U.S. Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.), members of the Senate Agriculture Committee, led a bipartisan resolution to designate March 21, 2026, as “National Women in Agriculture Day” to honor the critical contributions of women in agriculture.
The Senate unanimously passed the resolution, which highlights the more than 1.2 million women producers across the United States and recognizes their essential roles as farmers, educators, innovators, and leaders throughout the agriculture industry.
“Women have always been at the heart of American agriculture,” said Senator Ernst. “Growing up on a family farm, I saw firsthand the vital role women like my mother played, and today my sister continues that legacy. From family farms to cutting-edge agribusiness, women are leading, innovating, and helping feed and fuel the world. I’m proud to lead this resolution to recognize and support the women who are breaking barriers and shaping the future of agriculture.”
“Agriculture is the backbone of Minnesota’s economy, and women have always played an essential role in this sector,” said Senator Smith. “I’m proud we have introduced this bipartisan resolution to designate a day during Women’s History Month and National Agriculture Week to recognize the achievements of the women across the country who have been the key to our agricultural success.”
In the House, Representatives Kat Cammack (R-Fla.) and Angie Craig (D-Minn.) led an identical resolution.
“Agriculture is a cornerstone of Florida’s economy, and women are helping lead the way,” said Rep. Cammack. “Women in agriculture are cultivating the next generation of leaders, safeguarding our food supply, and proving that food security is national security. I’m proud to lead this effort with my colleagues in recognizing the grit, leadership, and relentless dedication of America’s female producers in strengthening our nation’s agricultural industry.”
“Women have always played an important role in American agriculture,” said Rep. Craig. “Every day in our country, women go to work as farmers, ranchers, producers, researchers and agribusiness leaders. Whether they are setting the agenda in board rooms or planning next year’s crop, women have made an indelible imprint on American agriculture, and I am proud to lead this bipartisan resolution in their honor.”
“In Kansas and across the country, countless women play an important role in agriculture, managing family farms, educating the next generation of producers and supporting our rural communities,” said Senator Moran. “As we recognize National Women in Agriculture Day, we thank them for their hard work, resilience and dedication to keeping our agriculture industry strong and investing in the future of rural America.”
“Women play critical roles at every level of agriculture from family farms and agribusinesses to research institutions and public service,” said Senator Boozman. “I’m honored to recognize their contributions, elevate their voices, and support policies that ensure women farmers and agricultural leaders can continue to thrive for generations to come.”
“As a lifelong rancher in the Cowboy State, I’m no stranger to what it means to be a woman in agriculture,” said Senator Lummis. “The early mornings, the backbreaking work, and sleepless nights with calves in your bathtub just trying to keep them alive—it’s all a part of what goes into the life of a farmer and rancher. Women in ag are the heart and soul of our communities, and I am proud to join my friend, Senator Ernst, to celebrate the passion of women farmers and ranchers throughout our nation.”
“Women play a vital role in American agriculture, driving innovation, strengthening rural communities, and helping feed our nation and the world,” said Senator Tillis. “I’m proud to support this resolution designating National Women in Agriculture Day to recognize their contributions and ensure the next generation of women leaders continues to thrive in this critical industry.”
“Many extraordinary women have been instrumental in our nation’s storied agricultural history,” said Senator Crapo. “Their contributions to feeding and strengthening our communities deserves to be celebrated, and this resolution recognizes the important role female producers continue to play in shaping the future of agriculture.”
“Agriculture is Montana’s number one economic driver and protecting and promoting Montana ag is one of my top priorities in Congress,” said Senator Daines. “Our farmers and ranchers work hard to feed Montana, the nation, and the world. I’m glad to join Senator Ernst in introducing the Women in Agriculture Resolution to recognize the contributions of women in farming, ranching, and agriculture.”
“I am proud to support this resolution recognizing National Women in Agriculture Day,” said Senator Justice. “Across West Virginia, women are the backbone of our family farms and communities, and they absolutely deserve to be celebrated today and every day. These are the mothers, wives, sisters, and daughters who truly keep our operations running. Their hard work, grit, and dedication are what make the agricultural industry strong, and I am endlessly grateful for all they do.”
“As a cattle rancher and Mississippi’s first female Commissioner of Agriculture, I know firsthand the grit and dedication that women bring to agriculture. This resolution is a proud reminder that female producers across the nation are shaping the future of American agriculture. These women strengthen the backbone of rural America,” said Senator Hyde-Smith. “As we celebrate 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer, I am honored to stand alongside female farmers and ranchers around the world who feed, clothe, fuel us.”
“Agriculture is the heart and soul of what we do in Nebraska,” said Senator Ricketts. “Throughout our state’s history, women have made significant contributions to Nebraska agriculture. I’m proud to be the son of a farm girl. My grandmother and mom helped keep the Volkmer family farm running. This year, and every year, I’m grateful for their contributions. This resolution recognizes the contributions women in agriculture have made in Nebraska.”
“National Women in Ag Day recognizes the critical role women play in sustaining and advancing our nation’s agriculture industry,” said Senator Hoeven. “In North Dakota, women are a driving force behind the state’s economy, leading operations, pioneering research, and shaping policy. Their contributions are vital to the strength, resilience, and continued success of rural America.”
“Women play a vital role as producers, educators, leaders, and mentors within agriculture in Wyoming and throughout our country,” said Senator Barrasso. “In Wyoming, we know that when agriculture is strong, so are our rural communities. That’s why I am proud to cosponsor this resolution to help ensure that women professionals and leaders in agriculture receive the recognition and celebration they deserve.”
“Across Alabama and our nation, women in agriculture are the backbone of our communities, working tirelessly to feed and clothe America’s families,” said Senator Britt. “On National Women in Agriculture Day, I’m proud to join my colleagues in honoring their grit, dedication, and lasting legacy they will leave on the next generation of farmers. I remain committed to supporting and empowering these leaders whose voices strengthen their industry and help shape the future of agriculture.”
“As you say grace for dinner on National Women in Ag day, remember and be thankful not just for the food on your plate but also for the thousands of women who worked to get it there: in the fields, in trucks and combines, laboratories, offices, homes, and processing facilities,” said Senator Cramer. “Working in agriculture is not an easy or glamorous way to make a living, but it’s one of the most fulfilling, and women’s contributions across the board have kept us on track as we grow the crops to meet the needs of a growing world.”
