Article Submitted By: Maci Dickerson
In honor of the International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF), the American Farm Bureau Federation Women’s Leadership program hosted the 2026 ACE (Advocate, Cultivate, Empower) Summit in Washington, D.C. Being surrounded by over 500 women from across the country that each have made such an impact in the agriculture industry was truly a once in a lifetime experience during this special year. In recognition of IYWF, the conference included speakers and breakout sessions to build our networking and advocacy skills, with a focus on sharing our own personal story.
At the opening general session, we heard from a panel of women in leadership positions who came together to create the campaign of the International Year of the Woman Farmer over a decade ago. It was inspiring to hear how the global movement began and the dedication to bringing this vision to life.
Women in agriculture play an essential role in the agriculture industry and it is important for us to use our voices. We attended breakout sessions during the conference that equipped us with skills to engage effectively with media outlets and speak on behalf of the industry with clarity and credibility. Another session focused on the pursuit of owning your ambition and provided practical frameworks to achieve our goals and shift our focus from a mode of self-discipline to self-devotion.
To end the summit, attendees were able to hear firsthand the results of the National Women in Agriculture Study. With over 4,000 responses, the survey provided a comprehensive look into the various responsibilities and skills women in agriculture possess. One of the best findings was that 9 out of 10 women report feeling confident speaking at community meetings about agriculture. It truly showed that women have the skills to share their story and balance work and on-farm responsibilities at the same time, being the superwoman that they are!
Finally it was time for the Women in Ag Day on Capitol Hill. This was a great opportunity to speak with members of the U.S. House and Senate for our state. I was able to apply the skills I learned in the sessions during my visits and sharpened my message to connect with the legislators. With the Farm Bill currently in the hands of the Senate Agriculture Committee, it is a vital time for Delaware Farm Bureau members to be present in Congress.
Overall, I left with a new fuel for my leadership journey and a desire to create change in my home state. Women are the backbone of the agriculture industry, and I am grateful to have so many inspiring women to look up to in my life, whether in my own family or within my Farm Bureau family. I hope to leave that same positive example for the next generation of women as well.
