Rebekah Alstede Modery and Sarah Alstede, who grew up on a New Jersey farm, have decided to continue their careers on the family farm. Rebekah, who graduated in 2023 with a double major in agricultural business and sustainable agricultural production, felt a strong connection to the farm and its marketing aspects. Sarah, on the other hand, recently graduated with a focus in equine studies and knew from a young age that she wanted to be a part of the farm. Both sisters joined their father and stepmother as co-owners of Alstede Farms, marking a significant shift in the farm’s ownership to majority women-owned. Traditionally seen as a male-dominated field, farming is seeing a shift with more women taking on key decision-making roles.
There has been a growing number of female producers in the farming industry, representing about 36% of all producers in 2022, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service. Women have always played a part in agriculture, but it was not always reflected in data collection. With the inclusion of more detailed demographic questions in the Census of Agriculture, the involvement of women in key decision-making roles on farms has become more apparent. Women are actively engaged in day-to-day decisions and financial management, highlighting their essential contribution to the farming sector.
As younger women like Rebekah and Sarah step into roles making key farm decisions, they face a host of financial challenges. Farms in the U.S. are consolidating, with fewer farms but larger average farm sizes. Many farms carry debt, leading to liquidity challenges due to high-interest rates. Climate change and weather extremes also pose significant challenges to farmers, impacting crop development and pest management. Farming businesses need to adapt to changing weather conditions by investing in infrastructure and risk management tools to mitigate potential losses.
Farming businesses like Alstede Farms are facing the impact of climate change firsthand. Unpredictable weather patterns, such as frost-freeze periods and excessive rainfall, threaten crop yields and farm profitability. Farmers must invest in labor and equipment to protect their crops from weather-related risks, such as frost damage and flooding. The increasing variability in weather conditions adds a layer of financial and operational complexity for farming businesses, requiring proactive planning and resource allocation to manage these challenges effectively.
Despite the financial and operational challenges they face, women like Rebekah and Sarah are determined to overcome adversity and build a sustainable future for their farm. By leveraging their family’s experience and grit, they are prepared to navigate the uncertainties of farming businesses. Their commitment to innovation and resilience in the face of challenges demonstrates the critical role that women play in shaping the future of agriculture. As they continue to take on leadership roles in farming businesses, they are paving the way for a more inclusive and diversified agricultural sector.
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