National Women in Agriculture Study
Women play a vital role in American agriculture—contributing through production, advocacy, education, and entrepreneurship, while also strengthening rural communities through leadership and outreach. According to the most recent Census of Agriculture, women make up more than one-third of all U.S. farm operators and are increasingly leading in farm management, agribusiness, research, and advocacy.
The national Women in Agriculture Study will explore women’s leadership and involvement across the industry, identify barriers and opportunities, and provide actionable insights to strengthen engagement and support systems. This study offers a unique opportunity to highlight the significant role women play in driving innovation, leadership, and engagement in agriculture both today and for generations to come.
Details
This survey is open October 15, 2025 – March 31, 2026, with optional follow-up focus groups and interviews.
Who Should Participate
This survey is open to individuals age 18 and older in the U.S. and Puerto Rico who have an interest or involvement in agriculture, including those who work in production agriculture, agribusiness, education, advocacy, or related fields.
Depending on background, participants may see different sets of questions:
- Women in agriculture will be asked about their work, leadership interests, challenges, and the kinds of engagement they find helpful.
- Others, including men in agriculture or individuals outside the industry, will be asked for their perspectives on women’s roles and leadership in agriculture.
Survey Length
The survey takes approximately 12 to 18 minutes to complete.
Optional Follow-Up - Focus Groups & Interviews
After completing the survey, participants may choose to sign up for a follow-up focus group or key informant interview. These sessions will allow for deeper exploration of themes and experiences.
Languages
The survey and focus groups will be available in English and Spanish.
Results
Results from the study will be shared at the International Year of the Woman Farmer ACE Summit to be held in Washington, D.C. in June 2026, and a public summary of results will be made available on this site.
This study is sponsored by the American Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee and is funded by CoBank and JBS.
Contact
For questions about the study, contact the principal investigator: Dr. Stephanie Basey – stephanie@thehiveresearch.com
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