Generations of Women in Agriculture Across America – GoAg3
Our goal is to highlight the importance and resilience of the generations of women that have played and continue to play essential roles in production agriculture and agri-businesses. We are seeking female family dynasties who have successfully shared their passion for agriculture through multiple generations. Living women of 3-generation families or more that may have multiple lateral sisters, sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces and aunts, granddaughters and great granddaughters that have found agriculture to be their destiny are eligible.
For decades, women have been on-farm partners producing the food, fiber, and energy resources needed by the nation and around the world. Today there are about 1.2 million female producers in the United States, with 9% of the farms run entirely by women. Women now make up 41% of the beginning producers. Female participation in Ag Programs at the Land Grant Universities has outpaced male participation since 2009. The Illinois Agri-Women members have met many of these young women over the past 15 years in March at their career discovery event “Women Changing the Face of Agriculture”.
The professional women that have participated in “Women Changing the Face of Agriculture” have become exceptional role models and mentors to these students. They represent the women who have been strongly encouraged by their own families to dream of non-traditional roles in the agricultural industry. The younger generation of women in the industry now serve in research, product development, financial services, management and clerical support and many other non-traditional roles. This project allows us to continue to encourage young women to seek non-traditional careers in agriculture and enhance the employee pool that is needed by the entire industry.
Applications will be taken this fall and winter through January 31, 2026. Awards will be presented at the Generations of Women in Agriculture Across America – GoAg3 Luncheon on Friday, August 21, 2026, at Destihl, Bloomington, IL during the Generations Educational/Professional Development Conference hosted by the Illinois Agri-Women.
Contact Penny Lauritzen or Karen Westbrook for more information or visit the website.