A recent study from the American Farm Bureau Federation's Women's Leadership Committee found that women in agriculture often juggle multiple roles. While many have deep family roots in farming, 26% of women surveyed identified as first-generation producers.
That future generation is already showing an interest in carrying the industry forward.
The San Joaquin chapter is the largest California chapter of the organization, and scholarships are one way it encourages young women to pursue careers in agriculture.
Arana has spent three decades working in agriculture and specializes in animal nutrition. Her husband works in the wine industry.
"Now they're actually doing the farming or calling the shots for the farming," Arana said.
"In order to get the respect necessary, you've always had to know a little bit more than the men," she said. "But then once they realize that you do know what you're talking about, they give you the respect you're due."
More women are entering agriculture
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's 2022 Census of Agriculture, there were about 1.2 million female producers in the United States, and more than half of all farms had at least one female producer.
Arana said the trend is continuing.
Dr. Marit Arana leads the San Joaquin Chapter of California Women for Agriculture, the largest chapter in the state. She remembers women mentors helping her and she's passionate about giving fellow women an opportunity through scholarships– in the field she loves. Charlie LapastoraMcCoon has experienced that progression firsthand.
"I was fortunate enough to receive a CWA scholarship back in high school and came back to serve that industry today," McCoon said. "I am raising a young daughter who also wants to be involved in agriculture."
The program began during the COVID-19 pandemic and continued to grow, giving students an opportunity to learn about an industry they may not otherwise encounter firsthand.
The next generation
For young women like Modesto Junior College student Natalie Giuntoli, that mentorship is already making an impact.
Giuntoli has received the California Women for Agriculture scholarship twice. She raises cattle with her father and family and is also an intern with Modesto Junior College's agriculture unit.
A recent scholarship recipient, Natalie Giuntoli, who's won it twice and raises cattle with her dad and family, is gleaning that wisdom from those who've paved the way before her. Natalie GiuntoliGiuntoli credits the people who came before her for encouraging her to pursue a future in the industry.
Giuntoli said women can still face pressure to prove themselves, but she believes education is helping close that gap.
Giuntoli hopes to expand her cattle herd and pursue a career in ruminant nutrition while remaining in the Central Valley.
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