By: Montana Golden and Dillana Reed
As we celebrate the Year of the International Women Farmer, we recognize the women whose dedication, leadership, and hard work help Delaware agriculture thrive. Whether working alongside family members, managing daily operations, or advocating for the industry, women play an essential role in keeping farms running across the First State.
To highlight their contributions, we spoke with three remarkable women representing Delaware’s counties: Laura Brittingham of Brittingham Farms in Sussex County, Jenny Dittmar of Dittmar Farms in Kent County, and Cindy Filasky of Filasky’s Produce in New Castle County. They shared their personal journeys, roles on the farm, hopes for agriculture’s future, and involvement with Delaware Farm Bureau.
Laura Brittingham knows success in agriculture often means adapting to challenges and embracing innovation. Although Brittingham Farms has deep roots in traditional farming, lavender was not part of the original plan.
After years of battling deer damage, Laura researched natural solutions and discovered lavender. Looking for a way to reconnect her children to the farm and step away from the corporate world, she turned that idea into a thriving business.
Over the past five years, the operation has expanded to include several acres of lavender, a distillery, farm store, and wedding venue. Laura enjoys the variety farming offers, from harvesting and lambing season to hosting tours.
“Every day is different, and honestly, that’s what I love about it,” she said. She hopes her story encourages more women to pursue agriculture with confidence, resilience, and grit.
Cindy Filasky brings energy, heart, and a strong sense of family to Filasky’s Produce. While she did not grow up in agriculture, she embraced both the learning curve and lifestyle that come with farming.
Whether helping in the fields, engaging with customers, teaching children during farm tours, or supporting community programs, Cindy values making meaningful connections. She says she has never felt limited as a woman in agriculture thanks to the support of family and friends.
Her and her husband’s philosophy, “We don’t count heads, we count smiles,” reflects their commitment to creating positive experiences for visitors. Cindy is proud of the farm her family has built and continues to look for innovative ways to grow the business.
Jenny Dittmar forged her own path in agriculture despite not being raised on a farm. What began as her husband’s dream eventually became her passion as well.
Growing up, Jenny viewed agriculture as an industry centered on equipment and physical labor, never realizing how much business, analytical, and marketing expertise it required.
“When you’re thrust into a situation, you’ll realize a lot of the talents you didn’t know you had,” she said.
Today, Jenny oversees many of the strategic and operational aspects of Dittmar Farms while helping guide its continued growth. She takes pride in the farm she and her husband have built together and in demonstrating that there are many ways for women to lead and succeed in agriculture.
While each woman’s journey is unique, family remains at the heart of every story. All three credit their families for helping shape both their personal and professional lives.
Another common theme emerged as well: women are often their own harshest critics. Yet by trusting their abilities, leaning on others, and embracing opportunities, they have achieved remarkable success.
Through Delaware Farm Bureau, they have also found valuable connections, resources, and support that help both their farms and communities thrive.
