U.S. Senator John Boozman, chairman of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee, announced on March 21 that he and fellow committee members Senators Joni Ernst and Tina Smith led a bipartisan resolution to designate March 21, 2026 as “National Women in Agriculture Day.” The Senate unanimously passed the resolution to recognize the contributions of women in agriculture across the United States.
The initiative highlights the importance of women in all aspects of agriculture and aims to bring attention to their roles as farmers, educators, innovators, and leaders. The resolution acknowledges more than 1.2 million women producers nationwide who are vital to the industry.
“Women play critical roles at every level of agriculture from family farms and agribusinesses to research institutions and public service,” said Boozman. “I’m honored to recognize their contributions, elevate their voices, and support policies that ensure women farmers and agricultural leaders can continue to thrive for generations to come.”
Ernst said: “Women have always been at the heart of American agriculture. Growing up on a family farm, I saw firsthand the vital role women like my mother played, and today my sister continues that legacy. From family farms to cutting-edge agribusiness, women are leading, innovating, and helping feed and fuel the world. I’m proud to lead this resolution to recognize and support the women who are breaking barriers and shaping the future of agriculture.” Smith added: “Agriculture is the backbone of Minnesota’s economy, and women have always played an essential role in this sector. I’m proud we have introduced this bipartisan resolution to designate a day during Women’s History Month and National Agriculture Week to recognize the achievements of the women across the country who have been key to our agricultural success.”
Boozman has advocated for Arkansas farmers as well as ranchers while supporting veterans’ care according to his official website. He was elected U.S. senator from Arkansas after growing up in Fort Smith; he graduated from Northside High School before earning an optometry degree from Southern College of Optometry according to his official website. Along with serving on several Senate committees—including Appropriations; Environment & Public Works; Veterans’ Affairs; Rules & Administration—Boozman co-founded a family-owned eye care business in Northwest Arkansas according to his official website.
In Arkansas specifically—the state’s largest industry—agriculture contributes around $21 billion annually while accounting for one out of every six jobs.
