According to the latest USDA Census of Agriculture, the U.S. has more than 1.2 million female agricultural producers. That represents about 36 percent of all producers nationwide.
Women are involved on a majority of farms. Fifty-six percent of farms reported at least one female producer. About 9 percent of farms were operated entirely by women.
Farms with female operators accounted for 38 percent of U.S. agricultural sales and managed 43 percent of U.S. farmland.
Compared to male producers, women in agriculture are slightly younger on average, more likely to live on the farm they operate, and more likely to be new to farming. Women make up 41 percent of beginning producers.
These trends reflect broader economic and demographic patterns. Women in the U.S. still earn less than men on average across most industries. Farm ownership and self-employment can be one way to build income and long-term assets. Women also live longer than men on average, which can mean more years working in farm businesses and managing land.
Source: USDA Census of Agriculture, 2022.