Women in Ag Spotlight: Ag Women Connect Founder Vanessa Wood

Vanessa Wood shares more about Ag Women Connect, the importance of uplifting women in agriculture, and upcoming projects designed to highlight stories across rural America.

SELECTS_FARMHER_ 19_12_19_USA_ALL_VARIOUS_0171.jpg

FarmHER, Inc.

LUBBOCK, TEXAS (RFD NEWS) — As the role of women in agriculture continues to grow, new platforms are emerging to help connect, support, and amplify the voices of female farmers and ranchers.

In recognition of Women’s History Month, we were joined by Vanessa Wood, founder of Ag Women Connect, on Monday’s Market Day Report to discuss her mission of building a community for women across the agricultural industry.

In her conversation with RFD NEWS, Wood explained that Ag Women Connect was created to provide a space where women in agriculture can share their experiences, build networks, and support one another both personally and professionally. The platform highlights the contributions of women across farming, ranching, and agribusiness while encouraging meaningful conversations about the challenges and opportunities they face.

In addition to its online presence, Ag Women Connect also produces the “Ag Talk: Your Story Matters” podcast on Rural Radio, alongside its website and social media channels. Wood said balancing multiple platforms allows the organization to reach a broader audience while giving women several ways to tell their stories and engage with the agricultural community.

Wood also emphasized the importance of recognizing and elevating women’s contributions to agriculture, noting that visibility and mentorship play a critical role in inspiring the next generation of leaders in the industry.

Beyond Ag Women Connect, Wood is currently working on a short documentary focused on Bureau of Land Management mustangs and the role they play in preserving Western heritage. The project aims to explore the history and cultural significance of the horses and the landscapes they inhabit.

Related Stories
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer discusses SDRP payment limits and offers advice for those seeking higher limits.
Mike Schulte with the Oklahoma Wheat Commission joins us to discuss drought stress in the Great Plains and the current outlook for Oklahoma’s winter wheat crop.
Lawmakers advance FY27 agriculture funding bill, highlighting support for rural development, school lunches, disease response, and water issues.
Genevieve Collins from Americans for Prosperity discusses rising Texas property taxes, potential relief, and impacts on farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.
Autumn Lankford Higgins with the Farm Bureau joins us to discuss data center expansion on farmland, rural policy considerations, and the role of agriculture in emerging digital infrastructure.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Aimee Bissell discusses Iowa planting progress, weather conditions, fertilizer costs, and concerns over early crop development.
Farmers are closely watching upcoming U.S.-China trade talks as rising fertilizer and diesel costs continue to pressure exports, margins, and rural economies.
RealAg Radio’s Shaun Haney joins us to discuss geopolitical trade tensions, energy market volatility, and what global shifts could mean for U.S. agriculture exports.
National Pork Producers Council President Rob Brenneman joins us to discuss Prop 12 provisions in the House’s Farm Bill as it heads to the Senate for debate.
Ohio farmer Chris Gibbs joins us to discuss planting progress, weather conditions, and how geopolitical tensions are clouding his growing season outlook as input concerns continue to escalate.
U.S. Cattlemen’s Association President Justin Tupper joins us to discuss the DOJ packer investigation, industry competition, and the outlook for cattle producers.
Rural Lifestyle & Entertainment Shows
Twisted Skillet brings a straightforward, hands-on approach to kitchen television, rooted in food and fire. Hosted by Texas chef Sean Koehler, the series explores open-fire outdoor cooking techniques, regional ingredients, and the people who raise, prepare, and inspire the food found across America.
Enjoy traditional country music from modern-day troubadours The Malpass Brothers. Each episode stars the brother duo of Chris & Taylor Malpass along with a featured celebrity guest– and loads of clever humor.
Brought to you by Gus Arrendale & Springer Mountain Farms, join dynamic bluegrass duo Dailey & Vincent as they welcome scores of fabulous bluegrass, country, and gospel music acts as special guests. Loads of laughs, your favorite guests galore, and lots of good times are guaranteed. Don’t miss all the fun!
Join popular polka performer Mollie Busta as she hosts the weekly “Mollie B Polka Party” on RFD Network! The one-hour program features the nation’s top polka bands and a wide variety of ethnic styles, recorded on location at music festivals across the country.
Celebrating 16 Consecutive Seasons on RFD Network! “The Penny Gilley Show,” starring “The Sweetheart of Country Music” herself, Penny Gilley.