LUBBOCK, TEXAS (RFD-TV) — What began as a way for women in agriculture to connect has grown into a nationwide organization helping women support one another, develop leadership skills, and bring agricultural concerns to policymakers.
Venessa Wood, founder of Ag Women Connect, said the organization’s growth has been driven by its grassroots network and the relationships she has built with women across the industry. Wood is featured on this week’s episode of Dirt Diaries: The FarmHER + RanchHER Podcast with Kirbe Schnoor.
Building a Nationwide Network
Founded in 2021, Ag Women Connect provides a platform for women across agriculture to share experiences, build relationships, and support one another. Wood said the organization’s growth has exceeded her expectations.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my conversation with Kirby a couple of weeks ago, and I have to give all the glory to God,” Wood said. “The people that He has placed in my life throughout this journey and the women that I’ve connected with, Ag Women Connect and the foundation, would not be where it is today without our grassroots organization.”
Wood said helping women find opportunities and ensuring their concerns reach policymakers in Washington, D.C., have become important parts of the organization’s work.
She said her approach has been to listen, ask questions, and connect people who can help one another.
“I’ve never been the loudest person in the room,” Wood said. “I’ve just learned how to show up, ask questions, and be a great listener.”
She added that she does not consider herself the smartest person in every room, but believes in showing up and helping where she can.
Creating Space for Women to Lead
Wood said women sometimes hesitate to step into leadership roles because they do not feel they have all the answers. She encourages them to recognize the support available through their professional networks and communities.
“It takes guts to go out there and stand up for the agriculture industry, to stand up for what you believe in,” Wood said.
She acknowledged that agricultural advocates can face criticism, including negative attention on social media, but said Ag Women Connect aims to provide a community where women can continue moving forward.
“We understand it, and we’re here for it,” Wood said.
For Wood, the goal is to help women gain confidence, build connections, and make sure their voices are heard in conversations affecting agriculture.
Faith and Family Keep Wood Grounded
Wood credited her husband and her Christian faith with helping her navigate challenges throughout her journey.
She said difficult experiences shaped who she is today and strengthened her faith.
“I’m not the person I am today because everything has been sunshine and rainbows,” Wood said. “I am who I am today because of those deep valleys and the hard times.”
She said Ag Women Connect is a Christian-based organization that incorporates faith into its approach to supporting women.
Recognizing Women and Investing in Youth
The Ag Women Connect Foundation, established in 2023, supports the organization’s efforts to recognize women in agriculture and invest in future generations.
Wood said the foundation’s upcoming gala will feature national awards recognizing women across the industry, along with scholarships for young people pursuing opportunities in agriculture.
This year’s recognition includes awards spanning areas such as agritourism, education, and chapter leadership. Wood also highlighted the importance of recognizing female farmers, particularly during the International Year of the Woman Farmer.
“You can’t aspire to something you have never been,” Wood said.
She explained that seeing women operating farms, leading businesses, and developing new technology can help young women recognize what may be possible in their own careers.
Wood said the gala will take place November 6 in the Lubbock area, and tickets were still available at the time of the interview.
A Message for Women With a Story to Tell
Beyond Ag Women Connect, Wood hosts the Ag Talk: Your Story Matters podcast and shares agricultural stories through social media. She is also passionate about wild mustangs and related advocacy.
Wood encouraged women who are considering sharing their experiences or pursuing a new idea not to wait until they feel completely ready.
“Ladies out there listening, your story matters,” Wood said. “It doesn’t matter to me if you have two followers or two million followers. Your story matters.”
Women can learn more about Ag Women Connect through its social media channels or by visiting AgWomenConnect.com.
Wood’s episode of Dirt Diaries premieres today on all major podcast platforms, or listen to new episodes each weekend on Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 143 on Saturdays and Sundays at 5 AM ET and 4 PM ET.
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