July 08, 2026

Study reveals 90% of women farmers ready for leadership

Gaps in technical training remain

By Erica Quinlan
Isabella Chism, chair of the American Farm Bureau Federation Women’s Leadership Committee, discussed the comprehensive Women in Ag Study. The study, supported by agricultural lenders CoBank and JBS, gathered insights from more than 4,300 women across all 50 states and Puerto Rico. The respondents represented highly diverse operations, with 61% identifying theirs as a family farm, spanning more than 25 different crops and commodities.

Isabella Chism, chair of the American Farm Bureau Federation Women’s Leadership Committee, discussed the comprehensive Women in Ag Study. The study, supported by agricultural lenders CoBank and JBS, gathered insights from more than 4,300 women across all 50 states and Puerto Rico. The respondents represented highly diverse operations, with 61% identifying theirs as a family farm, spanning more than 25 different crops and commodities. (Provided photo/INFB)

GALVESTON, Ind. — Results of a new study about women in agriculture were unveiled by American Farm Bureau Federation’s Women’s Leadership Committee.

The findings were released at the International Year of the Woman Farmer ACE (Advocate, Cultivate, Empower) Summit in early June.

The study highlighted confidence and ambition among female producers:

• 90% of respondents report feeling confident speaking about agriculture at community meetings.

• Nearly 90% expressed an active interest in stepping into agricultural leadership roles now or in the future.

• A strong majority also reported high confidence in their ability to balance complex farm operations with family and off-farm responsibilities.

“Agriculture around the world has flourished with the full support of women, oftentimes behind the scenes, but increasingly in leadership roles,” said AFBF Women’s Leadership Chair Isabella Chism.

“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 in 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.”

Despite high confidence, the data exposed five critical areas where the agricultural sector needs to step up support: time and caregiving, skill development, leadership involvement, financial security and overall well-being.

The demand for targeted, practical training was clear:

• 56% of women want specialized training in business and financial management.

• 52% highlighted a critical need for education surrounding farm succession and ownership transition.

• 44% reported an interest in gaining equipment or technical skills training.

Farm Bureau leaders say the survey provides an essential roadmap to guide future workshops, peer networks and advocacy programs.

Reflecting on the record-breaking global attendance at this year’s summit, Chism noted that the momentum is just beginning.

“We were calling it a milestone, but I truly believe it was a launching pad,” she said.

Learn more at tinyurl.com/Women-in-Ag.

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Erica Quinlan

Erica Quinlan

Field Editor