Reflections from the Room

Last week, I joined nearly 500 women from around the world in Washington D.C., for a celebration unlike any other. The American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) annual Women’s Leadership ACE Summit was especially meaningful as we recognized the International Year of the Woman Farmer, a designation that was carefully cultivated, championed, and ultimately proclaimed by the United Nations through efforts of women around the globe.

ACE Summit’s Opening Session, courtesy of the American Farm Bureau Federation.

The summit featured inspiring panel discussions, engaging breakout sessions, and hands-on learning labs. From emerging trends and hot topics in agriculture to shaping agricultural policy on a global scale, every room was filled with motivated women strengthening the foundation of their industries from the grassroots up. One of the panelists, Cathy Burns, CEO of the International Fresh Produce Association, captured the spirit of the event perfectly when she said, “Collaboration is the new currency.”

As I moved from one session to the next, I connected with women who raise sheep (like me), or had teenage sons (like me), or have faced moments of complete mental and emotional exhaustion (like me). No matter if they came from Maine or Montana, these nearly 500 women gathered in one room not in competition, but in empowerment. And as a woman, that’s worth its weight in gold.

The unveiling of the National Women in Agriculture survey results only solidified the stories and realities women have been sharing for generations. The survey identified several key challenges, including caregiving and time constraints, skills development, financial security, overall well-being, and leadership involvement. You can find the full survey results here: ACE WIA Report.

At the National Women in Agriculture Association, we see these challenges and want to raise the bar. Through our proposed Sustainable Science Academy, we aim to provide solutions for women in rural communities.

This newly collected data further illustrates that, for more than 250 years, women have played a pivotal role both on and off the farm. For the Summit’s keynote speaker, Sarah Frey, Founder and CEO of Frey Farms, that pivotal moment came when she was just a teenager.

Keynote speaker Sarah Frey (R) shares her story, courtesy of the American Farm Bureau Federation.

The youngest of several siblings on an 80-acre farm in Southern Illinois, Sarah learned early on that the world beyond her family’s farm was not all “butterflies and rainbows.”

“I was the master of my own little universe,” Sarah told the crowd. “It was that mentality that encouraged me to just go for it.”

At 17, Sarah purchased her family’s foreclosing farm from the bank and never looked back. Today, Frey Farms operates in seven states, bringing fresh, locally grown produce to communities throughout the region. Her journey is chronicled in her bestselling book, The Growing Season.

“There have been a lot of David and Goliath moments in my life,” Sarah said. “And sometimes I don’t always throw the stone, but it always seems to work out for the best.”

One message echoed throughout the summit. From Farm Bureau leaders to legislators on Capitol Hill: your story matters.

Women in agriculture carry extraordinary responsibilities and make them seem ordinary. From caregiving and childcare to managing farm operations and finances, and often working off the farm to ensure their families have health insurance and financial stability, women are constantly balancing multiple roles. No matter their title, they’re doing all of that and so much more.

In my opinion, the mental load women farmers carry should be an Olympic sport. A true display of strength that often surpasses even the most physically demanding feats.

As we continue celebrating the International Year of the Woman Farmer, I encourage each of you to share your story. Your community wants to know who you are, how and what you farm, and why your work matters. Most importantly, they want to know how they can support you.

Your story has power. Don’t be afraid to tell it.