A new nationwide study focusing on women in agriculture has been launched, aiming to gather insights from across all 50 states and Puerto Rico. The survey, which will remain open until March 31, seeks input from women in production agriculture, agribusiness, education, and advocacy. Men and others in related fields are also encouraged to participate to provide perspectives on women's roles in agriculture.
The study's objective is to understand the experiences, leadership pathways, and future needs of women in agriculture. It aims to identify effective practices, gaps, and ways to enhance engagement and support systems within the sector. Follow-up interviews and focus groups will delve deeper into leadership, mentorship, barriers, and opportunities.
"More than a million women play vital roles in U.S. agriculture, accounting for 36% of our country’s farmers," said Zippy Duvall, President of the American Farm Bureau Federation. "We want to make sure we’re clearing barriers and providing opportunities for them and understanding their perspectives is crucial. I encourage all women in agriculture and related fields to participate in this study, which will deepen understanding of their future needs."
The findings will be presented at the International Year of the Woman Farmer ACE Summit hosted by the American Farm Bureau Federation in Washington, D.C., in June 2026. The results will guide leadership development and outreach strategies to bolster support for women in agriculture nationwide.
The survey is open to individuals aged 18 and older involved in agriculture, forestry, or life sciences, including industries like aquaculture, horticulture, and beekeeping. The American Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee sponsors the study with funding from CoBank and JBS. Participants can access the survey here (available in both English and Spanish).
Information from this article can be found here.
