NASDA Members

Oregon Agriculture Director Lisa Charpilloz Hanson

“I’ve broken molds—about what people thought a woman could do, be, and have in this field. I want others to keep breaking them, too. I laugh, recalling the more literal lessons of ag life: you can’t be afraid to get dirty. But every scrape, every bruise, and every tough day has a lesson and teaches you something new.”

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Hawaii Agriculture Chair Sharon Hurd

“Many legacy ranchers are women – they love the work they do and steward the land with aloha!”

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Montana Agriculture Director Jillien Streit

“Agriculture has taught me to use my strengths and to be proud of them. It is all hands-on deck in the agriculture industry and everyone has a place for their talents to play an important role.”

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Voices of International Year of the Woman Farmer

Eula McDowell

"Let them watch." Beansville Urban Farm — Gwynn Oak, Baltimore County  What inspired you to pursue a career in agriculture, and what keeps you passionate about it today? [...]

Darlene Goehringer

"Accept uncertainty and focus on what you can control." Pop’s Old Place — Hurlock, Dorchester Maryland  What inspired you to pursue a career in agriculture, and what [...]

Ashley Atkins

"Hard work is never wasted." Hara-Vale Farm — Cap Stine Road, Frederick, MD  What inspired you to pursue a career in agriculture, and what keeps you passionate about it today? [...]

Andrea Davis-Cetina

"Focus on your dreams — you belong." Quarter Acre Farm — Greensboro, Caroline County  What inspired you to pursue a career in agriculture, and what keeps you [...]

Lindsey Jacobs

"Be a sponge." Church View Farm — Millersville, Anne Arundel County  What inspired you to pursue a career in agriculture, and what keeps you passionate about it [...]

Renée Wilson

"Show up daily with gratitude and get involved." The Farmyard LLC — Parkton, Baltimore County  What inspired you to pursue a career in agriculture, and what keeps [...]

Karma Francis

"You don’t have to choose between being the brains and the brawn.”  Plantation Park Heights Urban Farm — Park Heights, Baltimore City  What inspired you to pursue [...]

Andrea Crooms

"Build your own table, rather than waiting for a seat at someone else's." Briar Rose Herbs / Meetwe Farm — Croom, Prince George’s County  What inspired you to pursue [...]

Taylor Rhodes

"Just keep going! You can absolutely do it." Frank’s Produce & Greenhouse — Elkridge, Maryland- Howard County  What inspired you to pursue a career in agriculture, and [...]

Gale Livingstone

"Do not be discouraged or afraid to make mistakes each is an opportunity to learn." Deep Roots Farm — Upper Marlboro  What inspired you to pursue a [...]

Tiara Matthews

"Own the Science, and the Sovereignty will Follow."  Plantation Park Heights Urban Farm — 3811 Park Heights Ave, Baltimore City  What inspired you to pursue a career [...]

Trish Bucci

"A quick hello and introduction today can be a huge breakthrough years down the road." Far-Fetched Farm — Sharptown, Wicomico County  What inspired you to pursue a career [...]

Jarmonay P Nelson

"Start small and observe, learn deeply, and don’t wait for permission." enjoui farm  What inspired you to pursue a career in agriculture, and what keeps you passionate about [...]

LaWann Stribling

"There will be moments when you feel behind or isolated, especially as a woman in this field. When that happens, return to the land. Let it anchor you in who you [...]

Dr. Michaele Samuel

"Pursue education and mentorship opportunities." University of Maryland Extension  What inspired you to pursue a career in agriculture, and what keeps you passionate about it today? My [...]

Sheila Hancock

"I enjoy the hard work and dedication it requires." Hancock Family Farms — Kent County  What inspired you to pursue a career in agriculture, and what keeps [...]

Rachel Ross

"I remain passionate because agriculture is always changing and there are always new challenges to take on." Ross Farms — Queen Anne’s County  What inspired you to [...]

Kristin Hayman

"Believe in yourself and don’t be afraid to pursue opportunities." Hayman Farms — Hurlock, Dorchester County  What inspired you to pursue a career in agriculture, and what [...]

Glenda Finley

"Staying involved in the farm and seeing how our work supports the community keeps me passionate." Finley Farms — Rising Sun, Cecil County  What inspired you to [...]

Sarah Campbell

"What keeps me passionate today is the ability to work alongside my family and continue building something that can be passed down to the next generation." Campbell [...]

Burke Holvey Friend

"Diversification is key and keep your mind open." Woodlake Tree Farm — Oakland, Md  What inspired you to pursue a career in agriculture, and what keeps you [...]

Kelsey Stabler

"Stand loud and stand proud." Pleasant Valley Farm — Brookeville, MD  What inspired you to pursue a career in agriculture, and what keeps you passionate about it [...]

Morgan Mackenzie

"Whether you do it alone or have help, just do it. The opportunity wouldn’t be put in front of you if it wasn’t meant to be." Cedar [...]

Lisa Lucabaugh

"I love what I do and teaching people about sheep, especially 4H kids and their sheep projects." Ripple Creek Farm — Hampstead, carroll county MD  What inspired you to [...]

Haley Wilson

"Never let someone tell you that you can't achieve something. If you feel passionately about something, there is no one and nothing who can stand in your way." Wilson Dairy [...]

Katie Troy

"Always ask questions, stay curious, find a mentor, or try a new approach. Willingness to grow and adapt is needed in this field." North Acres Farm — Parkton, [...]

Cindy Trussel

"As a woman in agriculture, I’ve learned that empathy and adaptability are every bit as important as technical skill. Crops have seasons; markets have cycles; people have needs that change. [...]

Catrinna Schulz

Nevada "It’s also inspiring to see women from all parts of Nevada stepping into leadership roles, gaining national and even international recognition for their work. Their success brings visibility and strength to the [...]

Kelley Barber

Forest Mill Farm LLC "In agriculture, I can make decisions, pivot when necessary, and see the direct results of my efforts. I also appreciate the self-sufficiency this life provides. Producing my own food [...]

Laurel Fedor

Sweet Apple Farm LLC Connecticut "Agriculture provides me with a constant challenge to pursue something rewarding and perhaps to even make a profit. Agriculture allows me to be creative in many ways to [...]

Katee Madsen

Rockin 13 ranch/Lazy K livestock Nevada "I believe that I am making an impact, just as equally as anyone else. Though there are physical limitations for myself, I still believe that I am just [...]

Shara LaFave

Shara LaFave Michigan Q: Tell us about your agricultural operation, your background, and how you got started in agriculture. I’ve been farming a little over ten years, but the roots [...]

Victoria E. Roberts

Sweetbay Farms/Coastal Flower Company LLC "I've enjoyed the green industry because of the passionate and sharing nature of the individuals.  The horticulture industry is forever evolving and the amount of learning is endless.  [...]

Liza Goetz

Wildly Native Flower Farm Chestertown, MD "Change is scary, uncomfortable and can feel daunting. If you have a passion, if you have a vision or a way to do things better or differently [...]

Lorie Obra

Rusty's Hawaiian Ka‘u District, HI "[Working and being a woman in agriculture] means joining a group of determined women around the world. According to the International Coffee Organization, women own [...]

Katie Adam

Adam Farms Michigan "To me, being a woman in agriculture means working just as hard as the men around me—while also balancing an off-farm career and raising small children. It requires keeping my [...]

Katie Stevens

Daysland Vista Blooms Frederick County, MD "I want the next generation of women in agriculture to know that this industry is both challenging and deeply rewarding. On the government side, I’ve had [...]

Maggy Gregory

Gregory Family Farms Halifax County, Virginia "There is so much to learn and know in agriculture - from learning about soil nutrition and forage requirements (thankfully my husband has his degree in Crop [...]

Heather Martin

Hyldemoer + Co, LLC. "Being a woman working in agriculture means showing up every day with both purpose and resilience. For me, it's about providing for my community in a deeply tangible way—cultivating [...]

Kate Danner

Danner Farm & Danndee Flowers Aledo, IL "Being a woman in agriculture isn’t about fitting into a mold—it’s about shaping one’s own path with resilience, vision, and heart. [...]

Marty New

Somerset Vineyards Santa Rita Hills, California Q: Tell us about your agricultural operation, your background and how you got started in agriculture.  I am the owner, farmer, and “vineyard vintner” as in classic times, [...]