Illinois Agri Women launch national awards for farm families
Women have always played an important role in agriculture, building farms, businesses, and communities through generations. To recognize this contribution, Illinois Agri Women have launched a new national program called “Generations of Women in Agriculture Across America” (GoAg3).
This initiative will honor three outstanding families who have carried on farming and agricultural leadership through three or more generations of women. Families involved in both production agriculture and the wider agriculture industry are invited to apply. The top three families will be awarded $5,000, $2,500, and $1,000 respectively, based on their application scores.
The winning families will be recognized at the GoAg3 educational and professional development event and celebration luncheon on August 21, 2026, at Destihl Brewery in Normal, Illinois. Participants will be guests of Illinois Agri Women at the seminar and luncheon, celebrating their legacies and inspiring others.
Illinois Agri Women encourage nominations and applications from across the country. The goal is to honor women who have shared their knowledge, passed on traditions, and encouraged daughters, nieces, sisters, and granddaughters to pursue agricultural careers.
This initiative is also supported by women like Penny Lauritzen, who has seen her mother’s dedication to the family farm and passed that legacy down to her own daughter and granddaughter. Her story reflects the strength and vision of women who have shaped agriculture for decades.
Applications for families to submit their information are available online on the Illinois Agri Women website.
Through this national program, Illinois Agri Women aim to celebrate the resilience, leadership, and legacy of women in agriculture while encouraging the next generation to continue building strong rural communities.
Photo Credit: illinois agri women