DURHAM, N.C. (RFD-TV) — Hundreds of women from across the agriculture and food industries gathered in New Orleans for the 15th annual Women in Agribusiness Summit, an event focused on professional development, industry connections and opportunities for the next generation of agricultural leaders.
Michele Fite, a longtime participant who has served as a speaker, emcee and attendee since 2012, said the summit continues to bring together women from across the industry while helping them advance their careers.
Three Takeaways From the Summit
Fite said three things stood out at this year’s event: the diversity of attendees, opportunities for professional growth and the next generation of women entering agriculture.
“We had farmers, traders, scientists, financiers, entrepreneurs, students and rising leaders and seasoned executives, women from small businesses alongside women from some of the largest companies in the world,” Fite said. “It really represented the breadth of the industry.”
She said the summit also gives women opportunities to learn about changes in agriculture, develop leadership skills and build relationships with people they might not otherwise meet.
The third takeaway was the talent coming into the industry.
“There is extraordinary talent coming behind us, and I love seeing experienced women making the time to help those women succeed,” Fite said.
Building a Community for Women in Agriculture
Fite said she continues to participate because she believes in helping women recognize opportunities and advance professionally.
“I believe deeply in women lifting other women,” Fite said.
She shared the example of a woman who attended the summit as a student on a scholarship and has since become a director leading a team of agricultural technology scientists at a major agriculture and food ingredient company.
For Fite, that progression illustrates the long-term value of mentorship and industry connections.
“It’s so much more than a conference, a summit,” she said. “It’s a community that helps women throughout their careers.”
Recognizing Women Farmers
The summit also recognized women’s contributions to agricultural production through the Demeter Award of Excellence. This year, the award program added a Female Farmer of the Year category in recognition of the United Nations’ International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Terri Hawbaker of Grazeway Dairy Farms received the inaugural award in that category.
Fite said recognizing women farmers is important because seeing others succeed can help young women envision their own futures in agriculture.
“You can’t aspire to something you have never been,” Fite said.
She said women have contributed to agricultural production for generations, and highlighting their achievements helps make that work more visible.
Advancing Women Strengthens Agriculture
Fite said recognizing women’s accomplishments benefits the broader agriculture industry, which needs talented people, new ideas and strong leadership to address its challenges.
“This isn’t just about advancing women, it’s about advancing agriculture,” she said. “Our industry faces enormous challenges and opportunities. We need the very best talent, the best ideas and the best leadership we can find.”
“When women succeed, our entire industry becomes stronger,” Fite said.
