Women's Resources For Getting Started In The Beef Industry

The United Nations has designated 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer. Today on International Women's Day, I'd like to also recognize the women who want to be a part of the beef industry. 

It's never too late for a second career. I started my career in marketing and technology, and it took 20 years for me to turn to a full-time job as a rancher. If you're thinking about getting involved in the beef industry - whether you're dreaming about running your own ranch or thinking about different types of roles like sales, marketing, and distribution - it can be hard to know where to start. 

Here's some great resources specifically focused on women that can help provide information, support, and educational opportunities to get you going on your path to a new career in the beef industry.

Beef Industry Resources For Women: 

• Washington CattleWomen: Washington CattleWomen, organized in 1953, is the voice for women in the Washington beef industry. Their goal is to promote the beef industry, to provide accurate facts and reliable information to consumers concerning the nutritional value of beef, and to raise beef in a way that is sustainable for the future. There are many local groups in counties across the state. 
• American National CattleWomen: ANCW is the national organization that serves as a voice for women who share a passion for the beef community with a focus on beef promotion, education, and legislation.
• Roots of Resilience: At New Cowgirl Camp you’ll learn about ranching heritage and traditions from a fourth-generation rancher. And you’ll learn about current, science-based regenerative practices that will put your future farm or ranch business on a sustainable footing.
• Oregon State University: The RancHER webinar series aims to bring information to cattle producers by highlighting the work of talented women in this field. 
• Texas A&M University: Women in Ranching is a six-day immersive retreat open to all, but designed to empower women, through hands-on ranching education, horsemanship, community-building, and practical ranch management skills.

Women Farmers And Ranchers:

• USDA Women Farmers: Provides information on programs and services, loans, and other resources for women farmers.
• Quivera Coalition: The New Agrarian Program provides training and support for the next generation of land stewards, graziers, and food producers. They provide land-based learning, mentorship, and a thriving intergenerational community that is invested in seeing the next generation steward our lands into the future. 
• American Farmland Trust: The Pacific Northwest Women for the Land project includes events, networking, and learning opportunities for women farmers and ranchers.
• Women in Ranching: A community and a support network for anyone who works with, cares for, or feels called to the land. They connect, educate, and inspire a diverse community of women in agriculture.
• American Farm Bureau: The American Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership program provides women with opportunities for growth and development to sharpen their skills and strengthen their ability to inspire change.

Small Business Resources:

• US Small Business Administration: SBA helps women entrepreneurs launch new businesses and compete in the marketplace. Connect with the training and funding opportunities specifically for women.