WIA Partners With USDEC to Celebrate the Int’l Year of the Woman Farmer

By Michelle Pelletier Marshall, Women in Agribusiness (January 13, 2026)

At Women in Agribusiness (WIA), it is always the year of the female farmer, but this year, we are privileged to be partnering with some of the largest ag organizations in support of 2026 being the International Year of the Woman Farmer as declared by the United Nations’ Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Last month, WIA announced its collaboration with IYWF 2026 to spotlight the essential roles women play across global agrifood systems, from production to processing and trade. By announcing IYWF 2026 initiatives and promoting and expanding the celebration of female farmers at the 2026 Women in Agribusiness Summit, we will work together to raise awareness and promote actions that empower, connect, and elevate women in agrifood systems.

Today, a new partnership has been formed with the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) to recognize women’s contributions to the agrifood industry. USDEC has begun a video podcast series called “Voices From The Barn”. Hosted by USDEC President and CEO, Krysta Harden, this podcast features conversations with women leaders in the dairy industry in the U.S. and around the globe.

“Women demonstrate their leadership prowess not only on the dairy farm, but through contributing to the economic prosperity of their families, providing nourishment for thousands of others through their dairy farm management and serving in leadership roles in dairy industry organizations,” said Harden. “We are extremely excited to highlight several accomplished women in the global dairy sector with these informative podcasts throughout the year.”

Thus far, the list of podcast guests includes:

• Marilyn Hershey, Dairy Management Inc. Board Chair

Hershey is a Pennsylvania dairy farmer, owner of Ar-Joy Farms, and serves as the chair of Dairy Management Inc. (DMI), the organization managing the national dairy checkoff program. She leads strategy for promoting U.S. dairy, focusing on areas like health, sustainability, and increasing demand, often alongside other industry leaders. Hershey is recognized for her leadership in guiding the dairy checkoff to support farmers and grow dairy's future. 

• Becky Nyman, USDEC Chair

With a master's degree in agribusiness from Texas A&M University, Nyman worked for eight years for a company providing consumer research for agribusiness and consumer packaged goods clients. Nyman left that position in 2011 to join her brother, Brad Nyman, as the business manager at her family’s 4th-generation, 1,200-cow dairy farm in Hilmar, California. Nyman Dairy Farms has expanded to include eight additional dairies and other ventures. 

• Gina Gutierrez, Dairy producer from Mexico, dairy farmer & director of community engagement for Global Farmer Network

As a fifth-generation dairy farmer, Gutierrez collaborates with other organizations to amplify the voice of farmers in promoting agriculture and milk and dairy foods and their role in the diet, and show the sector’s commitment to responsible and sustainable food production. 

• Abi Reader, Dairy producer from Wales 

  Abi Reader is a prominent third-generation Welsh dairy farmer from near Cardiff, known for managing her family's mixed farm (Goldsland Farm), showcasing her advocacy for agriculture through roles like NFU Cymru Deputy President, and being a vocal promoter of farming to the public. She's involved in initiatives like Open Farm Sunday and Cows on Tour, sharing her passion for sustainable farming practices, and has been recognized as the Royal Agricultural University's Inaugural Alumnus of the Year.

• Kylie Leonard, Dairy producer from New Zealand

With early exposure to dairy farming and an education rooted in agricultural studies, Leonard is most notable for her role as a Fonterra Co-operative councilor where she represents co-op shareholders’ interests, ensuring their voices are heard in the decision-making process at Fonterra. Her contributions have not only benefitted the cooperative but have also positively impacted the wider agricultural community. 

• Karen Jordan, DVM, veterinarian and dairy producer from North Carolina

Dr. Karen Jordan is a prominent North Carolina veterinarian and dairy farmer, co-operating Brush Creek Swiss Farms. She is known for her leadership in dairy industry animal health and welfare, serving as chair of the National Dairy FARM Program's Animal Health & Wellbeing Committee and on the NMPF Board, advocating for strong biosecurity and responsible practices. She runs Large Animal Veterinary Services in Siler City, NC, focusing on dairy herd health for her own registered Brown Swiss herd and others, representing producers nationally on critical issues.

• Lorilee Schultz, Dairy producer from Illinois

Lorilee Schultz is a dedicated dairy farmer from Orangeville, Illinois, where she operates Mil-R-Mor Farm, a 60-cow registered Holstein dairy. Taking over her grandparents' dairy farm, Schultz has successfully managed the farm for over 15 years, working to modernize operations and manage family transitions.

Learn more about “Voices From The Barn” in this video and press release, and visit usdec.org to watch for the release of the monthly podcasts.

And please, reach out to WIA Today with stories of woman farmers you know (could be you!) who should be celebrated and recognized. We’d be glad to feature them. Email Michelle Pelletier Marshall at mmarshall@womeninag.com.