Celebrating Trailblazing Women in Agriculture

Women have helped shape American agriculture since its earliest days, although sometimes with little recognition. Today, about one-third of farmers and ranchers are women, and their influence and leadership are coming into sharper focus. A look at women whose contributions significantly shaped agriculture – trailblazers at the national, state or local level – is illuminating.

We asked some current women leaders in Farm Bureau who stands out to them as blazing the trail for women in ag.

On the national level, two women were cited for serving as secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the federal agency that develops and implements policies on food, agriculture, natural resources, rural development and nutrition.

Ann Veneman was the first woman to lead USDA, from 2001-2005. Her legacy focuses on food safety, nutrition programs and efforts to support global security. Brooke Rollins is the second woman to hold the position. She was confirmed by the Senate in 2025. Rollins took over leadership of USDA at a critical time for farmers and ranchers, as they faced economic headwinds, labor challenges and uncertainty over how policy changes might affect rural America. She is known for her commitment to connecting directly with farmers and ranchers, with the aim of better understanding and addressing their challenges.

Beyond policy, women have also played a role in the evolution of common agricultural practices used across the nation.

Val Wagner, president of North Dakota Farm Bureau, shared the significant contributions of Temple Grandin, Ph.D. An animal scientist, professor and inventor, Dr. Grandin’s groundbreaking work in livestock handling transformed the cattle industry. Her impact stands out because she combined practical agricultural knowledge with behavioral science to design livestock systems now used throughout the United States, improving both animal care and farmer/rancher safety while influencing generations of ranchers, feedlots and meat processors.

Female leadership in agriculture extends beyond the national stage. Pioneering women have long stepped up at the state level as well.

Isabella Chism, chair of the America Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee, cited Virginia Claypool Meredith (1848-1936), an Indiana native also known as the “Queen of American Agriculture” because she significantly shaped the public perception of farm women. She managed a 400-acre livestock operation and became the first woman on the Purdue University board of trustees. She turned “home economics” into a respected science and professionalized the role of women on the farm. “Virginia didn’t just join the conversation; she led it, showing us all that we are essential, expert partners in the success of the American farm,” said Chism.

Mary White, president of Vermont Farm Bureau, noted that many women have been recognized for their hard work and dedication as members of the Vermont Agriculture Hall of Fame, including Farm Bureau leaders Jackie Folsom and Joanna Lidback.

Cyndi Johnson, president of Montana Farm Bureau, explained that the first homestead filed in Montana was by a woman on a parcel just north of Helena. “The simple fact that it was a woman who did this is inspiring,” Johnson said. She also mentioned Montanan Jeannette Rankin, elected as the first woman member of Congress in 1916. Her family still ranches in North Central Montana and her accomplishments are a source of pride for all Montanans.

Of course, women leaders across the nation appreciate the tremendous leadership and mentorship shown them by their mothers, grandmothers and mothers-in-law who guided them along their agricultural journeys. These women paved the way for future generations by working side-by-side with other family members to establish farms and ranches, while raising children and supporting their communities, long before consideration of “work life balance” became a thing. Angela Bailey, president of Oregon Farm Bureau, described it this way: “When my mom was farming, she was breaking ground for the rest of us. I’m certain she never saw herself that way; she simply loved growing trees and helping her customers.”

As the current generation of farmers and ranchers continue the work begun by those who came before them, women remain at the center – leading in food and fiber production, helping shape policy and mentoring the next generation.