Supporting Women in Agriculture

Author: Stacey Cole, Vice President, Agribusiness Banking

Did you know that while women make up 36% of U.S. farmers, they are less likely to own large farms or hold primary decision-making roles? Yet, they are a driving force behind the industry’s future.

With 2026 designated as the International Year of the Woman Farmer, FNBO is proud to support women shaping agriculture through initiatives like sponsoring the Nebraska Women in Ag Conference, supporting FFA chapters and highlighting women-owned agribusinesses.

By the Numbers

Women’s presence in agriculture is significant. According to the U.S. Census of Agriculture, 1.2 million female producers represent 36% of all U.S. farmers. More than half (58%) of all farms have at least one female producer involved in decision-making, highlighting the vital role women play in farm operations.

Women in agriculture tend to be younger and are more likely to be beginning farmers compared to their male counterparts. Many women balance multiple responsibilities as about 67% hold a primary occupation outside of farming, demonstrating their adaptability and dedication to the ag industry.

Additionally, research from the American Farmland Trust shows that women are more likely to run small- to mid-sized farms, averaging about half the size of male-owned operations. Farm size can influence profitability and long-term sustainability, making access to financial resources and support systems essential for success.

Women in Agriculture Thrive with Banking Support

While challenges exist, women continue to succeed in agriculture, particularly with strong financial partnerships. At FNBO, we’ve seen firsthand how access to banking services helps women-owned agribusinesses grow and thrive.

Harper Feeders: Pivoting in a Crisis

Highlighting the importance of a strong partner in surviving volatility, Harper Feeders overcame significant pressures in 2020. COVID-19 stay-at-home mandates caused steep declines in the restaurant demand the Harpers relied on for their sheep and cattle.

Facing a crisis, Catherine Harper, who is poised to lead the next generation of the business, stepped up to help pivot the enterprise toward retail sales.

Looking back, her father, Mike Harper, expresses gratitude not only for his daughter’s leadership but also for FNBO’s steadfast support, noting the bank’s consistent backing through the ups and downs.

"We value our relationship with our banker and FNBO,” said Mike. “It’s definitely good to have a bank that understands you.”

P Diamond Livestock: Building a Dream

Holli Sollenbarger, co-owner of P Diamond Livestock, started working cattle alongside her husband on a Colorado ranch. Ten years later, they purchased the cattle and equipment, secured a lease for the property, and set out to build their own operation, now managing 800 head of cattle.

Securing financing was a major milestone, and Holli credits FNBO with helping them grow.

"We’re not a huge operation. When we first got financed, it was a big deal, and we've continued to grow,” Holli said. “With FNBO's help, we've been able to thrive."

One Farm Market: Reinventing Farming

Danelle Myer grew up on a row crop and cattle farm but chose to take a different path, in 2008 she started exploring chemical-free farming and began a small growing operation. In 2020, she expanded by opening One Farm Market, a brick-and-mortar store featuring her vegetables and other locally sourced products.

Like the Harpers and Sollenbargers, she credits her bank as a partner in her success.

“Before I started banking with FNBO, I was with a national bank — without much in the way of customer service or personal relationships,” Myer said. “I appreciate that with FNBO it feels like more of a local bank, and if I want to talk to someone I can. And while it’s smaller than the national bank I used to use; I can still appreciate the 'bigness.' Everyone is so professional and there are plenty of locations.”

As women continue to play an integral role in farming, ranching and other agribusinesses, access to credit and financial guidance are critical to growth and success. At FNBO, we've been supporting agribusiness for more than 167 years and are committed to supporting women in agriculture with financial solutions and expert guidance.

Ready to grow your agribusiness? Connect with an FNBO ag lender today and explore financial solutions designed for agriculture.

About the Author

Stacey has worked at FNBO since 2006. She grew up on a diversified family agricultural operation in northeast Nebraska. After graduating from Creighton University with her MBA, she joined the Executive Development Program at the Bank. Stacey then returned to her agricultural roots by joining the FNBO’s Agribusiness Banking team, where she works with ag producers in cattle, swine, grain, feed and food processing, and other agribusiness sectors.