Women’s Leadership in Agriculture Takes Center Stage During the International Year of the Woman Farmer

This year is the International Year of the Woman Farmer, and Farm Bureau has been working for months to champion and celebrate the occasion. Women are critical to the success of agriculture—working the land, running operations, speaking up for our farms and ranches, and strengthening rural communities. This year gives us a chance to showcase that work and, just as important, to empower women’s leadership in agriculture.

At Farm Bureau, we see this year as an opportunity to listen, learn and help open doors. Agriculture is stronger when all voices are at the table, and women play a leading role in keeping our farms, families and communities moving forward.

The International Year of the Woman Farmer and Women’s Leadership in Agriculture

During the International Year of the Woman Farmer, Farm Bureau will highlight how women shape agriculture by investing in leadership development and connecting with grassroots, elected leaders, and the public.

That means creating spaces where women can sharpen skills, share their perspective and connect with others who understand the challenges and rewards of life in agriculture. Leadership doesn’t always look the same for everyone, but it always starts with having the tools and support to speak up.

Women’s Leadership in Ag on Display at the ACE Summit

One of the highlights of this year will be the International Year of the Woman Farmer ACE (Advocate, Cultivate, Empower) Summit, June 1-3, in Washington, D.C. The Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee has joined forces with a broad coalition of agriculture stakeholders to expand this event in celebration of the International Year of the Woman Farmer. The 2026 ACE Summit will bring together women farmers, ranchers and agribusiness professionals from across the country.

This event is about leadership and engagement—growing as advocates for agriculture, finding inspiration for next steps as leaders and building relationships that last well beyond the summit. If you’re looking for a place to grow your voice and connect with others who share your passion for agriculture, the ACE Summit is the place to be.

Listening to Women in Ag Through the Survey

Leadership starts with listening. That’s why the National Women in Ag Survey, open through the end of March, is such an important part of the International Year of the Woman Farmer.

This survey gives women in agriculture a chance to share their experiences—what’s working, what’s challenging and where more support is needed. Those insights will help guide Farm Bureau’s work and ensure we’re focused on what really matters.

Women’s Communications Bootcamp Makes a Real Difference

Another opportunity this year is our Women’s Communications Bootcamp. This program focuses on advocacy, public speaking, media engagement and telling agriculture’s story clearly and confidently.

I’ve seen the impact of this program firsthand. My wife, Jennifer, went through bootcamp and she loved it. She’ll tell you it’s not just about learning new skills—it’s about finding your voice and knowing it matters.

With hundreds of graduates from across the country, Women’s Communications Bootcamp continues to strengthen women’s leadership in agriculture. Applications for the spring 2026 session are due soon, on Feb. 6.

Women’s Leadership in Ag, All Year Long

The International Year of the Woman Farmer is a reminder of the important role women play in producing the food, fiber, and renewable fuel America’s families depend on. But it’s also a reminder that leadership takes investment and support.

By listening, creating opportunities and encouraging women to step forward, Farm Bureau is committed to empowering women’s leadership in agriculture throughout this year and beyond.