Women Farm Bureau leaders recently provided insights on challenges facing women in agriculture, their vision for the future and advice for those entering the field. Their responses to questions are shared below in a roundtable-style format.

Participant Snapshot

• Angela Bailey, President, Oregon Farm Bureau
• Joyce Brady, President, New Hampshire Farm Bureau
• Isabella Chism, Chair, America Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee, Indiana
• Cyndi Johnson, President, Montana Farm Bureau
• Val Wagner, President, North Dakota Farm Bureau
• Mary White, President, Vermont Farm Bureau
• Katie Wiese, Secretary, American Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee, Minnesota

Reflecting on your life, can you point to a woman (or group of women) you know personally who influenced your farming or ranching journey?

Angela Bailey – For me, our family’s farm legacy, especially my mom’s, was a significant influence. Today, Oregon is one of the leading states in the nation for female farmer representation, outpacing the national average. 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.

Before starting her tree nursery in 1967, she worked at a neighboring nursery. Unlike many of her generation, she was the primary farmer in our family while my dad worked as a schoolteacher. Throughout her career, she worked hard and navigated challenges that are difficult for me to imagine today. Even 20 years after her passing, I still see her strength and resilience across our farm. Honoring her life and ensuring people remember her contributions is important to me. Her example has shaped how I invest in an industry I love.

Isabella Chism – Since I had no farm background when I married my husband and began living on the farm, I quickly realized I didn’t know what my role could be. I was asked to join an Extension Homemakers group and learned so much from those women of different ages and backgrounds. They were kind and helpful, answering my questions and helping me see my potential role on the farm as having many possibilities.

Cyndi Johnson – The women farmers and ranchers of Montana Farm Bureau have had an immense impact on my agricultural journey. They are knowledgeable, hardworking and generous in sharing experiences and supporting the industry. It is an honor to be one of them.

Val Wagner – My grandmother had a tremendous influence through both her strength and example on the farm. She never allowed expectations to define her role or limit what she could accomplish. She faced hardship with resilience, determination and quiet confidence, believing the work needed to be done, and doing it, without seeing gender as a barrier.

Mary White – My husband’s grandmother Jane White worked side-by-side with her husband. She raised four children, was active in her community, a 4-H leader and served on the town planning commission and historical society. In 1983, they received the New England Green Pastures Award as Vermont Dairy Farm of the Year. She remained active into her 80s and was happiest surrounded by family on the farm.

Katie Wiese – One woman who influenced my ranching journey is my mother-in-law. She taught me that I am capable of doing anything. Coming into the family ranch, I quickly saw all she did to keep things moving. She inspired me to keep up with bookwork, meals and helping outside when needed. I hope to be that example for my children.

What advice would you give to a young woman today who is interested in a career in production agriculture as she navigates challenges and opportunities in the field?

Angela Bailey – Find your community, even if you have to build it. Farming and ranching are hard and complex, and it’s easy to become isolated. There is always something to do, and it’s easy to fall into simply powering through. Finding people who mentor, encourage and challenge you is important. People who value what you bring, offer candid perspectives and see things in you that you don’t yet see are invaluable. This isn’t always easy, but it is necessary.

If you are not already, become actively engaged in your county Farm Bureau. There you’ll find people who understand your challenges and an organization working to keep agriculture viable for future generations.

Personal advice: Don’t let anyone else define who you are. Though Oregon is ahead when it comes to women farmers, assumptions about roles still exist. Don’t accept definitions that don’t reflect who you truly are. Authenticity is a powerful legacy.

Leadership advice: Don’t think of yourself as a “woman leader,” but a “leader who happens to be a woman.” Focus on becoming the best leader you can be, and the rest will follow.

Joyce Brady – What matters most is your commitment to the work you do. Before my dad passed away, he told me that when I was 5 years old, I asked him, “Why do we always have to work?” He sat me down and explained it to me. He continued by saying, “Ever since that day you have never stopped working.” At that moment my father instilled in me a work ethic that continues to this day on the diversified livestock farm that my family and I operate.

Isabella Chism – Say yes to opportunities that might scare you. Don’t wait until you feel ready to lead. Agriculture is full of challenges, and your greatest tool is communication. Build a network and take advantage of leadership opportunities like Farm Bureau’s Women’s Communication Boot Camp and the ACE Summit. Your perspective is not a bonus, it is essential to agriculture’s future.

Cyndi Johnson – Do your homework. Learn as much as you can through FFA or 4-H, take a farm or ranch job and ask questions. Real-life experience helps you sort out fact from fiction. Agriculture isn’t always easy, but it is rewarding.

Val Wagner – Don’t let someone else define what success looks like for you. Agriculture needs strong, capable leaders willing to work hard and stay resilient. You don’t need to fit expectations to make an impact, you need determination and confidence in your contributions.

Mary White – This is an exciting time for young women to get involved. A new generation is emerging as farm owners and leaders. We must honor our heritage while using technology to build a sustainable future.

Katie Wiese – Just do it. There will be times when others make you feel inadequate. Ignore them and keep your dreams alive. You will fail at times, and that’s okay. Growth comes from those challenges.

What gives you the most hope about the future of women in agriculture?

Angela Bailey – What gives me hope is that each generation has carried the next further than they realized. From women who quietly sustained farms through hardship to those who showed up season after season, their steady work allowed the next generation to stand taller.

Hope is not a distant promise … it is already taking root. Women are leading farms and organizations, driving innovation and shaping agriculture’s future. Progress often grows quietly, season by season. When I look at how far women have come, it’s hard not to feel a deep sense of possibility. This is a legacy still being written.

Isabella Chism – I see hope in the intentionality of the next generation. I see young women in FFA and 4-H who see fields that need planting and problems that need solving. With 2026 being the International Year of the Woman Farmer, we are able to see what some might term “the invisible backbone” of global agriculture. Seeing women step into leadership roles as experts convinces me that the future of food security is in very capable hands.

Val Wagner – I’m encouraged by more women stepping forward with confidence, skill and leadership. They are shaping the future with strong work ethic and innovative ideas. Support networks are helping them build their own paths and make lasting impacts in their communities.

Katie Wiese – Women are increasingly part of agriculture and creating space for themselves. I am hopeful the industry will continue to recognize their capabilities and support their growth.

Any additional insights?

Angela Bailey – I stand on the shoulders of the women who came before me, along with mentors who recognized my potential and encouraged me. Their support shaped my path and now guides how I work to empower the next generation of leaders.

Joyce Brady – As a farmer and Farm Bureau member, my focus is working to contribute to further our organization. By working together, members can accomplish together what would be impossible to do alone.

Isabella Chism – Farming is a business and a lifestyle that requires resilience. To every woman working in agriculture: your work matters. When we empower women, we strengthen entire communities.

Cyndi Johnson – One of the most rewarding aspects of agriculture is sharing what we do and helping others understand its value.

Mary White – The dedication of past generations motivates me to help ensure agriculture continues for the next generation.

Katie Wiese – Women have always contributed to agriculture, even if their roles differ. Whether visible or behind the scenes, every role matters. Never underestimate your value.

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By Katie Wiese

When Miles and Sarah Kuschel first got involved with the Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) program, they thought they were simply volunteering their time to support agriculture. What they didn’t realize was that the decision would open doors to new friendships, leadership opportunities and a lifelong network that would shape their future in agriculture.

Minnesota leaders like Kevin Paap and Dan and Seena Glessing were instrumental in encouraging Miles and Sarah to get involved. Their family also stepped up, taking on extra responsibilities at home so the couple could travel and serve. American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) YF&R committee members reinforced that encouragement at the AFBF Convention and YF&R Leadership Conference, helping the Kuschels see that serving at the national level was the next step in their Farm Bureau journey.

As third-generation ranchers in central Minnesota, the Kuschels already had plenty on their plates, raising cattle and their three children, Mackenzie, Kelcie and Rohan. But when the opportunity came to serve on the AFBF YF&R Committee in 2014, they said yes.

Their experience on the committee proved to be incredibly impactful in their leadership journey. Through the role, Sarah developed the confidence to navigate difficult conversations with policymakers and the media. She also learned that even small actions can make a meaningful difference. Miles found opportunities to improve processes as well. While serving on the Discussion Meet subcommittee, he helped implement electronic scoring for the competition.

While those leadership skills were valuable, the Kuschels say the greatest impact of their YF&R experience was the people they met.

“Networking through Farm Bureau connections and conferences is like none other,” they say. Meeting others who truly understand agriculture created a strong sense of community and support that continues today.

Through conferences, meetings and national events, Sarah and Miles connected with young farmers and ranchers from across the country. While their operations looked different, many of the challenges and opportunities they faced were the same. Those conversations quickly turned into friendships and trusted connections that have lasted far beyond their time on the committee.

Their involvement didn’t end when their committee service concluded. Today, both Sarah and Miles remain active in Farm Bureau leadership. Miles serves on the Minnesota Farm Bureau board of directors, while Sarah serves on the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture board of directors. They are also active in their county Farm Bureau and volunteer on the AFBF Grassroots Outreach (GO) Team, helping share agriculture’s story with consumers and policymakers.

For the Kuschels, their Farm Bureau journey has become about more than leadership; it’s about the future. As parents to Mackenzie, Kelcie and Rohan, they see firsthand how important it is to build strong agricultural communities and connections that support the next generation.

Their advice for others considering getting involved is simple: don’t hesitate to step up.

You may not realize the impact it will have at first, but the relationships you build, the lessons you learn and the opportunities you create can shape not only your own future, but the future of agriculture as well.

Katie Wiese serves on AFBF's YF&R Committee, along with her husband, Dustin. Together they raise beef cattle in Minnesota. Katie also works off the farm for a North Dakota-based oil and gas company.

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To help reduce food insecurity among the county’s senior citizens, as well strengthen their understanding of where food comes and the role of agriculture in the state, Meade County (Kansas) Farm Bureau launched the Silver Plate Project in 2025. Under the initiative, Meade County Farm Bureau distributed packaged, easy-to-prepare meals and monetary donations to three senior centers in the county.

Meade County Farm Bureau Farm Bureau’s shelf-stable chicken and dumplings meal kit included two cans of chunk chicken breast, evaporated milk, a can of cream of chicken, chicken bouillon for flavoring, a can of mixed vegetables, a can of diced potatoes and a box of Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix.

Also included in the bags was a flyer with the recipe on one side and on the other, information about the Silver Plate Project, Kansas Farm Bureau’s End Hunger program and a list of the county’s senior centers and food banks.

Along with addressing a critical need, Meade County Farm Bureau also wanted to give back to the older generation, who have supported Farm Bureau and local agriculture for decades, and strengthen relationships with local senior centers.

More than 20 volunteers were involved in the project, which benefited more than 60 seniors.

County Activities of Excellence

The Silver Plate Project earned Meade County Farm Bureau a County Activities of Excellence Award. They were among 25 counties invited to display their activity at the 2026 American Farm Bureau Convention trade show in January in Anaheim, California.

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Columbiana County (Ohio) Farm Bureau’s Show and Tell at the Fair gave students an opportunity to show their school administrators, teachers, band directors and coaches the time, energy and commitment 4-H and FFA projects require. The initiative was geared toward educators who had not been exposed to such projects.

As part of the effort, Columbiana Farm Bureau also provided the teachers and coaches with a packet of cards highlighting 72 agriculture-related jobs, the requirements for each one, potential earnings and where employment opportunities could be found. Alongside the cards were 4-H and Farm Bureau information, Ag Mags, Farm Bureau Magazine, a Farm Bureau membership application and a Farm Bureau water bottle and logoed stress toy, all meant to be shared with students and fellow teachers to drum up interest in agriculture careers and raise awareness about 4-H, FFA and Farm Bureau.

Working with long-time collaborators like the local 4-H Extension office, the county fair board, the dairy boosters and FFA teachers, Columbiana County strategically promoted the event, inviting all the county schools and scheduling it so it complemented the rest of the fair events.

Among the partners’ contributions were free tickets for invited educators from the fair board, free milkshakes from the dairy boosters and handouts from 4-H. The groups mapped out how the special visitors should be guided throughout the fair to minimize crowding and ensure they saw all the areas. FFA teachers provided student tour guides and 4-H made sure there were kids in every barn to show the projects and answer questions.

During the 90-minute tour, which more than 45 educators registered for, the educator participants could review project books that demonstrated the knowledge needed for an exhibitor to show an animal or still project at the fair. There was also discussion about Ag in the Classroom and what Farm Bureau could bring to their classrooms and schools.

County Activities of Excellence

Show and Tell at the Fair earned Columbiana County Farm Bureau a County Activities of Excellence Award. They were among 25 counties invited to display their activity at the 2026 American Farm Bureau Convention trade show in January in Anaheim, California.

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To showcase the many opportunities in agriculture in the county, Auglaize County (Ohio) Farm Bureau hosted a career fair for high school and upper junior high school students.

With a hands-on, demonstration approach, Mission: Discovery allowed students from the six school districts in the county, as well as those who are homeschooled, to explore in-demand careers in several agricultural interest areas – plant science, animal sciences, natural resources, ag sustainability, ag business, ag technology, food science and ag mechanics – and learn what steps they would need to take to pursue those careers after high school.

To expose the students to these various aspects of agriculture, Auglaize County Farm Bureau invited 18 local businesses to the event.

Included in the hands-on demonstrations were a John Deere tractor and planter, provided by a local dealer. 

Another aspect of the event that set it apart from other career fairs was the connection to mentors the students could make. 

Between the county Farm Bureau volunteers and the ag business representatives, more than 60 individuals were involved in the agricultural side of the career fair.

Auglaize County Farm Bureau also worked with county’s Workforce Development coordinator on the overall event.

Along with agriculture, there were six other career areas the more than 1,000 students in attendance could explore: business, construction, manufacturing, medical, military and public safety.

The event passport all the students were given encouraged them to talk to as many of the businesses as possible. At the end of the event, organizers drew a completed passport for a prize.

County Activities of Excellence

Auglaize County Farm Bureau’s Mission: Discovery event earned the organization a County Activities of Excellence Award. They were among 25 counties invited to display their activity at the 2026 American Farm Bureau Convention trade show in January in Anaheim, California.

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DuPage County (Illinois) Farm Bureau’s Grow Your Own Food initiative engaged 4,800 students and 187 teachers across the county – and by extension, their families and communities – in a tomato growing project that illustrated how the food on our tables starts on the farm. The initiative also showed the students they could grow their own food anywhere, even in a 6-inch pot on a patio.

In spring 2024, DuPage County Farm Bureau provided each fourth-grade classroom in the county with a video produced in conjunction with the College of DuPage that taught them about farming, plant care, seed production and transplanting. Afterward, each student transplanted a cherry tomato plant and took it home for the summer.

Students were invited to the DuPage County Fair that July to enter their tomato plant in a special judging – and to have some traditional fair fun. All the students who took home a tomato plant received a free ticket to the fair and a ride bracelet, courtesy of the County Fair Association.

The Grow Your Own Food program was supported by nine businesses and organizations in the county and 79 individuals who donated money and/or time to provide the program to every fourth-grade student and school in the county for free. In addition, the College of DuPage not only helped with the informational video that launched the project in classrooms, but the staff and students there also grew the tomato plants for transplanting in their greenhouse.

Though the students didn’t receive their plants until the spring, planning, supply gathering and educational material compiling started nearly a year before that. In September, the 4,800 students and 187 teachers were registered and county Farm Bureau volunteers began assembling the teacher supply bags, which included transplanting supplies, student worksheets, instructions and ag mags. In April, the teachers received their training resources via email.

The first full week of May, volunteers gathered daily at the fairgrounds to pick up materials – tomato plants, soil and supplies – to deliver to the schools.

A total of 46 volunteers were involved across the whole process.

Teachers showed the students the 15-minute video and led them in the transplanting activity. Students took their tomato plants home for the summer, along with a growth chart, care instructions, a recipe, an ag mag and the County Fair ticket.

On July 26, 37 students brought their plants to be judged at the County Fair. All the participants received a ribbon and four winning students split cash prizes totaling $600. DuPage County Farm Bureau awarded the teacher with the most student participants a $250 Amazon shopping spree for their classroom, which had been donated.

Beyond the benefits for DuPage County Farm Bureau, which included media coverage, membership growth, an increase in their social media following, and a large uptick in the number of new schools reached through their Ag in the Classroom program, name recognition for partners like the College of DuPage and the DuPage County Fair increased, as did fair attendance.

County Activities of Excellence

DuPage County Farm Bureau’s Grow Your Own Food initiative earned the organization a County Activities of Excellence Award. They were among 25 counties invited to display their activity at the 2026 American Farm Bureau Convention trade show in January in Anaheim, California.

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In honor of the International Year of the Woman Farmer, Women in Agribusiness, in partnership with the American Farm Bureau Federation, is expanding their annual Demeter Award to include a female farmer category. Nominations are now being accepted through June 22.

This fourth category joins the three awards Women in Agribusiness has bestowed upon exceptional women in agribusiness each year since 2013. The award highlights women who have achieved excellence in their field or demonstrated an outstanding contribution to the agribusiness industry.

“American Farm Bureau Federation’s Women’s Leadership Committee is excited to collaborate with Women in Agribusiness on this year’s female farmer category of the Demeter Award of Excellence,” said Isabella Chism, chair of the AFB Women’s Leadership Committee. “As we recognize the International Year of the Woman Farmer, this award provides an important opportunity to celebrate the leadership, innovation and contributions of female farmers whose work strengthens the success and sustainability of American agriculture.” 

Criteria for nomination, including self-nomination, includes:

• Woman with a minimum of 10 years of experience in the ag and/or food industry
• Woman who is a positive example to other women in the industry
• Woman who breaks down barriers and serves as a resource for others
• Woman who consistently exemplifies professionalism

“It was more than fitting that we extend our popular WIA Demeter Award of Excellence to highlight a female farmer this year in light of the United Nations’ declaration of it being the International Year of the Woman Farmer,” said Svitlana Synkovska, portfolio director for WIA. “We encourage all women to apply for this prestigious award that continues to flourish and serve as a hallmark of elevating women’s achievements and strengthening their leadership influence across the ag and food sectors.”

The award, named after Demeter, the goddess of the harvest from ancient Greek mythology, is presented to each recipient at the annual Women in Agribusiness Summit, which this year will be in New Orleans, Sept. 22-24. Recipients will be notified prior to the event and receive a complimentary registration to attend and accept their award on stage.

AFBF is promoting the award opportunity among Farm Bureau’s strong network of female farmers across the United States and providing support and recognition through the full award lifecycle, including covering travel and lodging for the winner to accept her award at the Women in Agribusiness Summit.

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To remind farmers that their lives are more valuable than any crop, and that Farm Bureau will always stand beside them – not just as advocates, but as neighbors and friends – Ashtabula County (Ohio) Farm Bureau launched a harvest-time outreach initiative.

Ashtabula County Farm Bureau was intentionally inclusive in its planning for “Feed a Farmer: Harvest of Hope,” bringing in businesses and youth, along with Farm Bureau leaders, to ensure it was a community effort. Partners included ag loan institutions, two grocery stores, area cooperatives and FFA.

Eight volunteers, alongside county staff, set out to deliver 185 snack bags directly to farmers. They also distributed bags at four cooperative grain sites, ultimately reaching farmers from three counties and even a neighboring state.

The snack bags, packed by FFA members, included protein-packed snacks and water; a flyer thanking farmers and encouraging self-care with a QR code for farm stress resources; mental health resource cards with crisis hotline numbers, signs of stress to watch for and a link to peer support networks; and farm-themed stress toys for lighthearted relief. For the FFA members, volunteering was about more than just packing the snack bags, it was about gaining an understanding of the stressors farmers face and the mental health challenges that come with the way of life.

By meeting farmers where they were at – in their fields at harvest time, Ashtabula County Farm Bureau made it easy for farmers to open up, with some just happy for a quick break from the isolation of harvest and many others clearly wanting to talk, a strong sign that human connection mattered as much as the snacks.

County Activities of Excellence
Ashtabula County Farm Bureau’s “Feed a Farmer: Harvest of Hope” earned the organization a County Activities of Excellence Award from the American Farm Bureau Federation. They were among 25 counties invited to display their activity at the 2026 AFBF Convention trade show in January in Anaheim, California.

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Editor's note: This article was written by Katie Wiese, a member of AFBF's YF&R Committee.

Chris Chinn of Missouri exemplifies what it means to turn involvement into impact. Currently serving as Missouri’s Director of Agriculture, Chris is a proud alumna of the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee, serving on the committee from 2006–2008, including a term as the second female chair.

Chris and her husband, Kevin, farm in Northeast Missouri, where their diversified farming operation includes farrow-to-finish hogs, a feed mill, hay, cattle and row crops, including corn and soybeans.

Chris and Kevin were content focusing on farming – until they found themselves in a difficult situation. Up against a proposed county health ordinance that would require a permit to raise livestock, Chris and Kevin realized how important it was to get involved in Farm Bureau and advocate on policies that affect their farm. Chris has been a part of many aspects of Farm Bureau beyond the AFBF YF&R Committee, including her state YF&R Committee, the Partners in Advocacy Leadership (PAL) Program and the Missouri Farm Bureau Board of Directors. 

While serving on the AFBF YF&R Committee, Chris remembers the leaders around her telling her to never give up. They reminded her that if you have something you want to accomplish, do not stop until you get it, and look for opportunities to take steps in accomplishing your goals.

When taking on the role of AFBF YF&R chair she knew it would be an adjustment for her family. With passion, time management, courage and thinking outside of the box, she was able to accomplish her goals as chair.

As a leader and advocate, Chris stresses the importance of confidence, especially for women in agriculture. Gender should never determine opportunity, and negative assumptions can be transformed into positive motivation.

Today, Chris is living the next step of her leadership journey as Missouri’s Director of Agriculture. She was appointed by the governor to lead Missouri’s Department of Agriculture in 2017. Chris’ passion for agriculture and advocacy remains strong, and she continues to make a difference through her leadership. She encourages those serving on YF&R committees to make the most of their time and learn from fellow members, leaders and experiences along the way.

Katie Wiese serves on AFBF's YF&R Committee, along with her husband, Dustin. Together they raise beef cattle in Minnesota. Katie also works off the farm for an oil and gas company out of North Dakota.

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Editor’s Note: This article was written by Emmy Powell, Texas Farm Bureau communications specialist, and was originally published on the Texas Farm Bureau website.

Hale County Farm Bureau and Swisher County Farm Bureau (Texas) teamed up to host a series of leadership and networking events designed to connect young farmers and ranchers with other members across the counties, as well as promote Farm Bureau programs and strengthen involvement among the next generation of agricultural leaders.

Nearly 60 young farmers and ranchers attended the leadership development meetings that featured speakers and opportunities for peer-to-peer learning.

“Our goal was to help develop leadership among these young producers and also make them aware of the Farm Bureau resources out there,” Barry Evans, Swisher County Farm Bureau president, said. “We hosted lunch and dinner options to help reach more people. Many young farmers and ranchers aren’t aware of the assets that are available to them.”

The events focused on leadership, advocacy and the value of local Farm Bureau involvement.

“The counties chose to work together as a team to drive more interest in Young Farmer & Rancher events,” Justin Stoerner, Hale County board member, said. “When people see others getting involved, it becomes contagious. Sharing a meal gave everyone a chance to network and learn about the opportunities Farm Bureau offers.”

The collaboration expanded outreach in a sparsely populated region, drawing participation from neighboring Castro and Floyd counties.

“We’re in a very rural part of the state, and the populations of the communities as a whole are declining,” Stoerner said. “It’s becoming more and more vital to work together and to encourage involvement from these young farmers and ranchers.”

Evans agreed, noting that community connections are critical in agriculture.

“Farming is hard. Ranching is hard. But it helps to know there are others facing the same challenges,” Evans said. “It builds a stronger community and makes stronger individuals knowing others in their shoes.”

County Activities of Excellence
Hale County Farm Bureau and Swisher County Farm Bureau’s young farmer and rancher engagement efforts earned the organizations a County Activities of Excellence Award from the American Farm Bureau Federation. They were among 25 counties invited to display their activity at the 2026 AFBF Convention trade show in January in Anaheim, California.

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