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
Joe Peiffer with Ag & Business Legal Strategies advises farmers on end-of-year financial planning, including preparing records, avoiding common credit mistakes, and evaluating equipment purchases for 2026.
Eastern Region VP Joey Nowotny of Delaware joins us on FFA Today to talk about his new leadership role and an exciting year ahead for the National FFA Organization.
Water access—not acreage alone—is driving where irrigation expands or contracts.

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:

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing now to make markets less volatile for ranchers over the long term and more affordable for consumers, according to a press release.
Elizabeth Strom with the American Society of Farm Managers & Rural Appraisers (ASFMRA) joined us to share the latest on harvest progress and market activity in her area.
Lyndsey Smith with RealAg Radio discusses how global trade dynamics could shape the future of Canada’s pulse exports.
Brooks York with Agri-Sompo joined us to discuss this year’s harvest price calculations and what they could mean for producers nationwide.
Dr. Jeffrey Gold, President of the University of Nebraska, joined Rural Health Matters to discuss dental care access and improvement efforts across rural America.
“Farmers for Free Trade” warns that disaster is brewing as President Trump’s trade policy is causing farm input costs to rise even more.
Rural Lifestyle & Entertainment Shows
Opry Live is the premier weekly broadcast and livestream of the Grand Ole Opry, featuring country music superstars, legends, and rising talent performing on stage in Nashville.
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.
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!
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.
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.