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
The cider farm run by FarmHER Deirdre Birmingham and her husband, John, is a Wisconsin treasure. We learned something intriguing during our visit: Bad Apples = Great Cider.
From a girl raised in a Russian orphanage with no dreams of the future, to a transplant flourishing a half a world away from her native home, Anya Irons exemplifies the FarmHER life!
FarmHER Kate Edwards’ Iowa vegetable farm grows tons of food for her community.
FarmHER Leza Carter, founder of Tucson Village Farm, serves 15,000 kids a year across 100 schools, and provides 55,000 hours of education at the farm to low-income people in Tucson.

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:

Check out some of the livestream highlights from Elimination Match 2 of the B&W Trailer Hitches Challenge Cup Presented by 5-hour ENERGY®, the first of four events in the second year of the Fishing Clash Team Series.
Bass Pro anglers Ron Nelson and Martin Villa of Team O’Reilly Auto Parts secured the win in Elimination Match 2 of the B&W Trailer Hitches Challenge Cup, thanks to a dominant final frame on the lower St. Clair River.
Check out some of the livestream highlights from Challenge Elimination Round 1 on St. Claire Lake in Port Huron, Michigan. This is the first of four Cups in the Fishing Clash Team Series, which you can catch LIVE only on RFD-TV.
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.
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!
FarmHER + RanchHER on RFD-TV is working to change how people perceive a farmer by sharing the stories of the women who live and lead in agriculture.
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.
The affable and unassuming international singing star Daniel O’Donnell is one of Ireland’s best known performers – from Australia to Alaska.