Rooted in Leadership: Women are Shaping Agriculture’s Future

Cyndie Shearing

Director, Communications

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.