Women in Agriculture Are Ready to Lead: Why This New Study Matters to PSA

Women are essential to agriculture today—from production and agribusiness to education, policy, and rural community leadership—and new national data are finally beginning to capture that reality in a more comprehensive way. The national Women in Agriculture Study, led by the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Women’s Leadership program and partners, was designed to better understand women’s experiences, leadership pathways, and future needs across agriculture, forestry, and related industries. Major findings from the pilot report were highlighted during this year’s International Year of the Woman Farmer ACE (Advocate, Cultivate, Empower) Summit in Washington, D.C., underscoring how timely this work is for the broader ag community.

To see the full results click here.

A first-of-its-kind national snapshot

The Women in Agriculture Study was created to gather input from women and their colleagues in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, including those working in production agriculture, agribusiness, education, advocacy, and related fields such as horticulture, aquaculture, and beekeeping. The survey was open to adults 18 and older and sought to document how women are leading, where they are underrepresented, and what types of support they need to thrive. This work is part of a broader global effort to recognize 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer and to elevate the vital role of women in agrifood systems.

While full public results will be rolled out in connection with the ACE Summit, early summaries show that women are already playing significant leadership roles—in businesses, organizations, and local communities—but often without the same visibility, resources, or recognition as their male counterparts. The study is intended to provide baseline data that industry groups, employers, and policymakers can use to strengthen pathways into leadership, reduce barriers, and better align professional development opportunities with what women in agriculture say they need.

Key themes emerging from the study

Though the detailed report includes many data points, several themes stand out as especially relevant to PSA members and the seed industry more broadly:

• Women are “ready to lead,” but support structures have not always kept pace with their ambitions and responsibilities, especially as they balance farm roles with off-farm employment and family obligations.

• Access to mentorship, networks, and targeted leadership training remains uneven, particularly for women in rural areas and in specialized segments of agriculture.

• Many respondents point to the importance of being seen and heard in decision-making spaces—on boards, in policy discussions, and in industry organizations—to ensure that their perspectives shape the future of agriculture.

These findings echo broader research showing that women farmers and professionals are central to innovation, conservation, and community resilience, yet frequently encounter obstacles in accessing capital, land tenure, markets, and technology. Addressing these gaps is not just an equity issue; it is a competitiveness and sustainability issue for the entire agricultural value chain.

Why this matters for the seed industry and PSA

For the seed sector, the study’s insights are particularly important. Seed companies, dealers, researchers, and allied service providers rely on diverse talent to tackle evolving challenges—from climate variability and water constraints to shifting markets and regulatory complexity. Women already serve in critical roles across PSA’s membership: managing seed production, overseeing quality and logistics, leading sales and marketing teams, running family businesses, and contributing to research and regulatory work. The Women in Agriculture Study provides a framework for understanding how to better support those leaders and build stronger pipelines for the next generation.

Industry associations like PSA can leverage this data in several concrete ways: by highlighting women leaders in our communications, encouraging member companies to invest in leadership development opportunities, and making sure that women’s voices are well represented in panels, committees, and board service. Aligning PSA’s existing efforts in education, networking, and advocacy with what women in agriculture say they need will help keep our region’s seed industry competitive and inclusive for decades to come.

Looking ahead: connecting PSA members to national efforts

The Women in Agriculture Study will continue to inform conversations throughout the International Year of the Woman Farmer, including follow-up sessions and resources connected to the ACE Summit. National partners have indicated that public summaries and tools will be made available so organizations, companies, and individuals can translate the findings into local action. For PSA members, this creates a timely opportunity to:

• Review internal policies and practices around recruitment, advancement, and flexible work.

• Encourage women on your teams to participate in leadership programs, mentoring networks, and industry events.

• Share success stories that showcase how women in your organization are driving innovation and customer value.

PSA will continue tracking these developments and sharing relevant resources with members as more detailed findings become available. In the meantime, members interested in a deeper dive can explore coverage of the study’s initial results and the ACE Summit discussions through national agricultural news outlets and partner organizations.