As the world recognizes the International Year of the Woman Farmer, it is an important moment to reflect on the indispensable role women play in agriculture and the systems that support their growth, leadership and long‑term success. Women are farmers, ranchers, growers, landowners, educators and innovators—managing risk, stewarding land and sustaining agricultural enterprises of every size and type. One organization that has consistently advanced this work is Annie’s Project, a national nonprofit dedicated to empowering women in agriculture through education, networks and resources.
Founded in 2003, Annie’s Project is a 501(c)(3) national nonprofit with a mission: to empower women in agriculture to be successful. Since its founding, the program has educated more than 29,000 people across the U.S. and its territories, while reaching hundreds of thousands more through radio, television, podcasts, social media and print media. Its impact extends well beyond the classroom, shaping confidence, decision making and leadership in modern agricultural enterprises.
The need for such programming is clear. Women represent a significant portion of the agricultural community, with 1,224,726 women producers in the U.S.—36% of all producers. These women manage and contribute to farms and ranches of every scale and type. The median size farmed or ranched by Annie’s participants is 500 acres, from half‑acre urban farms to operations spanning 95,000 acres of rangeland. Some participants do not yet own or operate land. This reflects Annie’s Project’s reach among both established producers and those preparing to enter agriculture.
At the core of Annie’s Project is education grounded in risk management. The Annie’s Project 101 course focuses on the five key areas of risk management and emphasizes discussion, shared learning and practical application. Course evaluations show a dramatic increase in participant knowledge across all five areas from pre‑course to post‑course assessments, with scoring that also highlights opportunities for continued learning through follow‑up courses and educational activities. Just as importantly, the results indicate that participants recognize the value of continued education, often seeking follow‑up training to strengthen their operations further. To further participants’ education, Annie’s Project also features other curriculum focusing on a wide range of risk and business management topics.
What distinguishes Annie’s Project courses is not only what is taught, but how it is taught. The program uses a unique, women‑centered methodology designed to build confidence, develop networks and foster lifelong learners and leaders. Courses provide a dynamic learning environment where mentoring occurs organically, discovery is encouraged and shared experience creates a sense of trust and safe harbor. At least half of class time is dedicated to discussion and activities, while vetted educators present research‑based, unbiased information. While the approach centers on women, all participants are welcome, reinforcing collaboration and inclusivity within agricultural communities.
The results of this approach are evident in the actions participants take after completing a course. Participants report developing business plans, updating wills and trusts, drafting land agreements, calculating cost of production and exploring new enterprises and agriculture initiatives that will add to their resiliency. Many describe improved communication within family farm operations, including holding regular farm meetings and approaching decision making as equal partners. These outcomes demonstrate that education through Annie’s Project translates directly into action, resilience and improved farm and ranch management.
Annie’s Project’s reach is amplified by its network of more than 1,000 trained facilitators who plan, deliver and evaluate programming nationwide. Through these facilitators, the organization has reached more than 25,000 farms and agricultural operations, touching a diverse range of enterprises. Participants are involved in cattle, dairy, hogs, poultry, row crops, fruits, vegetables, ornamentals, greenhouses, nurseries, oysters, llamas, horses, agritourism ventures and value‑added businesses, reflecting the breadth of women’s involvement in agriculture today.
Importantly, Annie’s Project is also a responsible steward of resources. Ninety-three percent of its budget is dedicated directly to program expenses, ensuring that investments support education that empowers and leads to meaningful action. This commitment underscores the organization’s focus on impact and accountability as it works to strengthen women’s roles in agriculture.
As the International Year of the Woman Farmer shines a spotlight on women’s contributions to global agriculture, Annie’s Project stands as a powerful example of how targeted education, supportive networks and practical resources can transform lives and enterprises. By building knowledge, confidence and connection, Annie’s Project helps ensure that women farmers, ranchers, and growers are not only recognized, but fully equipped to lead agriculture into the future. — Doris Mold, CEO of Annie’s Project, St. Paul, MN
