Female Farmers a Special Focus of 2026 Women in Agribusiness Summit

Now in its 15^th year, the Women in Agribusiness (WIA) Summit will bring professionals from across the food and ag value chains - including farmers and ranchers - together in New Orleans, Sept. 22-24.

Panel Discussions, Workshops, Networking and More

The Summit's robust agenda includes panel discussions offering insights on ag markets, sustainability, risk management and several other topics, as well as workshops focused on leadership development and workplace transformation.

Along with various receptions and other formal networking opportunities, the whole event is an opportunity for connection and collaboration that lasts past the conference itself.

"It created both an internal community and an external foundation," Michele Fite, chief commercial officer at ELO Life Systems and WIA Advisory Board member, said of her several experiences at the summit. "It resonated then and still does. Because it's not about checking a box. It's about building real relationships, confidence, and momentum for women in an industry that needs all three."

Beyond the Conference Room Walls

Attendees looking for a unique way to kick off their WIA Summit experience can join a tour of CHS' Myrtle Grove grain terminal or, for those looking for a little local flavor, there's a "Coffee, Culture & the Women Who Shaped New Orleans" walking tour.

And, along with an onsite reception, there will be an evening event at Mardi Gras World.

Focus on Female Farmers

Leaning into the International Year of the Woman Farmer, the Women in Agribusiness Summit has numerous sessions highlighting female farmers and ranchers.

Jessica Cabrera, managing director of member engagement and Farm State of Mind at the American Farm Bureau Federation, will participate in a panel discussion on promoting women in agriculture across the globe.

Cabrera will be joined by Juliana Farah, president of the Agricultural Sowing Commission of the Sao Paolo State Agriculture and Livestock Federation, and Payal Pathak, director at Athena Tradewinds PVT LTD.

Svitlana Synkovska, portfolio director of Arc Network, will moderate the panel.

Cabrera will share the results of an extensive study conducted by AFBF, providing a comprehensive look at women in agriculture in the United States.

The study, released on June 1, identifies the essential roles women play in building a sustainable future for agriculture as well as opportunities for growth, improvement and additional support.

"I'm looking forward to sharing the insights the study has provided Farm Bureau and all of agriculture," said Cabrera. "From the role women play in raising crops and tending livestock to balancing off-farm jobs, caring for children and volunteering in their communities, I'm sure there's quite a bit of overlap in the challenges and opportunities for farm women across the globe."

And, as they do every year, the WIA Summit will include a panel discussion among female farmers who grow a variety of crops and raise livestock.

Demeter Award Presentation

Among the accolades presented during the Summit is the Demeter Award of Excellence, which highlights women who have achieved excellence in their field or demonstrated an outstanding contribution to the agribusiness industry. Typically, there are three Demeter Award categories, but in honor of the International Year of the Woman Farmer, Women in Agribusiness expanded the award to include a female farmer category.

The Demeter Award recipient in the female farmer category is Terri Hawbaker, a dairy farmer in Michigan.

AFBF promoted the award opportunity among Farm Bureau's strong network of female farmers across the United States and is providing support and recognition through the full award lifecycle, including covering travel and lodging for Hawbaker to accept her award at the 2026 Women in Agribusiness Summit.

Farm Bureau Member Discount and One-day Pass

Farm Bureau members can register for the Summit using code "AFBF15" for 15% off the $2,150 registration fee.

Additionally, Women in Agribusiness is offering one-day pass (Wednesday, Sept. 23) for $999 through this link.

American Farm Bureau Women's Leadership Committee

For a deeper dive into Farm Bureau's Women in Agriculture study, visit the American Farm Bureau Women's Leadership Committee online here, where you also learn more about the committee's work, including the Women's Communications Boot Camp.