Empowering Women in Agriculture: Highlights from the ACE Summit

Advocates from the U.S. and abroad gathered in Washington, D.C., in early June for a landmark event honoring the role women play in farming and ranching communities. The American Farm Bureau Federation’s Women’s Leadership program drew nearly 500 individuals to the International Year of the Woman Farmer ACE (Advocate, Cultivate, Empower) Summit.

Hosted by AFBF in conjunction with a strong coalition of U.S. agrifood system stakeholders, the event not only celebrated the International Year of the Woman Farmer but applauded the contributions women make to agriculture each day. Over the course of three days, attendees gained skills to strengthen their voices and bolster their leadership within the agriculture community.

A group of industry visionaries discussed how 2026 came to be the International Year of the Woman Farmer. The panelists noted how work in their respective fields sparked the collective idea and a campaign that resulted in an official declaration. Panelists included Krysta Harden, president and CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council; Alexis Taylor, chief global policy officer at the International Fresh Produce Association; Karla Thieman, senior vice president of public policy and government affairs at JBS USA.

Panelists also emphasized the importance of acknowledging the impact women have in agriculture by “measuring what matters,” pointing to AFBF’s Women in Agriculture Study that was released during the Summit. The study provides a comprehensive look at the many hats worn by women in agriculture as well as opportunities to better support them.

AFBF President Zippy Duvall addressed attendees with a heartfelt acknowledgment of the value women add to the industry that produces food, fiber and fuel for the world. He encouraged women of all ages to advocate through sharing their own agricultural experience with the world.

Women involved in agriculture from across the globe united for a session focused on agriculture through a global perspective. Ale Aguirre, research assistant with the Southside Native Seed Project; Deané de Bruin, logistics and operations manager at Flat Acre Farms; and Abi Reader, president of the National Farmers Union, Cymru, offered their international insights on a panel moderated by Ashley Randle, commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources.

These leaders discussed hands-on experiences, programs and collaborative efforts in their own countries that have advanced women in agriculture. Each panelist noted how social media has elevated the female presence in farming and ranching, as well as the importance of building a strong community and networks for female peers. Their trailblazing efforts shine a light on the influence women can have on agriculture.

“It’s no longer just about Old McDonald,” said Reader, “but about breaking those stereotypes.”

Breakout sessions at the event cultivated the professional growth of attendees. They covered a vast array of topics ranging from leadership and personal growth to pressing issues such as ag labor and trade.

The summit wrapped up with attendees choosing their own path to take a deeper dive. A strong contingent of women participated in visits to Capitol Hill to meet with elected officials, while other attendees toured the headquarters of various industry stakeholders. This gave women the chance to advocate for agriculture, cultivate broader awareness of the issues important to farmers and ranchers and empowered them to continue serving as leaders in their home communities and around the world.

Conference attendance by farmers, ranchers and rural advocates from across the U.S. and the world serves as a strong reminder that each day there are millions of women globally who contribute to feeding, clothing and fueling the world. The summit was a testament to their positive impact on the agriculture sector.

We left this deeply impactful celebration of women in agriculture feeling inspired to continue advocating for all of America’s farmers, ranchers and growers.

Julia DeSalvo is a summer communications intern and Bailey Corwine is manager of communications at the American Farm Bureau Federation.