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How Women Can Start in Agriculture — A Practical Guide to Owning Your Place on the Land

Women are the fastest-growing group in agriculture. Nearly 40% of U.S. farmers are women — and that number is rising every year. They are ranchers, flower growers, poultry farmers, dairy owners, beekeepers, business owners, and legacy builders.

But one of the biggest questions I get asked is: “How do I start if I didn’t grow up on a farm?”

The good news? You can start from scratch. Whether you’re 18, 28, or 58 — agriculture has room for you. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help women enter the world of farming with confidence and clarity.

Practical Guide to Owning Your Place on the Land

1. You Don’t Need to Be Born Into It — You Just Need to Begin

You don't need 100 acres or a last name tied to a ranch. Start where you are.

  • Plant a garden.

  • Join a community-supported agriculture (CSA) program.

  • Volunteer or work part-time on a local farm.

  • Take online classes or attend farm workshops.

The fastest way to learn agriculture is through hands-on experience, not just research.


2. Choose Your Path in Agriculture

Agriculture is not just cows and tractors — it is science, business, technology, nutrition, and land management. Ask yourself:

Agriculture Path

Examples

Crop Production

Vegetables, flowers, herbs, grains, hemp

Livestock

Cattle, goats, poultry, sheep, dairy

Value-Added

Jams, soaps, cheese, fiber crafts, baked goods

Agri-Business

Farm consulting, bookkeeping, marketing, farm loans

Conservation & Soil Health

Regenerative farming, land restoration

Agri-Tourism

Pumpkin patches, farm stays, U-pick farms

Pick a lane — and let your skills, passion, and resources guide your direction.


3. Land Access — You Have Options

Buying land isn’t the only way to start farming. Women across the country are starting with:

✅ Leasing land from local owners

✅ Using family land or church land agreements

✅ Shared partnerships or co-ops

✅ USDA Farm Ownership Loans & Microloans

✅ Beginning farmer land grant programs


Even 1 acre can grow thousands of pounds of food. 10 raised beds can teach you more than 10 hours of YouTube videos.


4. Funding & Financial Support for Women Farmers

You do not have to fund your dream farm by yourself. There are real programs created for you:

  • USDA FSA Loans – for land, livestock, barns, tractors.

  • FSA Microloans – up to $50,000 for beginners.

  • NRCS Grants & Cost-Share Programs – for high tunnels, fencing, water systems, soil health projects.

  • State and Local Programs – like Women in Ag grants, farm incubators, university-led training.

  • Private Funding & Scholarships – Annie’s Project, American Agri-Women, FarmHer, Farm Credit scholarships.


5. Mentorship & Community — Don’t Do It Alone

The greatest strength in agriculture? Community.Women are joining together in co-ops, mentorship groups, online farming circles, and local farmer networks. Learning from someone who has already done it can save you time, money, and heartbreak.

Look into:

  • Women in Agriculture Conferences & Workshops

  • Extension Services at Local Universities

  • Online groups like National Women in Agriculture Association & FarmHer

  • Local farm bureaus or young farmer programs


Final Word: You Belong Here

If you feel called to the land — grow it.If you want to raise animals — learn it.If you dream of owning a farm one day — start with what’s in your hands right now.

You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to take the first step.


📩 Free Resource for You

Want funding leads, land access strategies, and a farm startup checklist?👉 Text “WOMEN IN AG” to get the Free Resource Pack for Women Farmers.

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