PEWAMO, MICH. (RFD NEWS) — Women in Agribusiness has named the 2026 Demeter Award of Excellence recipients, including Terri Hawbaker of Grazeway Dairy Farms, the first-ever recipient in the organization’s new Female Farmer category.
Hawbaker joined us on Thursday’s Market Day Report to discuss the honor, which Women in Agribusiness introduced in honor of the International Year of the Woman Farmer.
In her conversation with RFD News, Hawbaker says a local marketing manager from her Farm Credit organization nominated her, and she was honored to receive the recognition.
“I could think of many women who are very deserving of this award, and I’m just quite honored,” Hawbaker said.
Grazeway Dairy Farms
Hawbaker and her late husband started Grazeway Dairy Farms in 2002. The pasture-based, seasonal dairy has reached nearly 24 years in business.
The farm’s cows receive the majority of their feed by rotating through paddocks. Hawbaker says the cows are bred in June, July and August, allowing them to calve in April and May.
The farm also uses high-moisture baleage during the winter months.
After her husband’s death in 2016, Hawbaker chose to continue operating the dairy.
Challenges and Opportunities
Hawbaker says land availability, affordability and financing remain among the biggest challenges for farmers. She also points to the history of women’s access to land ownership and financing, saying some bias continues to affect female farmers.
Rising input costs are another challenge, as costs have outpaced the margins farmers receive for their products. Still, Hawbaker says there are opportunities for producers willing to think creatively and outside traditional approaches to farming.
“I think with some creativity and thinking outside of the traditional farm box that there is room to be profitable and successful,” she said.
Looking Ahead to Women in Agribusiness Summit
Hawbaker is preparing to attend her first Women in Agribusiness Summit in New Orleans. She says she is most looking forward to the networking opportunities and learning from other women in agriculture.
“There are so many high-caliber women here, and it’s just going to be a great opportunity to learn as much as I possibly can from them,” Hawbaker said.
For Hawbaker, the award recognizes not only her work as a dairy farmer, but also the growing role of women across the agriculture industry.
LEARN MORE: www.womeninag.com
