NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD NEWS) — Women continue to play an increasingly prominent role in American agriculture, with women now farming or co-farming 43 percent of U.S. farmland.
Four women from across the country are being recognized as finalists for the inaugural Women in the Field – Producer of the Year award, with the winner set to be announced next month at the Farm Progress Show in Boone, Iowa.
Peyton Fair, a Farm Progress Show events specialist and program organizer, joined us on Tuesday’s Market Day Report to share more about how the Women in the Field initiative began and has continued to grow.
In her interview with RFD News, Fair said the program is expanding this year with PepsiCo returning as a sponsor and the addition of the new Producer of the Year award. The award is particularly timely as the United Nations has designated 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Fair said the four finalists represent a wide range of agricultural operations in California, Indiana, Iowa and Mississippi. Their farms range from about 130 acres to more than 5,000 acres and include a variety of crops and livestock.
The finalists were selected for their commitment to agriculture, sustainability, and forward-thinking approaches to operations and business practices, as well as their ability to serve as role models for other women in the industry.
Creating Space for Women in Agriculture
Fair said the program is also designed to provide women in agriculture with opportunities to connect, network, and be recognized for their contributions.
While women have long played important roles on farms and ranches, Fair noted that USDA’s Census of Agriculture has only recently quantified their contributions.
The Women in the Field program aims to create a space where women can build relationships with one another and with supporters of women in agriculture.
“It’s a networking opportunity,” Fair said, explaining that the program will include a dedicated networking period following the panel discussions.
What to Expect at Farm Progress Show
The Women in the Field program will take place at the Farm Progress Show’s Hospitality Tent, Lot 625.
The event will begin with the award presentation, followed by a panel discussion featuring all four Producer of the Year finalists. FarmHER + RanchHER host Kirbe Schnoor will moderate the panel.
PepsiCo will then bring two of its designated growers and a representative from Practical Farmers of Iowa for another discussion, also moderated by Schnoor.
The program will conclude with a 30-minute networking opportunity and refreshments sponsored by PepsiCo.
Fair also highlighted several other new and returning features at this year’s Farm Progress Show, including the Agronomy Zone and the return of the Drone Zone, which will feature drone demonstrations in Boone for the first time.
She encouraged attendees to download the Farm Progress Show app, available through the Apple and Android app stores, to view event schedules, demonstrations, exhibitor activities and show specials.
LEARN MORE: www.farmprogress.com/women-in-the-field
