Women in Ag are Ready to Lead; This New Data from AFBF Survey to Guide the Way
By Michelle Pelletier Marshall, Women in Agribusiness Media (September 15, 2026)
More than 4,300 women representing over 25 different crops and commodities from across all 50 states (plus D.C and Puerto Rico!) weighed in for a recent study by the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Women’s Leadership Committee, funded by JBS and CoBank. And what they said spoke volumes about boots on the ground, balance sheets and operating with big confidence.
Conducted via online survey and focus groups, the study provides a comprehensive look at women in agriculture in the United States, and its results are intended to guide programming dedicated to women in agriculture for the next five years.
“Agriculture around the world has flourished with the full support of women — oftentimes behind the scenes — but increasingly in leadership roles,” AFBF Women’s Leadership Chair Isabella Chism said in a press release. “As we celebrate the International Year of the Woman Farmer along with the 250th anniversary of the United States, this is the perfect time to make sure everyone has a seat at the table and every voice is valued as we build the future of agriculture. This study allows us to take a closer look at the role women play in raising crops and tending livestock but also balancing off-farm jobs, caring for children, volunteering in their community, and so much more. This study provides a comprehensive look at the many hats worn by women in agriculture as well as opportunities to better support them.”
What’s the Scoop?
Overall, the results showcased the magnitude of what women in agriculture juggle and spotlighted five areas to better understand and support them going forward. They are:
1. Time & Caregiving
2. Skills Development
3. Financial Future
4. Overall Well-Being
5. Leadership Involvement
As far as a specific wish list from respondents:
· 56% want business and financial management training
· 52% are interested in farm succession or ownership transition planning
· 45% want mentorship opportunities
· 45% want policy and civic engagement training
· 44% want equipment or technical skills training
· 42% want community involvement or advocacy training
Based on this data, the American Farm Bureau Federation is moving forward identifying opportunities for future impact, which will be discussed by Jessica Cabrera, AFBF’s managing director of member engagement and Farm State of Mind, at the 15th annual Women in Agribusiness Summit next week in New Orleans.
Programs Farm Bureau already has in place include:
The Women's Communications Boot Camp has trained 350+ women in communications and advocacy, lining up neatly with that 45% and 42% interested in policy and community engagement.
AgConnectHER, the program focused on providing guidance and insights for women interested in growing as a leader, matches the 45% who raised their hands for mentorship.
Succession planning has been a workshop staple at 8 of the last 10 Farm Bureau Conventions and 9 of the last 10 Young Farmers & Ranchers/FUSION conferences — right on trend with that 52% interest.
The Bigger Picture
Six in 10 respondents run a family farm. More than two dozen crops and commodities are represented. These respondents genuinely represent a broad cross-section of American agriculture, and the throughline is clear: women aren't asking to be convinced they belong in leadership. They're asking for the training, mentorship, and support systems to make that leadership even stronger. And 90% of them feel confident in taking on these leadership roles.
Now, as Chism said, is "the perfect time to make sure everyone has a seat at the table in agriculture."
We are all in to work together to make that table bigger.
An executive summary of the report is available here.
