NDDA Celebrates Women Farmers Across State

By Scout Nelson

The North Dakota Department of Agriculture is joining a worldwide effort recognizing the important role women play in agriculture and food production. The initiative supports the International Year of the Woman Farmer, declared by the United Nations for 2026.

The program highlights how women contribute to global food security and strengthen agriculture industries through farming, ranching, food processing, marketing, and other important areas of the food supply chain. State officials said women continue making valuable contributions to agriculture across North Dakota and around the world.

Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring said, “Women farmers have always played an important role in North Dakota’s agricultural industry. In Native American culture, women were the primary farmers. Later, up to 20% of homestead claims in North Dakota were women. North Dakota is currently home to more than 13,000 women producers and we are grateful for the hard work they do each day to feed our state, nation and world. Besides farm fields and ranches, women play a significant role in the food supply chain including farm inputs and services, processing, distribution, trade, marketing and retail.”

The department continues sharing stories about women farmers through its website and social media platforms as part of a yearlong spotlight campaign. Officials are encouraging more women involved in agriculture to share their experiences and stories to help highlight the impact women have across the industry.

North Dakota agriculture leaders said the recognition program also helps educate the public about the history of women in farming and the growing role women continue playing in agricultural leadership and business development.

The campaign supports efforts to preserve agricultural traditions while encouraging future generations to stay involved in farming, ranching, and food production careers. State officials said recognizing women producers remains important for strengthening communities, supporting agriculture businesses, and improving long-term food security for future generations.

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