Growing the Next Generation of Female Farmers: A Tour of MidAtlantic Women in Agriculture
The mantra “Educate. Engage. Empower.” steers a state program designed for women to sow the seeds of generational farming
MidAtlantic Women in Agriculture, a program of the University of Maryland Extension, is dedicated to providing knowledge and resources to women who share a passion for agriculture. And promoting the often-overlooked contributions that women make to this industry.
Bolstering this mission, The United Nations has declared 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer with the United States Department of Agriculture spearheading this initiative. According to the USDA, the number of women involved in agriculture has grown in recent years, as much as 47 percent since 2012.
To understand the impact that women have on agriculture today, and in the future, we meet several female farmers who share their experiences, triumphs, and struggles. Often, their innovation and leadership shine. They are exemplary of Maryland women who promote sustainable practices and improve food security in their communities.
Talbot County’s University of Maryland Extension program leader Shannon Dill, far left, with attendees at a recent MidAtlantic Women in Agricultural Farm Tour. Photograph courtesy MidAtlantic Women in Agricultural.
Shannon Dill & Annie’s Project
Shannon Dill is principal agent of agriculture for Talbot County’s University of Maryland Extension and serves as state coordinator for Annie’s Project. Dill explains, “Annie’s Project is a discussion-based workshop offered on a regular basis that brings women together to learn from experts in production, financial management, human resources, marketing, and the legal field.
“We brand the class, ‘For Women with a Passion for Agriculture.’ It targets women who may be landowners and may be aspiring to start farming,” she says. “Or maybe it’s a nurse, teacher, or crop insurance agent who wants to learn more about farming and agriculture, and perhaps they will pass down the farm within the family.
“The program provides a range of tools and opportunities, such as yearly conferences that give women in agriculture a chance to network and learn about current issues. And a webinar series on subjects like production strategies and risk management. And farm tours that give participants a chance to observe various operations.”
Dill says, “Women historically, presently, and in the future have massive key roles on the farm as caregivers, producers, marketers, educators, bookkeepers, and even as CEOs. So, many of the farm’s key roles are, and have been, held by women. We will continue to develop enterprises of women growing food, marketing it, and selling it...being the sole producer. Studies show that consumers prefer to buy from women because they usually do the grocery shopping—they know how to feed a family.”
MidAtlantic Women in Agricultural Farm Tour brings together like-minded female farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs for a day of hands-on learning. Photograph courtesy MidAtlantic Women in Agricultural.
Dill suggests there is a strong need to develop more farmers because of the growing population. “To me, growing food and agriculture is one of the most important land uses,” she says. “Women are fantastic entrepreneurs and business owners. I believe women have always been very involved in agriculture, but there is more visibility now, so it appears there are more women interested; however, programs like the FSA (Farm Service Agency) serves farmers, ranchers, and agricultural partners across the nation through the delivery of agricultural programs. These programs have helped fund women in business. Women have made amazing strides in owning and operating multi-million dollar farms.”
The University of Maryland Extension is a unique organization that’s part of the federal government’s land grant mission requiring all agricultural colleges to have academics, research, and local extension services. “Here in Maryland, we are in 23 counties and Baltimore City,” Dill says. “We have four major program areas delivering community-based education and applied research. I’m part of agriculture and food systems. There’s also consumer science, environmental natural resources, and 4H youth development. Through our office, we connect within the community, and we are part of that university resource.”
The Robin Hill Farm family operating team includes owner/operator Susan Watson White (center-left) and partner/marketing director Shelby Watson-Hampton (center-right). Photograph by Edwin Remsberg, courtesy Robin Hill Farm.
Robin Hill Farm and Vineyards of Brandywine, Maryland
One of the highlights of the Extension’s Fall MidAtlantic Women in Agriculture tour was Robin Hill Farm and Vineyards. This picturesque Maryland family farm is well-known for its award-winning wines and lovely rolling hills. Owner and operator Susan Watson White and partner and marketing director Shelby Watson-Hampton discussed the operation’s background and major features. When the Watson family bought the tobacco farm in 1955, they turned it into a successful nursery. Decades later, they started growing grapes, planting their first crop in 2014 and formally launching as a winery in 2017. With a history of growing tobacco, hogs, pumpkins, agritourism, a nursery, and now vineyards, the farm aims to make a living and distribute its produce.
Robin Hill Farm & Vineyards has been owned and operated by the Watson family since 1955.
White recounted her relationship with Annie’s Project. “When it came time to transition the family farm from one generation to the next, it was comforting to know that there are organizations like the MidAtlantic Women in Agriculture. After my dad’s passing it was very important to me to keep the family farm going. Someone recommended I attend Annie’s Project, to bolster my role in agriculture. The session was very informative, contacts were made, and the support from the participants was amazing. It was nice to know that I wasn’t alone in this endeavor. Since then, I’ve attended several workshops and conferences, and have gained knowledge, helpful insights, and new friends.”
The excellent soil in the area, which is ideal for growing grapes, is reflected in the variety of wines produced by Robin Hill today. The farm’s transformation from a traditional agricultural operation to a first-class winery and event space, mostly for weddings, is inspiring.
Among the many honors that Robin Hill Farm and Vineyards has received are several gold medals at the Maryland Governor’s Cup Wine Competition and “Best Winery in Maryland” from the New York International Wine Competition in 2019, 2021, and 2024.
The Emily’s Produce family farm.
Emily’s Produce of Cambridge, Maryland
Deeply ingrained in the agricultural heritage of Dorchester County, Emily’s Produce, a pillar of Cambridge, Maryland, has a charming origin that revolves around family and tradition. They are a seventh-generation farming family carrying on Maryland’s long-standing farming heritage. Their goal has always been “to offer our local farm experience that demonstrates honest, hardworking family values combined with exceptional products and superior customer service.”
The Jackson Family, owners of Emily’s Produce in Cambridge, Maryland. Photography courtesy Emily’s Produce.
Emily, the daughter of Paul and Kelly Jackson, was born in 1998. The Jacksons wanted Emily to learn about and appreciate the family’s farming profession as she grew up. They then made the decision to start a roadside market and named it after their daughter. By 2021, they were offering fresh local produce, U-pick fruit patches, flower gardens, farm-fresh meats, homemade baked goods, ice cream, jams, and other specialty products as well as a children’s play area, and farm animal interactions.
The farm’s success has been greatly attributed to Kelly and Emily’s involvement in the program, and their efforts to have a positive impact on the community. Emily has encouraged and guided other women wishing to launch or grow their agricultural businesses. Participation in MidAtlantic Women in Agriculture demonstrates the value of education, community, and creativity in contemporary farming. Their narrative serves as an example of how women are influencing agriculture in the MidAtlantic and beyond.
Nicole Barth and Donna Saathoff, co-owners of Family Affair Farm in Easton.
Family Affair Farm of Easton, Maryland
Just three miles south of Easton, Family Affair Farm, co-owned by Donna Saathoff and Nicole Barth, is known for its U-pick strawberry operation—reportedly the first of its kind in the county. The farm was established to provide a unique family experience, inspired by Saathoff’s childhood memories of picking strawberries with her grandmother.
The partners feel that retaining the values of educating the community, especially children, is key even though the farm has expanded immensely. Not only can you gather your own berries, but there is an educational component—you also learn how they grow. Seasonal produce for U-pick now includes strawberries (May), blueberries (June), blackberries (July), and gourds and pumpkins (October). Fall has become the busiest season, as a corn maze along with the pumpkins offer an “agripark.”
Saathoff was inspired to join Annie’s Project to enhance her skills as an agribusiness manager and partner. Despite having a strong agricultural background, both she and Barth quit their full-time jobs and quickly recognized the value of participating in the program. Annie’s Project has provided them with skills in business and financial planning, law, insurance, and succession planning, which they credit as key to their success in running Family Affair Farm.
Saathoff has been recognized for her entrepreneurial efforts in Talbot County, where she and Barth have shared stories about their business experiences, including purchasing large equipment. The two women farmers are highlighted as part of a growing group of women leading agricultural operations. “If you are thinking of getting into an agriculture business, prioritize what Annie’s Project can do for you,” Saathoff says. “Members will become lifetime friends and a very strong support system.”
Annie’s Project
The story of Annie Fleck, a farm lady who dedicated her life to learning how to be an active business partner with her husband, is the inspiration for Annie’s Project. Her daughter, Ruth Fleck Hambleton, started Annie’s Project in 2003, a few years after Annie’s passing. At the time, Hambleton worked for the University of Illinois Extension as a Farm Business Management and Marketing Educator. In 2008, Annie’s Project made its debut in Maryland. The first session, which took place between January 16th and March 5th, 2008, was the first time Annie’s Project was implemented in the Northeastern states. Delaware and Maryland worked together to create the workshop. Today, Annie’s Project is in multiple states and even in other countries. As a nonprofit program, Annie’s Project provides a safe, comfortable forum for women to ask questions, get access to resources, and gain core principles in agriculture. Learn more at anniesproject.org.
Land-Grant Universities
The federal government gave land-grant universities like the University of Maryland a three-part mission: to teach, to conduct research, and to serve communities. This was in addition to two later acts of the U.S. Congress, the Hatch Act of 1877 and the Smith-Lever Act of 1914.
University of Maryland Extension (UME) Talbot County
The University of Maryland Extension is a non-formal education system that is supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Talbot County Government, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, and University of Maryland at College Park.
“A lot of curricula in the past wasn’t adaptable to different locations. In Maryland, we differ in climate, topography, and soil from, for example, Iowa, so it’s crucial to have a flexible curriculum to be meaningful here.”—Shannon Dill
