Growing Influence: The Impact of Women in Agriculture
The latest issue of River Valley Women shines a spotlight on several remarkable women working in agriculture, workforce development, education, and communications. While their individual stories are inspiring, they also represent something much bigger: the growing influence of women who are helping shape the future of agriculture in meaningful and diverse ways.
Today’s agricultural industry is powered by women serving as educators, communicators, marketers, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, researchers, and advocates. They are helping students discover career pathways, building partnerships that strengthen communities, telling agriculture’s story, advancing innovation, and ensuring future generations understand the vital role agriculture plays in our world.
“Agriculture is more than a career. It’s an opportunity to be part of something bigger than yourself,” Spence said.
“Few industries offer the same sense of purpose and pride that comes from helping feed the world. As agriculture continues to evolve, so do the opportunities for people to make a meaningful impact.”
What makes this influence so powerful is not simply the positions women hold, but the passion, professionalism, and expertise they bring to their work every day. Across the industry, women are leading initiatives, mentoring future professionals, creating opportunities for others, and bringing fresh perspectives to longstanding challenges. Their work demonstrates that agriculture is not limited to one career path, one background, or one type of expertise.
Farmers and people who work in ag are dedicated, resilient, kind,
and hard working. They are some of the best people I’ve ever
met and they inspire me to be curious and challenge myself,” said
Naomi Mortensen Dorn.
The sense of curiosity appears throughout the experiences of many women working in agriculture. For Kristin Harner, it was a commitment to lifelong learning and professional growth that helped shape her path.
“My years in 4-H and FFA gave me skills I still use today, but more than that, they gave me a habit of curiosity and continuous learning.”
Women across agriculture are leading by example, not only pursuing growth themselves but creating opportunities for others to do the same.
Leadership isn’t always standing at the front of the room. Sometimes it’s listening. Sometimes it’s mentoring. Sometimes it’s making a connection that opens a door for someone else. Sometimes it’s telling a story that helps people better understand one another.
The future of agriculture depends on its ability to adapt, innovate, and attract new generations of talent. Women across the industry are playing a vital role in each of those areas by serving as connectors, communicators, educators, and champions for agriculture’s future.
Their influence cannot always be measured in acres farmed, bushels harvested, or livestock raised. It is measured in relationships built, opportunities created, knowledge shared, and lives impacted.
Agriculture grows food, fiber, and fuel. But it also grows leaders.
And every day, women throughout the industry are helping cultivate the people, partnerships, and possibilities that will ensure agriculture continues to thrive for generations to come. ∼