FLEETWOOD, PA — Pennsylvania agriculture officials highlighted state programs supporting women farmers Monday during a visit to a Berks County farm, emphasizing investments aimed at strengthening farm businesses and supporting the next generation of agricultural leaders.
What This Means for You
- State programs are providing grants and planning assistance to help farms remain financially sustainable.
- Women now represent a growing share of Pennsylvania’s agricultural workforce and leadership.
- Officials say the investments are intended to support long-term stability for rural communities.
Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and State Sen. Judy Schwank, minority chair of the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, visited Willow Run Farmstead on Monday as part of events marking Women’s History Month and the United Nations’ International Year of the Woman Farmer.
The visit highlighted state-supported initiatives designed to help women who manage farms, make business decisions, and lead agricultural operations across the Commonwealth.
“Women have long been leaders in Pennsylvania agriculture — managing farms, making key business decisions, and shaping the future of our industry,” Redding said.
State Grants Help Farms Plan for the Future
Officials pointed to the Pennsylvania Farm Vitality Grant Program as one example of support available to farm families.
The program provides funding for professional services such as business planning, farm transition planning, and diversification strategies. These services help farm families prepare for ownership changes, financial decisions, and long-term sustainability.
According to state officials, the grants can be especially helpful for women farmers who often play central roles in managing farms but may face barriers accessing financial or technical resources.
At Willow Run Farmstead, owner Deanne Weber used a $7,296 Farm Vitality Grant to help transition the family farm into her ownership.
“As a beginning woman farmer, county, state, and federal programs were essential in helping me get my operation off the ground,” Weber said. “The grants I received provided critical early financial support, and the experienced professionals I worked with offered guidance that was just as valuable as the funding itself.”
Weber operates the preserved third-generation farm, which raises beef for direct-to-consumer sales and uses conservation-focused farming practices.
Women Play Growing Role in Pennsylvania Agriculture
State officials say women represent a significant and growing part of Pennsylvania’s agriculture sector, which contributes about $132.5 billion to the state’s economy.
Across the Commonwealth, 31,135 women are actively involved in agriculture. Women account for 35 percent of agricultural producers statewide.
Among them, 26,156 women operate farms where they live, while 1,282 serve as hired farm managers.
More than 4,200 women farmers are under the age of 35, helping Pennsylvania rank first in the nation for young agricultural producers.
Nearly 80 percent of women in agriculture also participate in day-to-day management decisions on their farms.
“Pennsylvania’s women farmers are innovators, entrepreneurs, and stewards of our land,” Schwank said. “As we celebrate International Women’s Day and the International Year of the Woman Farmer, it’s important that we continue supporting policies and programs that help women succeed in agriculture.”
Education and Workforce Programs Supporting Future Farmers
Officials also pointed to education programs and training initiatives aimed at encouraging more women to enter agriculture.
At Penn State University’s College of Agricultural Sciences, women now make up about two-thirds of the student body.
Leadership programs also reflect that trend, including Pennsylvania’s Future Farmers of America state officer team, which is predominantly female.
Organizations such as Pasa Sustainable Agriculture also provide apprenticeship opportunities that give women hands-on experience in farming.
“Women farmers are playing a critical role in building resilient farms and food systems across Pennsylvania,” said Hannah Kinney Smith, executive director of Pasa Sustainable Agriculture.
State officials say these programs — combined with policy initiatives, workforce training, and agricultural investments — are intended to strengthen Pennsylvania farms and support rural communities long-term.
Pennsylvanians can also participate in the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women’s statewide survey through May 30 at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/stateofthewoman.
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