Students from Oroville, Temecula, Kelseyville, Hanford, Minarets, and Bakersfield were elected by delegates at the 97th Annual State FFA Leadership Conference to serve as 2025-26 California State FFA Officers.
Sentinel: Sophia Camou, Bakersfield-Garces Memorial FFA
Each year, candidates vying for State FFA Office take part in an extensive online and in-person interview process with the State FFA Nominating Committee leading up to the election. The new team was announced during the closing session of the conference on Sunday, April 6 in Sacramento.
After reviewing applications and conducting initial virtual interviews, the Nominating Committee selected 34 individuals to advance to in-person interviews in Sacramento. Candidates underwent several rounds of interviews with the State Nominating Committee before being slated and elected by the California Association, FFA delegation.
California state officers take a gap year from their post-secondary plans to serve over 105,000 members of the California Association, FFA. Throughout their year of service, the officers will interact with business and industry leaders, thousands of middle and high school students, agricultural educators, corporate sponsors, government and education officials, local FFA leaders, and the general public.
The team will lead personal growth and leadership training conferences for FFA members throughout the state and help set policies that will guide the future of FFA in California and lead the next generation of leaders.
To obtain additional information about the new state officer team, contact Charles Parker, State FFA Advisor and program manager for agricultural education for the California Department of Education, at cparker@cde.ca.gov.
About California FFA: California FFA serves more than 105,000 students and strives to make a difference in their lives by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. To learn more about the California FFA, visit calaged.org.
Recent testing of material distributed from the Foundation Plant Services Classic Foundation Vineyard at the University of California, Davis, detected zero cases of grapevine red blotch and grapevine leafroll associated virus-3 infections, after one positive result during annual testing last fall.
“At this time there is no concern but we cannot get complacent,” Director Maher Al Rwahnih said of the results. “We will continue testing all individual vines every year and reconfirm that orders of Foundation Plant Services source vines are negative.”
Foundation Plant Services, or FPS, annually tests grapevines at its Classic Foundation Vineyard for grapevine red blotch virus, grapevine leafroll associated virus-3 and other economically important viruses. In October 2024, one vine out of 4,881 tested positive for grapevine leafroll associated virus-3, an infection last seen in the vineyard in 1994.
That vine was removed and surrounding vines were re-tested to ensure they were negative as well. The infected vine was also inspected for mealybug, which can transmit the virus, and none were found.
FPS recently conducted additional tests on all plant material distributed this year — and those vines that had been near the infected vine last year — and did not detect any virus. Monitoring of the surrounding vines will continue through the summer.
A source for industry
FPS provides high-quality, virus-tested grapevine material to the grapevine industry in the United States and serves as the primary source for plant materials sent to nurseries under the California Department of Agriculture’s Grapevine Registration and Certification Program.
The Classic Vineyard is home to more than 2,450 wine, table, raisin and rootstock grape selections. In 2024, Foundation Plant Services opened a new greenhouse to protect and propagate those plants in an environment safe from insects.
The grapevine leafroll associated virus-3 detection underscores the need to safeguard the vineyard’s clean grapevine collection, Al Rwahnih said. Foundation Plant Services is fundraising for a new screenhouse to further protect and make room for up to 2,000 more grape selections. The estimated cost is $3.6 million.
“Leafroll virus-3 is a severe virus,” Al Rwahnih said. “There is zero tolerance for it, red blotch or other economically important viruses. We cannot have them present.”— By Emily C. Dooley, UC Davis
According to a new economic impact study, the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Pierce’s disease (PD) and glassy-winged sharpshooter (GWSS) prevention, control and research efforts save California winegrape growers $56 million annually by reducing losses from the fatal grapevine disease. Without the program’s efforts, growers’ losses would more than double from $48 million to $104 million. The study found that if GWSS spread unchecked, outbreaks of PD could cost winegrape growers an additional $56 million a year in lost production and vine replacement.
“This study highlights the serious threat Pierce’s disease and the glassy-winged sharpshooter pose to our industry and reinforces the importance of grower-funded research,” said Randy Heinzen, a Paso Robles winegrape grower on the Pierce’s Disease and Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter Board. “The public-private partnership led by the Pierce’s Disease Control Program is vital, allowing grower assessment funds to drive research that improves pest and disease management and to develop practical, sustainable solutions for the long-term viability of our industry.”
The unique funding partnership the winegrape industry forged between growers, the state and federal government and industry fuels the essential research and control operations that have significantly blunted the most severe impacts of PD and GWSS. Even with these efforts, PD still costs an estimated $110 million annually in California, including $45 million for control, prevention and research, $48 million in lost winegrape production and vine replacement and $17 million in lost table and raisin grape production and vine replacement. Without these critical programs, the industry’s losses in production and vine replacement would be even higher, putting greater financial strain on growers and threatening the long-term stability of California’s vineyards.
With industry and government support keeping PD and GWSS in check, grower-funded research continues to drive advancements in pest and disease management while supporting field trials for promising solutions. According to the study’s authors, the economic burden of PD and GWSS could decrease as this research yields practical, vineyard-ready innovations.
As we kick off California’s Down to Earth Month, the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance celebrates four wineries and vineyard companies awarded 2025 California Green Medal Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership Awards. These companies join a decade of past winners from throughout the Golden State. These awardees are recognized for their notable sustainability practices and innovation based on a comprehensive judging process focused on both sustainable viticulture and winemaking. Presented by several California wine organizations devoted to sustainability, four green medals are awarded annually in the following categories: Leader, Environment, Community and Business. American Vineyard Magazine was proud to be among this year’s awards sponsors.
“As the California Green Medal enters its second decade, this year’s winners exemplify leadership and innovation in sustainable winegrowing,” said Allison Jordan, executive director of the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance. “These four outstanding wineries and vineyards showcase the holistic commitment to sustainability — preserving natural resources, protecting the environment, enhancing wine quality and enriching the lives of employees and communities — all while producing exceptional grapes and wines.”
Winners of the 2025 California Green Medals are:
LEADER AWARD, given to the vineyard or winery that excels in the three “Es” of sustainability — Environmentally sound, socially Equitable and Economically viable practices.
Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery
Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery in St. Helena, California, has integrated an unwavering holistic approach into every aspect of its operations for decades. Practicing organic farming since 1985, Spottswoode holds many certifications including Regenerative Organic Certified®, Napa Green Vineyard and Winery, B Corp, California Certified Organic Farmers, Demeter Biodynamic, International Wineries for Climate Action Gold Level and True Zero Waste Gold Level, showcasing its deep commitment to land and community stewardship. Focusing on soil health and biodiversity, Spottswoode is using no-till farming, nutrient-rich cover crops and sheep grazing to enhance soil while reducing environmental impact. Their innovative water conservation efforts — including real-time vine water analysis, nighttime irrigation and high-efficiency cleaning systems — have cut water use 28% since 2010. Solar arrays support wine production, agricultural and office energy use while electric vehicles further reduce their emissions. Beyond their estate, Spottswoode advances environmental stewardship and empowers fellow growers’ transition to organic farming through financial incentives and technical assistance. Spottswoode also drives climate advocacy by participating in multiple sustainability-focused boards. For their environmental and community leadership and dedication to a vibrant, sustainable future, Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery is the winner of the 2025 California Green Medal Sustainable Winegrowing Leader Award.
ENVIRONMENT AWARD, given to the vineyard or winery that best demonstrates Environmental Stewardship through maximized environmental benefits from implementing sustainable practices.
CHANDON
Nestled in the heart of Napa Valley, CHANDON is a pioneer in sustainable winegrowing, continuously pushing the boundaries of environmental stewardship. With CHANDON, water conservation is a top priority with automated irrigation and real-time moisture monitoring on 257 acres of vineyard and drought-tolerant rootstocks planted to even more acres, reducing water use across the vineyard. Over 80% of the water used in their vineyards is recycled, ensuring efficiency without compromising vine health. Through composting, cover cropping and sheep grazing, they nurture soil health while enhancing biodiversity across their vineyards. CHANDON also leads in renewable energy, with solar panels powering operations and a growing fleet of electric and hybrid vehicles replacing fossil fuel-dependent equipment. Beyond their vineyards, CHANDON restores native habitats, planting miles of hedgerows and 1,000 oak trees with a policy to replant three trees for every tree that is dead or removed to enhance biodiversity. Their commitment extends to waste reduction, with a transition to lightweight glass bottles alone cutting carbon emissions by 10%. For their dedication to protecting the land and pioneering sustainable practices, we celebrate CHANDON as the recipient of the 2025 California Green Medal Sustainable Winegrowing Environment Award.
COMMUNITY AWARD, given to the vineyard or winery that is a Good Neighbor and Employer using the most innovative practices that enhance relations with employees, neighbors and/or communities.
Jordan Vineyards & Winery
Located in Sonoma’s Alexander Valley, Jordan Vineyards & Winery is a pillar of sustainability and community. A significant portion of Jordan’s revenue funds the John Jordan Foundation, which has impacted over 220 organizations in education, health and youth services. The foundation has supported crisis relief efforts, including housing displaced animals during wildfires and donating $100,000 to Sonoma Restaurant Relief during the pandemic. In the past two years, Jordan has hosted a philanthropic event for Smile Train, raising more than $100,000 for cleft palate care. In efforts to share philanthropy with its employees, in 2025, Jordan’s 100 employees will receive $1,000 each to donate to a nonprofit of their choice, reinforcing their culture of giving back to the local and international community. With a commitment to preserving over 75% of its 1,200-acre estate as native habitat, Jordan has planted over 2,500 pollinator plants, earning the 2022 Monarch Sustainer of the Year award. Solar panels generate 70% of the winery’s electricity while greenhouse gas emissions have dropped 86% by procuring remaining electricity from local renewable energy sources. For its unwavering dedication to community, sustainability and a better future for all, Jordan Vineyards & Winery is the recipient of the 2025 California Green Medal Sustainable Winegrowing Community Award.
BUSINESS AWARD, given to the vineyard or winery that best demonstrates Smart Business through efficiencies, cost savings and innovation from implementing sustainable practices.
Nuveen Natural Capital
With operations throughout California, Nuveen Natural Capital (NNC) exemplifies how sustainability is not just good for the planet — it’s good for business. Their commitment to soil health on their managed properties is reflected in their range of responsible practices including biochar application and cover-crop crimping. Such practices improve soil productivity and enhance carbon sequestration. As part of their integrated pest management approach, NNC developed a custom application to monitor pests and pathogens, as well as beneficial organisms. They also experiment with innovative techniques such as UV-C light technology for fungus control and electricity to control weeds with the goal of reducing reliance on crop protection materials and associated costs. These strategies benefit the environment and soil health as well as promote biodiversity, helping to build resilient ecosystems. Their energy efficiency efforts, including the use of renewable diesel across 15,000 acres of vineyards, demonstrate their intent to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase economic efficiency. Another example of the cost benefits of sustainable winegrowing is NNC’s investment in PVC liners to fortify porous canals and reservoirs that has saved substantial amounts of water and energy, demonstrating NNC’s comprehensive approach to water efficiency. NNC blends sustainability with social equity and opportunities for people with disabilities, proving that every vineyard can cultivate a more inclusive future. Crop managers are encouraged to hire, train and support people with disabilities in viticultural work and over 150 workers have found employment through this initiative. For their integration of sustainable practices with business efficiency, technological innovation and community engagement, Nuveen Natural Capital is the recipient of the 2025 California Green Medal Sustainable Winegrowing Business Award.
About the California Green Medal Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership Awards
The California Green Medal is presented by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance, California Association of Winegrape Growers, Wine Institute, Lodi Winegrape Commission, Napa Valley Vintners, Napa Green, Sonoma County Winegrowers and Vineyard Team. California vineyards and wineries that participate in a sustainability program in California are eligible to apply in four award categories (Leader, Environment, Community and Business) that recognize outstanding achievement in sustainability. A judging panel of wine and sustainability experts make the final selections, and each recipient receives an engraved Green Medal and is recognized for their contributions to California wines’ world-leading efforts on wine sustainability. A customized award ceremony also helps to share their achievement with staff, customers, media and other stakeholders of their choice.
The Almond Board of California is pleased to announce that California almond growers voted to continue their almond federal marketing order program for five more years.
Voting was held Dec. 4 to Dec. 20, 2024, and 90.5 percent of voting growers, who together made up 93.3 percent of the almond volume represented in the voting, supported continuing the marketing order.
The USDA conducts a continuance referendum every five years for the Almond Board of California (ABC) marketing order. The marketing order was established by the industry in 1950 to help growers and handlers work together to address the ever-changing demands on the industry changes and to drive global demand and drive marketing success.
For the marketing order to remain in effect, it required approval from at least two-thirds of voting growers or two-thirds of the volume of almonds represented in the vote. Growers must have produced California almonds between Aug. 1, 2023, and July 31, 2024 to take part in the voting.
The vote represents the California almond industry’s confidence in the Almond Board and the many programs it administers and funds with industry assessment dollars. California almonds are the state’s No. 1 crop by acreage, No. 1 ag export, No. 5 crop by value and the No. 1 specialty crop export in the U.S.
ABC’s initiatives have strengthened key areas such as domestic and international marketing, nutrition research, data collection, production research, environmental stewardship and food safety and quality. By working together, the almond industry has developed valuable tools for growers, driven demand worldwide and achieved impressive milestones over the years.
More than 200 industry members serve on the Almond Board’s Board of Directors, committees and work groups, and ABC works to engage as many industry members as possible in planning ABC programs and to encourage growers from widely diverse segments of the almond industry to participate in activities.
Industry members are encouraged to attend one of ABC’s many public committee and Board of Directors meetings held throughout the year. A meeting schedule may be found at Almonds.com/Events.
Water scarcity remains a top challenge for grape growers, but the right irrigation strategies can make all the difference. American Vineyard Live and Hot Spot Ag are teaming up to host a live webcast on April 10, 2025, at 10 AM PDT, helping vineyard owners and managers maximize their irrigation efficiency this season.
Titled “Making the Most of Limited Water”, this free webcast will feature Cassie Braswell of Hot Spot Ag and Larry Williams, Professor Emeritus, who will share expert insights and actionable strategies to help growers conserve resources, optimize irrigation, and improve yield. The “Water Smarter this Season,” session will include practical solutions tailored to the unique challenges of vineyard irrigation.
💧 Bonus for Live Attendees! Live viewers will be entered for a chance to win a brand-new set of Bahco pruning tools or a $100 Amazon gift card!
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and take control of your vineyard’s water management strategy before the summer heat arrives. Register now to secure your spot!
New data from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service is beginning to shed light on the impact of beef and dairy crossbred cattle on the beef supply chain. While limited in scope, the data collected to date suggests the growing number of beef-on-dairy animals is contributing to higher cattle prices for producers and delivering added value to feedlots and processors.
The practice of using beef genetics in dairy reproductive programs, commonly referred to as “beef on dairy” within the industry, has steadily increased as the U.S. beef cow herd has contracted. Historically, cattle market analysts had limited pricing data to quantify the impact of beef-on-dairy on the cattle market. That changed in March 2024 when USDA began tracking beef-on-dairy animals sold at public auctions.
According to an analysis outlined in a new CoBank Knowledge Exchange report, the slaughter auction prices for beef-on-dairy cattle were slightly higher than for beef cattle and significantly higher than for dairy cattle. The weight of beef-on-dairy animals fell between the ends of the beef and dairy cattle spectrum.
USDA-AMS, CoBank
“The data also showed that beef-on-dairy cattle maintained the largest proportion of their value from feeder price to slaughter cattle auction price on a per hundredweight basis,” said Abbi Prins, livestock analyst with CoBank. “That’s an important financial metric for feedlots. We’ll have to see if these patterns hold over time as additional data becomes available. But preliminarily, it reaffirms the value proposition beef-on-dairy brings to the wider beef sector.”
The U.S. beef cow herd is at historically low levels due to prolonged drought and poor grazing conditions. Tight supplies amid robust consumer demand for beef have pushed cattle prices to record highs. Dairy producers are capitalizing on the opportunity to capture higher prices and an additional revenue stream by producing more beef-on-dairy calves for sale into the beef market.
While beef-on-dairy breeding is not a new phenomenon, additional opportunities to track and analyze these animals using performance metrics throughout their life will enhance efficiencies and profitability in the cattle sector, Prins added.
Beef Quality is Surging
U.S. beef quality has undergone a near complete transformation over the last decade. Prime beef production has increased 140% to reach more than 2 billion pounds annually. Production of Choice grade beef, which makes up over three-quarters of the market, grew 20% with nearly 16 billion pounds produced in 2024. Meanwhile, production of lower-grade meat like Select decreased 37% since 2014 to land at 3.17 billion pounds in 2024.
While the dairy industry’s contributions to meat quality are not easily discernable from publicly sourced data, many of the animals from dairy programs that utilize native beef genetics such as Angus can now qualify for branded premium programs.
“Purebred beef cattle will remain the dominant source of the U.S. beef supply, and that’s not going to change,” said Prins. “But considering the added value crossbred dairy-beef animals are bringing to market for all participants in the supply chain, it is unlikely the trend will slow any time soon.”
CoBank is a cooperative bank serving vital industries across rural America. The bank provides loans, leases, export financing and other financial services to agribusinesses and rural power, water and communications providers in all 50 states. The bank also provides wholesale loans and other financial services to affiliated Farm Credit associations serving more than 77,000 farmers, ranchers and other rural borrowers in 23 states around the country.
CoBank is a member of the Farm Credit System, a nationwide network of banks and retail lending associations chartered to support the borrowing needs of U.S. agriculture, rural infrastructure and rural communities. Headquartered outside Denver, Colorado, CoBank serves customers from regional banking centers across the U.S. and also maintains an international representative office in Singapore.
On March 21st, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced key presidential appointments to the Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC) mission area. These appointees will lead efforts to advance President Trump’s America First agenda and ensure that farmers, ranchers, and producers have the support they need to keep feeding, fueling, and clothing America.
“FPAC is the most farmer-facing mission area at USDA, housing the Farm Service Agency, the Risk Management Agency, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service—agencies producers rely on every day,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. “Following this week’s $10 billion economic assistance announcement, these appointees will help ensure that support gets to farmers and ranchers without bureaucratic delays. Strong leadership in FPAC means real results, less red tape, and a USDA that works for those who feed, fuel, and clothe America. I’m proud to welcome these new leaders who will champion our farmers and rural communities.”
The FPAC mission area plays a vital role in delivering USDA programs directly to farmers and ranchers across the country, from disaster assistance and risk management to conservation efforts that protect and enhance working lands. These newly appointed leaders will be instrumental in executing these programs efficiently and effectively, reinforcing the Trump Administration’s commitment to rural America.
Brooke Appleton Appointed as Deputy Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation
Brooke Shupe Appleton serves as the Deputy Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation. Most recently, Appleton served as Vice President of Public Policy for the National Corn Growers Association. In this role, Appleton led NCGA’s Washington, D.C. office, overseeing advocacy for policy effecting corn farmers across the country. Previously, Appleton served as the Chief of Staff to the Deputy Secretary at USDA during the first Trump Administration. Prior to her time at USDA, Appleton worked at the National Association and Wheat Growers and started her career on Capitol Hill working for U.S. Representative Sam Graves of Missouri. Appleton holds a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management from the University of Missouri-Columbia and was raised on her family’s row crop and cattle farm in Stanberry, Missouri.
Andrew Fisher Appointed as Chief of Staff for Farm Production and Conservation
Andrew Fisher serves as Chief of Staff for Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC). Most recently, Andrew served as a Legislative Assistant for U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and previously held the same position for U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO). He holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Economics from the University of Missouri. Andrew grew up on a farrow to wean hog operation where he also assisted his grandfather with backgrounding cattle.
Aubrey Bettencourt Appointed as Chief of the Natural Resource Conservation Service
Aubrey Bettencourt will serve as Chief of the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). Aubrey is a prominent leader in agriculture, water, and sustainability, most recently serving as the Global Director of Government Relations and External Affairs for Netafim, an Orbia Company. Her previous roles include serving as President and CEO of the Almond Alliance and Deputy Assistant Secretary for the U.S. Department of the Interior in the first Trump Administration. Her work reflects a strong commitment to water policy, agricultural support, and sustainable practices, supported by her family’s farming roots in Kings County, California. Aubrey holds a degree in History from Westmont College.
Bill Beam Appointed as Administrator for the Farm Service Agency
Bill Beam will serve as the Administrator for the Farm Service Agency (FSA) within Farm Production and Conservation. Bill is from Elverson, Pennsylvania where he owns and operates Beam Farms Inc. with his family. In addition to growing corn, soybeans, wheat and hay, Beam Farms has a sawdust and wood shavings business that serves the wood industry and agriculture throughout Pennsylvania and surrounding states. Bill has served on various boards and committees including the Pennsylvania Soybean Board, United Soybean Board, United States Soybean Export Council, Rural Investment to Protect Our Environment and Tel Hai Board. Bill formerly served as Deputy Administrator of Farm Programs for FSA in the first Trump Administration.
Pat Swanson Appointed as Administrator for the Risk Management Agency
Pat Swanson will serve as the Administrator for the Risk Management Agency (RMA) within Farm Production and Conservation. Most recently, Pat has served as a director for the American Soybean Association (ASA) and completed her term on the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Board. Along with her husband, Don, Pat has experience running a crop insurance agency, helping farmers in southeastern Iowa manage risk through crop, forage, pasture and livestock insurance. Pat and her family run a seventh-generation farm near Ottumwa, Iowa. They raise soybeans, corn, and have a cow-calf operation. Pat is an alumna of Iowa State University and is passionate about advocating for farmers through her involvement with Iowa 4-H, CommonGround Iowa and her work with ASA.
Colton Buckley Appointed as Chief of Staff for Natural Resources Conservation Service
Colton Buckley serves as the Chief of Staff for the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Most recently, Colton served as the Chief Executive Officer of the National Association of Resource Conservation and Development Councils. Previously, Colton was appointed to the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents by Governor Rick Perry, the Texas Commissioner of Agriculture’s Advisory Council, and the Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas Board of Directors, representing rural economic development. He is a proud alumnus of Turning Point USA. Colton holds a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Services and Development from Tarleton State University, a Master of Arts in Communication from Liberty University, and was raised on his grandparents’ cattle ranch in Gatesville, Texas.
On March 27th, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins sent a letter (PDF, 44.6 KB) to Governor Gavin Newsom announcing a review of federal funding California receives intended for research and education. This letter comes as part of an effort spearheaded by President Donald J. Trump to ensure that taxpayer dollars are not spent on programs that violate federal law and parental rights.
“This is to inform you that the United States Department of Agriculture is undertaking a review of its research and other education-related funding in California for compliance with the Constitution, federal laws including Titles VI and IX, and the priorities of the Trump Administration,” the Secretary wrote in the letter.
“In particular, the Department of Agriculture will support the U.S. Department of Education (ED) in its investigation into the California Department of Education (CDE) for alleged violations of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)… USDA will support ED’s investigation and efforts to vigorously protect parents’ rights and ensure that students do not fall victim to a radical transgender ideology that often leads to family alienation and irreversible medical interventions,” the Secretary continued.
The Department of Agriculture will be working in tandem with other Departments and agencies responsible for state educational, research, and other such entities to ensure compliance with the Constitution, federal laws, including Titles VI and IX, and the priorities of this Administration, and to correct and remediate any violations.
In particular, the Department of Agriculture will support the U.S. Department of Education (ED) in its investigation into the California Department of Education (CDE) for alleged violations of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). As the ED reported today, FERPA gives parents the right to access their children’s education records, but the California Department of Education has allegedly abdicated the responsibilities FERPA imposes, due to a new California state law that prohibits school personnel from disclosing records about a child’s “gender identity” to that child’s parent. USDA will support ED’s investigation and efforts to vigorously protect parents’ rights and ensure that students do not fall victim to a radical transgender ideology that often leads to family alienation and irreversible medical interventions.
State laws do not override federal laws, and educational entities receiving federal funding are subject to FERPA and its implementing regulations. Violation of FERPA can result in termination of an educational entity’s federal funding.
FERPA is a federal privacy law enforced by the ED. FERPA gives parents the right to access their children’s education records, the right to request record corrections or amendments, and the right to control, with important exceptions, disclosure of personally identifiable information in education records.
California Assembly Bill 1955, which was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom and took effect on January 1, 2025, appears to conflict with FERPA by prohibiting schools from requiring personnel to disclose records about a child’s “gender identity” to that child’s parent. As a result, according to the California Justice Center, “every public school in California has a policy of denying, or effectively preventing, the parents of students…the right to inspect and review the education records of their children.”
As Women’s History Month highlights the contributions of women across industries, a quiet transformation is unfolding in American agriculture. Female farmers are taking on a larger role in shaping the future of farming, contributing to both local economies and national food production.
Recent data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture reveals a steady rise in the number of women involved in farm decision-making and management. From small family farms to large commercial operations, women are increasingly present in agricultural leadership. As this shift continues, certain parts of the country stand out for having a higher concentration of female farmers.
This report, conducted by food and beverage software provider Trace One, examines where women are making the biggest impact in agriculture, analyzing the states with the highest share of female producers and female-operated farms.
The Growing Number of Female Farmers in the U.S.
Trace One analysis of USDA data
Over the past two decades, the share of female farmers in the United States has steadily increased. According to data from the most recent Census of Agriculture, women now make up more than a third of all agricultural producers, a notable rise from 26.9% in 2002.
A key turning point came with the 2017 Census of Agriculture, which expanded the definition of producers to provide a more comprehensive picture of the people involved in farm decision-making. As a result, the recorded number of female producers increased significantly from 969,672 in 2012 to 1,227,461 in 2017, in part due to this broader definition.
Despite this change in methodology, the data also shows a clear long-term trend: the number of male producers has been declining since 2007, when it peaked at 2.3 million. By 2022, that number had fallen to 2.15 million, continuing a downward trajectory. Meanwhile, the share of female producers has grown consistently across every Census—from 30.0% in 2007 to 30.5% in 2012, even before the definitional change in 2017 pushed it higher to 36.1%. The 2022 Census confirmed that this upward trend has continued, with women now accounting for 36.3% of all producers.
Female Farmers by Industry
Trace One analysis of USDA data
While there are a record number of female farmers in the U.S., their presence varies significantly across different farming industries. Female producers are most concentrated in livestock operations involving smaller animals, specialty crops, and greenhouse production, while they have lower representation in large-scale commodity farming.
Women have the highest representation in sheep and goat farming, where they make up 46.1% of all producers, followed closely by aquaculture and other animal production (44.9%). This category includes horse farming, which has historically had strong female participation. Poultry and egg farming also has a high share of female producers (43.2%). While large-scale poultry production is dominated by major agribusinesses, smaller-scale poultry operations—such as those focused on pasture-raised eggs, organic poultry, or specialty breeds—are also common.
Additionally, female producers are well represented in vegetable and melon farming (39.3%), greenhouse and floriculture production (39.3%), and fruit and tree nut farming (38.0%). These sectors frequently involve intensive management, diversified crop production, and specialty markets, which may attract more women.
In contrast, female representation is lower in commodity crop production and large-scale livestock operations. Women account for just 27.5% of cotton farmers, 25.9% of oilseed and grain producers, and only 21.2% of tobacco farmers—the lowest share among all major agricultural sectors. Similarly, industries that require large-scale infrastructure, such as cattle feedlots (28.4%) and dairy farming (29.9%), have lower female participation rates.
The Concentration of Female Farmers by State & County
Trace One analysis of USDA data
Female farmers are not evenly distributed across the country. The western United States and the Northeast have the highest concentrations of female producers, while much of the Midwest and parts of the Southeast have the lowest.
Arizona leads the nation, with 47.9% of its agricultural producers being women. Other western states also rank high, including Alaska (47.6%), Oregon (44.0%), and Nevada (42.7%). In the Northeast, states such as New Hampshire (44.8%), Maine (43.1%), and Rhode Island (42.9%) also have a high share of female producers. These regions tend to have a greater proportion of smaller farms, direct-to-consumer markets, and diversified operations, which may offer more opportunities for women.
In contrast, the Midwest has the lowest share of female farmers, with the bottom five states being Illinois (28.0%), North Dakota (29.9%), Minnesota (31.0%), South Dakota (31.2%), and Iowa (32.7%). The Southeast also has relatively lower concentrations, with North Carolina (33.3%), Mississippi (34.4%), Alabama (34.7%), and several other southern states ranking below the national average. These regions are home to large-scale commodity crop operations—such as corn, soybeans, and commercial livestock—which historically have had lower female representation.
County-level data reinforces these trends. Among the nation’s largest agricultural counties, Coconino County, AZ (52.9%) has the highest share among large counties, followed closely by Apache County, AZ (52.6%) and Navajo County, AZ (51.0%). These counties include tribal lands, where women often play a significant role in agriculture, and also contain some of the highest concentrations of small farms in the country. Other counties with a high proportion of female farmers include Pierce County, WA (49.5%); Deschutes County, OR (49.2%); and McKinley County, NM (49.1%), reinforcing the regional trend of stronger female representation in the West.
Here is a summary of the data for California:
Female producers as a share of total: 37.7%
Female-operated farms as a share of total: 63.4%
10-year change in female producers: +12.9%
10-year change in female-operated farms: +5.4%
Total female producers: 45,244
Total female-operated farms: 40,011
Total producers: 119,923
Total farms: 63,134
For reference, here are the statistics for the entire United States:
Female producers as a share of total: 36.3%
Female-operated farms as a share of total: 58.4%
10-year change in female producers: +26.3%
10-year change in female-operated farms: +20.2%
Total female producers: 1,224,726
Total female-operated farms: 1,110,546
Total producers: 3,374,044
Total farms: 1,900,487
Methodology
The data in this study was sourced from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Census of Agriculture, specifically the most recent 2022 edition, which was released in 2024. Researchers at Trace One analyzed the data to determine the states and counties with the highest representation of female farmers. This was measured in two ways: the proportion of total agricultural producers who are women and the percentage of farms classified as female-operated. According to the USDA, a producer is defined as any individual actively involved in making decisions for a farming operation. A female-operated farm, meanwhile, is one in which at least one producer is a woman.
The analysis includes national-level data, all 50 states, and counties with available information. However, due to missing data or modifications in geographic definitions, counties in Alaska and Connecticut were excluded from the county-level findings. To allow for meaningful comparisons, counties were categorized based on their number of agricultural producers: small (fewer than 1,000 producers), midsize (1,000 to 2,500 producers), and large (more than 2,500 producers). — By Federico Fontanella, Trace One
