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
Students say the program builds confidence, teamwork and a sense of purpose.
Roger McEowen breaks down the EPA’s updated dicamba regulations and shares what farmers need to do to remain compliant under the new rules this growing season.
The fourth-generation owner of Georgia’s Arena Acres cultivated a love for floral arts in FFA on a family farm passed down through generations.
Jarrod Hardke with the University of Arkansas break down extreme drought conditions, shifting planting decisions, and the impact of rising input costs on Arkansas agriculture this season.
Louisiana farmers say high water levels routinely threaten crops, highlighting the need for critical infrastructure and sustainability efforts in the Bayou.
Effort aims to reduce wildfire risk in Western Colorado communities

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:

Janie spends a day-in-the-life with “Of the West” founder & influencer Jessie Jarvis, for a bit of work along the historic Oregon Trail.
RanchHERs Penny Kasun and Dani Jeanne Lawrence of 7-Up Ranch in Prescott, Arizona, joined us Monday on Market Day Report to discuss the next all-new episode of the show.
Janie ventures to the desert in Prescott, Arizona for cattle branding at the 7UP ranch with Penny Kasun & Dani Jeanne Lawrence.
Janie camps out on the historic YP Ranch with the operation’s matriarch, RanchHER Renee Jackson, her family, and a talented crew of cowboys as they wrap up part of branding season on their remote and expansive operation located on the state line of Nevada and Idaho.
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!
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.
SharkFarmer TV is the brainchild of Rob Sharkey, a 5th-generation farmer from Illinois. He shares the stories of incredible people in agriculture—both their successes and perhaps a few blunders along the way. You’ll see aerial footage of the field just as the drone crashes into a barn—and hear the story behind it all.