On August 21, 2026, Illinois Agri-Women hosted the inaugural Generations of Women in Agriculture Across America (GoAg3) Celebration at the Heartland Community College Agriculture Complex in Normal, Illinois. The full-day event brought together women from across agriculture to celebrate multi-generational farm families, share practical knowledge, and connect around the themes of legacy, leadership, and the future of the industry.
The day opened with educational and professional development opportunities, including concurrent breakout sessions. Attendees had the opportunity to choose two sessions from a range of topics designed to support both on-farm and broader industry involvement.
The Illinois Chapter of the Society of Professional Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers, including IAW member Dakota Schaumburg, shared information from their 2026 Land Values Survey along with findings from the Chapter’s recently released Industry Survey. Presenters fielded many questions from the audience about the role of professional farm management and the importance of farmland appraisals conducted by true farmland experts. Pictured with the group were Juo-Han “Becky” Tsay, Ph.D., assistant director of the TIAA Center for Farmland Research at the University of Illinois; Dakota Schaumburg, AFM, Hertz Farm Management; ISPFMRA President Laura Enger of Farm Credit IL; and Nicole Shaefer of Compeer Financial.
Another popular offering, Succession Planning, was arranged by IAW member Krista Robertson and presented by the Farm Business Farm Management team. Team members including Jessie Shoopman, Emily Matthews, and Kayleigh Fessler shared practical tips for communication between generations and strategies families can use to protect the farm’s future.
Additional sessions rounded out the morning program. Carrie Vogel of Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom discussed resources and approaches for strengthening agricultural literacy in K–12 education. A Compeer Financial panel explored diversification through real stories from female producers on setting goals, adapting to change, and building resilient operations. Annie’s Project founder Ruth Hambleton and alumna Karen Westbrook reflected on the evolving role of women in agriculture. The Transforming Ugandan Farmers session highlighted global connections and the vital role women play in advancing agricultural practices and community development.
The featured keynote, “She’s Got Moxie,” was delivered by Colleen Callahan, a member of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting Hall of Fame. Callahan built a groundbreaking career as the first woman Agribusiness Director at WMBD Radio and Television in Peoria, later becoming the first female president of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting and the first woman inducted into its Hall of Fame. Her message of leadership, perseverance, and breaking barriers resonated with the multi-generational audience.
The GoAg3 Luncheon and Award program took place at Distihl Brewery and Beer Hall. During the program, the Brandt Corporation, represented by Danielle Knox, presented the first-place Schultz/Miller family with a $5,000 cash award. The family directed the funds to the Kathleen Miller endowment at the Holstein Foundation. Second- and third-place recognition went to the Green family of Arthur, Illinois, and the O’Bryan family of Grants Pass and Lakeview, Oregon. The celebration recognized the resilience, innovation, and lasting legacies represented by the three award-winning families.
Afternoon tours of the Midwest Food Bank and Radar’s Family Farm offered additional opportunities for attendees to see agriculture and community impact in action.
Perhaps one of the most encouraging outcomes is that the Farm Business Farm Management team and the Illinois Society of Professional Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers have since connected and are discussing future collaborations that will provide more information and resources for women in agriculture. Watch for upcoming opportunities to learn more about these topics.
The Generations Celebration underscored the strength of multi-generational farm families and the value of bringing women in agriculture together for learning, recognition, and connection.
