WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, joined her colleagues to designate 2026 as International Year of the Woman Farmer.

Ernst touring an organic farm in Van Buren County, Iowa.
Download photos here.
“Having grown up on a family farm, I understand how women are the backbone of American agriculture,”said Ernst. “Whether hearing firsthand from female farmers on my River to River tour or on the Senate ag committee, it’s inspiring to see ladies stepping up and carrying on our great rural traditions. I’m proud to designate 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer to honor and recognize the 1.2 million female producers that work hard every day to feed and fuel our nation.”
According to USDA, 58% of all farms had a female producer. These farms accounted for 41% of U.S. agriculture sales and 46% of total U.S. farmland. In 2022 alone, farms with one or more female producers sold $222 billion in agricultural products.
Read the resolution here.
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