Women Playing Vital Role in North Dakota’s Agriculture Industry

Agriculture continues to be a major economic driver in North Dakota, representing a quarter of the state’s total economic output. 
And women are playing an ever-increasingly important role. But as women shift from supportive roles to owning, managing and operating farms in North Dakota, they also face some big challenges.  

"Farming and ranching have historically been men's jobs, although they have always had ample support from the women in their lives, including wives, daughters, and mothers. But since women weren't always directly involved in decision-making, it can sometimes feel challenging when they find themselves responsible to resolve a variety of issues, from financial to operational choices," said Riley Widman, member of the Stutsman County Fair Royalty Board. “Women are so very vital to the agricultural industry in North Dakota, they bring grace and an uplifting attitude in serious situations. Love and sympathy for sick livestock, family, and dry crops.”

Women in Agriculture: A Growing Sector 

While the number of male producers has been steadily declining, the number of female producers is on the uptick.

The 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture noted 1.2 million female producers in the country, representing around 36% of all farmers.

Those women operate over 400 million acres, generating $222 billion in agricultural sales. And while only eight percent of farms are run entirely by women, that number is well positioned for increase.

“Many women my age are very interested in taking over their family operations, along with homesteading being a popular trend, starting small with gardens and chickens  just for fun and growing into a fully functioning cattle, crop farming, poultry operation, etc.,” said Widman.

Fueling that interest is also a desire to embrace something different than the frenetic pace of life most of us have become accustomed to.

”Wanting to slow down and go back to our roots has also become very popular and driven by younger generations,” she added. 

Challenges That Are Not Insurmountable

Women who feel ill equipped to enter into the agriculture industry often find that while it can be challenging, those challenges are not insurmountable.

“There are many opportunities when it comes to young women in ag and getting started. If you weren’t born into this community there is always someone willing to help you get started,” said Widman.

In Jamestown / Stutsman County, there are a number of incredible organizations fostering that interest and supporting young women who want to turn their dreams of farming or ranching into a reality.

“FFA, High School Rodeo, Rodeo Queens, 4H, 4H Queens are all amazing groups to join when guiding young women into their new opportunities,” said Widman, whose own involvement with 4H played a huge role, teaching her leadership, independent problem solving, networking, and entrepreneurship skills.

“Young women can start with a market livestock project and enter them into the ‘Premium Sale.’ 4-Hers learn to network with potential buyers, and see that pay off the same day when someone bids on their animals. This produces income for next year’s projects and growing their herds. Outside of the livestock ring, using their Fair Royalty to network and learn public speaking skills, responsibility, grace, and professionalism is an amazing opportunity for young women. It can take them to so many places and set them up for amazing jobs, growing relationships with other women in agriculture, along with encouraging other young women.”

For any woman, regardless of age or experience, who wants to enter into the agricultural industry in Stutsman County, Widman encourages them to be bold enough to step out and try. 

“Don’t be afraid to fail, there is always someone willing to help so use every opportunity to network!” she said. 

Want to Nominate an Agricultural Woman of the Year?

The Jamestown Ag & Energy Committee is currently accepting nominations for the Agricultural Woman of the Year, which will be announced during the Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce’s Farmers Appreciation Banquet on Tuesday, July 28.

Given annually, the award honors individuals who are making a difference in the ag industry, whether it’s on the farm or ranch, with youth, in their community, or with local, regional, and national Ag organizations.

Is there an amazing woman you’d like to nominate? Click here!