In their own words: The women of agriculture
Women in Ag AwardWhat does it mean to leave a lasting mark on an industry?
For many women in agriculture, it means leading with purpose, supporting others and helping create opportunities that extend far beyond their own careers or operations.
Women’s role in agriculture
Ask a group of women about their role in agriculture and you’ll hear a range of perspectives, shaped by different experiences and generations.
Yet many share a similar view: agriculture is an industry where women have always belonged and where their contributions continue to make a lasting impact.
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Ann Philpott, producer and AFSC Women in Ag Award winner 2023 |
“I think it’s important for women to play a prominent role in every industry really, not just agriculture. We can put our mind to whatever we have to do. I became a farmer and a plumber and electrician, and I just got things figured out as we came across things that needed to be figured out. Women can do whatever, in any industry.”|
“Being a woman in agriculture today – it’s kind of a hard thing for me to decipher because I’ve never really sat back and sort of split myself up from the male gender. It’s always sort of been you’re a farmer and that’s it. There was never really any genders differentiating who had what responsibilities.” Leslie McEachern, producer and AFSC team member |
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Iris Meck, ag professional and AFSC Women in Ag Award winner (The Notable Lifetime Achiever) 2024 |
“We’ve been playing a role in agriculture since the creation of the wheel. Women have always been the nurturers, women have been part of the farming operations, they’ve been part of the business of farming and we’re good at it.”|
“I think a misconception is that women aren’t tough enough. And I think it’s amazing how tough and resilient women can actually be.” Josie Pashulka, producer and AFSC Women in Ag Award winner (The Operator) 2025 |
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Leona Staples, producer and AFSC Women in Ag Award winner (The Notable Lifetime Achiever) 2025 |
“Find the piece that really you love, and you will find a spot in agriculture that you can take what you really love and meld it into your career.”|
“You can raise your family on the farm. You can have an off-farm career. You can be a part of your farming operation. You can do it all.” Janice Wirsta, producer, AFSC team member and AFSC Women in Ag Award winner (The Ignitor) 2025 |
Supporting the next generation
For many women in agriculture, success is measured not only by personal achievements, but by the opportunities they create for others.
Whether through mentorship, advocacy or simply leading by example, they are helping inspire and support the next generation of agricultural leaders.
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Nikki Peltzer, producer and AFSC Women in Ag Award winner (The Community Builder) 2025 |
“I believe that it is my role to help the younger generation find their passion and then take that passion and build it into something they can do for the rest of their life.”|
“It’s about helping others to understand the context. Being someone who you can come to, and you know, ask the embarrassing questions … And being a safe space for others to talk and mentor.” Sheri Strydhorst, ag professional and AFSC Women in Ag Award winner (Professional Leader) 2025 |
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Mariana Guerra-Maupome, ag professional and AFSC Women in Ag Award winner (The Promoter) 2025 |
“I dedicate a lot of my time to highlight the challenges and the opportunities that females face in agriculture. I have a lot of younger, female vets, ranchers that follow me, and through my social media, I am able to generate discussions and opportunities for others, that, you know, are either struggling with the same things or want to come on board.”|
“Looking at other women in agriculture and knowing that I can do it, I’ve never really been afraid to do anything. But it’s always nice when you see others who blazed a path before you. But I definitely feel like no matter (what) your gender, you can do whatever you want in this world. Agriculture is no exception.” Allana Minchau, producer |
The meaning of recognition
Recognition can be a powerful affirmation of the work, dedication and passion that individuals bring to agriculture.
Yet for many women, receiving an award is met not with a focus on personal achievement, but with gratitude, humility and appreciation for the people and communities that helped shape their journey.
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Robyne Davidson, ag researcher and AFSC Women in Ag Award winner (The Innovator) 2026 |
“I’m so passionate about my research program and I am humbled, excited, just thrilled to be receiving this recognition.”|
“It’s not often I’m speechless and I feel it’s totally undeserved because there are so many women out there that are doing amazing things” Melody Garner-Skiba, ag professional and AFSC Women in Ag Award winner 2023 |
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Laura Brown, producer and AFSC Women in Ag Award winner (The Operator) 2026 |
“I am so humbled to be receiving this award. I’m so fortunate that I can get up every day and just do what I want to do, and I just find it wonderful to be recognized for that.”|
“When I got the call from AFSC that I had won, I was completely caught off guard and I was so thrilled just to have been nominated, just to have the industry consider me for this and to have won – is fantastic. It’s amazing. I have been speechless about it, which is really saying something.” Terra Weaver, producer and AFSC Women in Ag Award winner 2023 |
2027 Women in Ag Awards
Agriculture Financial Services (AFSC) looks to shine a light on the achievements of women in our industry through the Women in Ag Awards. The nomination period for the 2027 awards runs October 15 to November 16.
To learn more or nominate someone for a Women in Ag Award, please see the Women in Ag Award page.
