By Scout Nelson
Women are continuing to play larger leadership roles across North Dakota agriculture as more opportunities open in farming, ranching, education, and agribusiness. Industry leaders say changing attitudes, growing education opportunities, and strong interest from younger generations are helping increase the number of women leading agricultural operations.
The discussion around women in agriculture has gained more attention across North Dakota and the Midwest as producers, educators, and agricultural organizations continue to support leadership opportunities for women in farming and ranching industries.
Today, women operate about one-third of agricultural businesses across the United States. Colleges and universities are also seeing more women graduate from agricultural science programs, with many schools reporting female students now make up more than half of graduates.
Jill Vigesaa, a longtime farmer from North Dakota and a recent recipient of the Legacy of the Land Award from the North Dakota Farm Bureau Foundation, has witnessed major changes throughout her farming career. She explained that women were not always welcomed in traditional farm work when she was younger.
“Well, pretty soon it was like, ‘You can drive it, why are you just sitting here?’” Vigesaa said.
Vigesaa recalled how neighbors once watched her work in the field because it was uncommon for women to operate farm equipment at that time.
“They weren’t unkind, but it was like women aren’t supposed to be out here doing this kind of stuff,” Vigesaa said.
Today, many women are leading successful ranches and agricultural businesses. Trish Feiring, who operates an Angus ranch near Beach, North Dakota, said flexibility and strong business skills are important for success in modern agriculture.
“I hate to say this, but you can’t just be a rancher,” Feiring said. “You have to be a business person, and you have to be willing to open your mind to different opportunities.”
Ashley Bruner of Dakota Angus also sees more women taking leadership positions in agriculture. She said many young women entering the industry are eager to learn and actively participate in farm operations.
“They’re not afraid to do the work that’s out there, they’re not afraid to learn, they want to be involved,” Bruner said. “Thirty, forty years ago, that wasn’t a woman’s job.”
Organizations such as Women in Ranching are also helping support women entering agriculture by offering training programs, networking opportunities, and hands-on learning experiences. Industry leaders say these programs are helping create stronger opportunities for future generations of women farmers and ranchers.
Photo Credit: istock-scharfsinn86
Categories: North Dakota, Business, Education