As the world recognizes 2026 as the United Nation’s International Year of the Woman Farmer, it provides an opportunity to celebrate the countless women who have helped build and sustain agriculture for generations.

From managing family farms and caring for livestock to leading agricultural organizations and advocating for rural communities, women have become an indispensable part of modern agriculture.

While women have always played a role in farming, their contributions are increasingly visible today. Across Pennsylvania and throughout the nation, women are serving as farm owners, agribusiness leaders, educators, researchers, veterinarians and policy advocates. Their influence reaches every corner of the agricultural industry and helps ensure a strong and secure food supply for future generations.

The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) released findings from its National Women in Agriculture Study on June 1. Conducted with support from JBS and CoBank, the research gathered responses from more than 4,300 women across all 50 states and Puerto Rico through surveys and focus groups. It offers a detailed snapshot of women’s multifaceted roles in production agriculture, agribusiness, education, advocacy and beyond.

Considering this is the Year of the Woman Farmer; the study is shining a global spotlight on women’s contributions to food production, rural economies and community resilience. According to USDA data referenced in related Farm Bureau materials, women comprise about 36% of U.S. producers, with 1.2 million female producers noted in the 2022 Census of Agriculture.

Women in the study often balance on-farm responsibilities with off-farm work — 60% hold jobs or roles outside agriculture — and significant caregiving duties. Many engage in informal advocacy and public speaking, 73% participate in some form, yet gaps remain in formal training and pathways to recognized leadership positions.

Women farmers are often the bridge between agriculture and the public. They educate consumers about where food comes from, promote agricultural literacy in schools and share the stories behind the farms that feed America. Whether through social media, farmers markets, local fairs or community events, women have become some of agriculture's strongest ambassadors.

Organizations such as the Farm Bureau have long recognized the importance of women in agriculture and have created opportunities to showcase their leadership. Through women's leadership committees, educational conferences and advocacy programs, the Farm Bureau works to ensure women have a voice in shaping agricultural policy and the future of rural communities.

The Pennsylvania Farm Bureau's Women's Leadership Committee provides members with opportunities to develop leadership skills, engage in grassroots advocacy and promote agriculture to consumers. The committee supports programs that highlight the role women play in producing safe, affordable food while encouraging more individuals to become involved in agriculture.

Farm Bureau women are also active in community outreach. They organize educational events, support local food banks, promote agricultural awareness and mentor the next generation of leaders. Their efforts help strengthen the connection between farmers and consumers while ensuring agriculture remains an important part of everyday life.

Nationally, AFBF’s Women's Leadership Program provides training and networking opportunities that empower women to become effective advocates for agriculture. Participants learn how to communicate with lawmakers, speak to the media and educate the public about issues affecting farmers and ranchers.

The impact of women extends far beyond the farm gate. Many are active volunteers in 4-H, FFA, church organizations, school boards and civic groups. Their dedication helps build stronger communities and creates opportunities for young people interested in agriculture.

As agriculture faces challenges ranging from labor shortages and rising costs to weather extremes and regulatory pressures, the leadership and innovation provided by women farmers will continue to play a critical role. Their ability to adapt, collaborate and lead has become one of agriculture's greatest strengths.

The International Year of the Woman Farmer serves as a reminder that agriculture's success depends on the talents and dedication of people from all backgrounds. It is also an opportunity to recognize the mothers, daughters, grandmothers, wives, sisters and neighbors whose work often takes place behind the scenes, but whose impact is felt every day.

The Farm Bureau's continued commitment to developing women leaders ensures agriculture will have strong voices advocating for farm families and rural communities for years to come. By investing in leadership, education and outreach, the Farm Bureau is helping showcase the many ways women contribute to agriculture and to society as a whole.

We would like to thank all the women who have made and are making agriculture and the organizations they serve, much better in Butler County and across the country!

As we celebrate the International Year of the Woman Farmer in 2026, we honor the women who have helped shape agriculture's past and those who will lead its future. Their dedication, resilience and passion continue to ensure that farming remains one of the most important and rewarding professions in the world.

William Thiele is a Butler County dairy farmer and director of Pennsylvania Farm Bureau District 15. John Thompson is a Butler County Farm Bureau member.

Linda Halstead is the District 15 Representative on the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau Women's Leadership Committee.