also includes two programs for youth, ages 6-12 and ages 12 and older, to experience hands-on education in agriculture.

The Women, Food and Agriculture Network was born out of an idea from the United Nations 4th World Conference on Women in Beijing in 1994. An organic farmer from Iowa and a New York state food justice advocate came together to form a women in agriculture working group. After the conference these women continued working together and in 1997 the group was formalized. The mission of the WFAN is to engage women farmers in building an ecological and just food and agricultural system through individual and community power.

The USDA Women in Agriculture Mentoring Network provides a way to connect, share stories, and experiences with other women in agriculture. The organization provides a monthly newsletter featuring profiles of women in agriculture as well as quarterly engagement calls where members can hear from influential voices within farming and ranching who are working to increase representation and diversity within the community.

Local Resources

If you haven’t explored these options yet, you should check out what is happening through the trade schools, colleges, universities and nonprofits in your region. Many of them have dedicated organizations and/or resources for women in agriculture. A sample of them includes:

• University of Wisconsin-Madison’s “Heart of the Farm” program, offering workshops, networking and educational opportunities for women in agriculture.
• WY Women in Ag hosts conferences about Wyoming women and their contributions in farming and ranching.
• University of Missouri’s extension programs on Women in Agriculture provide a variety of educational opportunities.
• Mississippi Women for Agriculture encourages both networking and business skill building for women farmers and ranchers.
• The statewide nonprofit, Oregon Women for Agriculture has a wide variety of resources, education and networking opportunities for members across the state.

Do a quick search online for “women in agriculture near me” to find potential resources and organizations near you.