State Agriculture Officials Kick Off International Year of the Woman Farmer

Feb 13, 2026

The nation’s commissioners, directors and secretaries of agriculture gathered in Washington, D.C., for the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture’s 2026 Winter Policy Conference, where members honored the International Year of the Woman Farmer through several engagements.

“We were proud to be able to give International Year of the Woman Farmer the stage at NASDA’s Policy Conference, and we look forward to elevating the voices of women farmers throughout 2026,” says Ted McKinney, CEO of NASDA. “Women are vital to agriculture worldwide, from production to innovation to leadership. NASDA is committed to amplifying women farmers’ voices and ensuring policies reflect needs and opportunities for all farmers.”

NASDA opened the conference with a plenary session panel, “International Year of the Woman Farmer: What It Is and Why It Matters,” that examined the pivotal role women play in advancing global agriculture and highlighted how empowering women in agriculture helps strengthen and advance the entire industry. Moderated by NASDA President and Maine Agriculture Commissioner Amanda Beal, the session featured remarks from U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, Global Farmer Network CEO Mary Boote and U.S. Dairy Export Council President and CEO Krysta Harden.

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Video: California Farm Bureau 2025 Farm Dog of the Year Contest Winner - Willy - CAFB 107th Annual Meeting

Meet Willy: California Farm Bureau’s 2025 Farm Dog of the Year!

We’re excited to introduce Willy, a miniature long-haired dachshund with a big heart and even bigger courage, and the Grand Prize winner of this year’s Farm Dog of the Year Contest!

Willy may be small, but he’s become an indispensable partner on owner Marshal Hagedorn’s forestry and cattle operations in Shasta, Tehama, and Siskiyou counties. Adopted in 2023, he quickly found his place on the ranch, helping manage critters, tagging along for long days in the woods, and offering unwavering companionship during demanding logging work.

Willy has even taken naturally to moving cattle, surprising calves (and more than a few full-grown cows!) with his burst of energy from the tall grass. As Marshal put it: “He goes with me everywhere every single day.”

Congratulations to Willy and his family, a perfect example of how every good farm dog, no matter the size, helps keep California agriculture running strong.