Women play a significant and growing role across the agricultural industry. From lending and agronomy to animal science and extension services, women contribute to nearly every part of modern agriculture.
At the same time, farmland ownership tends to skew older. While many people are involved in agriculture professionally, only a small percentage of farmland owners are under the age of 35.
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Women’s Role Across Agriculture
Women account for roughly 36% of the overall agricultural workforce. Their presence spans many sectors that support farming operations and land management.
Across the industry, women make up approximately:
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- 60% of agricultural extension roles
- About 50% of agricultural lenders
- Roughly 35% of agricultural retail positions
- About 45% of agronomy-related careers
These roles help farmers manage risk, improve crop performance, and make better land management decisions.
Animal Science and Veterinary Fields
Women have an even stronger presence in animal science fields. Across the United States, women represent approximately 75–85% of practicing veterinarians.
This trend reflects how the agricultural workforce continues to evolve while still supporting core livestock and crop production systems.
Farmland Ownership by Age
Despite the strong presence of women and younger professionals working in agriculture, farmland ownership still tends to concentrate among older generations.
Only about 9% of farmland owners are under the age of 35. Because farmland is often held for decades or passed down through families, ownership tends to shift slowly over time.
Why This Matters to Landowners
Understanding who works in agriculture and who owns farmland helps explain many of the trends seen in today’s land market. Generational ownership patterns, inheritance, and long-term investment decisions all influence how farmland transfers between owners.
As new professionals enter agriculture, the future of farmland ownership will likely continue to evolve.
The Bigger Takeaway
Agriculture depends on a wide range of professionals—from agronomists and lenders to veterinarians and extension specialists. Women play a major role in these sectors, even as farmland ownership itself remains concentrated among older generations.
This post is part of our Farmland Facts series, where we share clear, practical insights that help landowners, buyers, and investors better understand what drives farmland value and land ownership decisions.
