“Being a woman in agriculture adds a unique and meaningful dimension to this work. Agriculture has historically been a male-dominated field, but women have always played a critical role in its success. Today, I am proud to not only contribute directly through teaching, leadership, and running our family farm, but also to serve as a visible example for young women who may not see themselves represented in this industry. It means using my voice to advocate for access, equity, and opportunity—whether it’s for first-generation farmers trying to secure land and capital, students discovering their passion for agricultural careers, or young women finding the confidence to pursue leadership roles in this field.”

Q: Tell us about your agricultural operation, your background and how you got started in agriculture. 

I did not grow up on a farm or around agriculture while on the other hand my husband did and has been around it all his life. During my freshman year at Virginia Tech, I was undecided on my major, so I took an agriculture class, which changed everything. I immediately decided on an agribusiness major and discovered that the agriculture program was dynamic, with nearly unlimited career opportunities. My passion for agriculture only grew from there. I joined a professional agricultural sorority and got involved in numerous agricultural clubs and organizations. Through those agricultural organizations I met my husband, who after graduation, inherited his grandparents’ farm, and we have been maintaining and growing that homestead ever since. I might not have a background in agriculture, but I have grown to be an agricultural advocate. Coming from a non-agricultural background has helped me see both sides of different issues. It has helped me establish a personal connection and build a relationship with legislators and their staff because most of them don’t come from an agricultural background and can be unfamiliar with some common terms and references. Instead of getting defensive when someone doesn’t understand or support a controversial agricultural topic, I am able to see why that might be and utilize my story of not coming from an agricultural background to relate and discuss our shared values.

My passion for agriculture only grew as I got more involved and started developing and telling my story. My husband and I graduated from college, inherited his grandparents farm and essentially started from scratch since it had been vacant for several years. We shifted the farm from tobacco and are now actively involved in managing a small cow/calf and micro-mini donkey operation. Circle W Farms is a family-owned and operated farm specializing in registered Micro Mini Donkeys and Hereford cattle. Our Micro Mini Donkeys are registered, handled daily, and known for their gentle nature, compact size, and charming personalities. We also proudly raise Hereford cattle, recognized for their docile disposition. Our responsibilities include daily feeding, health checks, pasture rotation, and monitoring breeding cycles. Working with the cow/calf pairs has given us valuable experience in herd management, calf care, and nutrition planning. The micro-mini donkeys are a unique part of our farm—they’re not only great companions but also help with guarding the herd and add diversity to our operation. Over the past couple of years as we have grown our operation, we have learned a lot about responsibility, animal behavior, and the importance of sustainable livestock practices and been able to instill these ideals within our family and community.

Q: What does working in agriculture, and specifically being a woman in agriculture, mean to you?

Working in agriculture has always been more than a career—it is a way of life, a responsibility, and a privilege. Agriculture provides the foundation for everything we do, from the food we eat to the clothes we wear, and I have always felt called to be part of ensuring that future generations understand its value. As both an educator and a farmer, I see agriculture as a bridge between the classroom, the community, and the land. Every lesson taught, every program developed, and every farm visit coordinated is an opportunity to connect young people to the roots of our food system and to inspire them to see themselves as stewards of the land and leaders in their communities.

Being a woman in agriculture adds a unique and meaningful dimension to this work. Agriculture has historically been a male-dominated field, but women have always played a critical role in its success. Today, I am proud to not only contribute directly through teaching, leadership, and running our family farm, but also to serve as a visible example for young women who may not see themselves represented in this industry. It means using my voice to advocate for access, equity, and opportunity—whether it’s for first-generation farmers trying to secure land and capital, students discovering their passion for agricultural careers, or young women finding the confidence to pursue leadership roles in this field.

To me, being a woman in agriculture means honoring tradition while driving innovation, lifting others up while breaking barriers, and using every platform—whether in the classroom, on the farm, or in the community—to ensure that the next generation sees agriculture as both inclusive and essential.

Q: What do you wish the next generation of women in agriculture would know about your work? What advice would you give them?

I want the next generation of women in agriculture to know that my work has been about opening doors—both in the classroom and in the field. Whether teaching high school agriculture, mentoring FFA students, developing curriculum used by millions worldwide, or serving in leadership roles with the Farm Bureau and other organizations, my goal has always been to create opportunities for others to succeed. Agriculture is not just about farming—it’s about education, leadership, innovation, and community. I hope my work demonstrates that women belong in every space where decisions are made, where ideas are shared, and where the future of agriculture is shaped.

My advice is to never underestimate the value of your voice and your story. Agriculture needs women who are willing to lead, advocate, and educate. Seek out mentors, but also be ready to become one. Take risks—whether that’s writing a grant, starting a new program, or stepping into a leadership role—because growth happens when you push beyond what feels comfortable. Most importantly, remember that success in agriculture comes not only from knowledge and skill, but also from passion, persistence, and the relationships you build.

You don’t have to fit a mold to make a difference. Agriculture thrives because of its diversity—of people, ideas, and practices. Be proud of what makes you unique, and use it as your strength.

Q: Have you had access to formal education or informal training programs to help you grow your operation?

Yes, I have had access to both formal and informal education and training programs that have been instrumental in growing my operation and expanding my role in agriculture. I have participated in numerous Farm Bureau programs at the local, state, and national levels, including:

• Serving on the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture Board of Directors and actively engaging with leadership and strategic planning initiatives.
• Leadership roles within the Virginia Farm Bureau Women’s Committee, including District 4 Leader, Legislative Subcommittee Co-Chair, and P&E Subcommittee Member, where I gained experience in policy, advocacy, and program development.
• Co-chairing the Young Farmers Summer Expo Subcommittee and participating in Young Farmers Winter and Summer Expos, which provided networking and skill-building opportunities.
• Attending national training programs such as the Women’s Communications Boot Camp, Women’s ACE Summit, and FUSION Conference , which enhanced my advocacy, communications, and leadership skills.
• Serving on the American Farm Bureau Federation Grassroots Outreach Team (GO Team), gaining hands-on experience in policy implementation and media engagement.
• Participating in educational programs such as the National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference, becoming a Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom Ambassador, and attending the Virginia Women’s Leadership 1 Class, all of which strengthened my ability to educate others about agriculture and inspire the next generation of farmers.
• Engaging in Virginia Farm Bureau Legislative Day events and Policy Development Meetings, which provided practical experience in advocacy and policy shaping for agriculture.

These experiences have collectively given me a strong foundation in leadership, advocacy, education, and community engagement, all of which directly support the growth and success of my farm operation.

Q: What would make it easier for women in agriculture to access the capital they need?

Accessing capital is one of the biggest challenges for women in agriculture, and several factors could make it easier:

1. Targeted Financing Programs: Financial institutions could offer loan programs specifically designed for women farmers, including lower interest rates, flexible repayment terms, and smaller loan amounts that reflect the scale of many women-operated farms.
2. Mentorship and Networking Opportunities: Pairing women with other women in agriculture would help support and guide them, especially if they are first-generation farmers like myself.
3. Education and Training: Offering workshops on financial literacy, business planning, and grant writing can equip women farmers with the knowledge and confidence to secure funding. Conferences with AFBF like the Women’s ACE Summit or leadership classes help, but expanding access to regionally focused, hands-on finance training could have an even bigger impact.
4. Visibility and Advocacy: The more women farmers are represented in agricultural organizations and policy discussions—like those offered through Farm Bureau leadership and advocacy programs—the more likely systemic barriers to funding will be addressed.

By combining education, mentorship, policy advocacy, and targeted financial programs, women in agriculture could gain much easier access to the capital they need to grow and sustain their operations.

Q: What technologies or innovations have made the biggest difference on your farm? How do you stay informed about best practices, weather, markets, or new technologies?

On our farm, technology has played a key role in improving efficiency, animal care, and record-keeping. We utilize cameras to monitor our miniature donkeys, allowing us to observe their behavior, ensure their health and safety, and respond quickly if any issues arise. Additionally, we use a tracking system to manage breeding and bloodlines, which helps maintain the integrity of our herd and makes record-keeping much more accurate and efficient.

To stay informed about best practices, weather, markets, and new technologies, I rely on a combination of formal education, professional networks, and industry resources. This includes participation in programs and conferences offered through organizations like the Farm Bureau, as well as agriculture-specific publications, webinars, and local networking groups. Staying connected to other farmers and industry experts ensures that our farm can adapt quickly to new innovations and continue to operate at a high standard.

Q: Describe a specific challenge you faced and how you overcame it. 

One specific challenge we have faced as beginning farmers is accessing viable and affordable farmland. Land prices can be prohibitively high, and finding property that meets the needs of a growing operation can be difficult. To overcome this, we focused on networking within the agricultural community, leveraging connections through organizations like the Farm Bureau and local farming groups to learn about opportunities that might not be publicly listed.

We also evaluated creative alternatives, such as leasing land, collaborating with other farmers, and gradually expanding our operation in manageable increments rather than trying to purchase large parcels outright. By combining persistence, research, and community support, we were able to secure land that supports our operation’s growth while remaining financially sustainable.

Q: Has your state department of agriculture helped you advance your operation? How?

Yes, the state department of agriculture has played an important role in helping advance our operation. They have provided access to local professional development opportunities, including workshops and training sessions that have strengthened our knowledge of best practices, animal care, and farm management. These programs have been invaluable in helping us apply new strategies to grow and maintain a healthy, efficient operation.

Additionally, the department has offered opportunities to network with lawmakers and policymakers, which has allowed us to better understand agricultural policy and advocate for the needs of small and beginning farmers. Being able to connect directly with decision-makers has helped us navigate challenges, access resources, and contribute to conversations that impact agriculture at the local and state level. ”