International Year of the Woman Farmer

May 1, 2026

2026 is International Year of the Woman Farmer* and in celebration of that, ODA is thrilled to shine a spotlight on Oregon women whose hard work powers our communities and beyond.

Meet Emily DeHayr, who as both a farmer and a winemaker, embraces her underdog status in the male-dominated field of agriculture with pride and determination. DeHayr and her husband, Luke, bought Gemini Vineyard in 2019. The following year, the Oregon wine industry faced one of its most difficult seasons when wildfire smoke engulfed the region and endangered Gemini's near-perfect vintage. Instead of abandoning the nearly 60-ton harvest, DeHayr helped Gemini reimagine the vintage, turning the smoke-affected fruit into a bold experiment that customers welcomed. Through that experience, she learned firsthand how unpredictable farming can be, and the importance of resilience.

Rather than letting obstacles slow her down, DeHayr turns them into motivation to connect with fellow women to share lessons learned. She encourages female farmers to seek mentors, ask daring questions, and support one another whenever possible. Because agriculture can be so unpredictable, she believes that the relationships made within the industry are critical. Additionally, when she sees how climate change and drought are reshaping agriculture, she draws from her public health background and stresses one principle: prevention. DeHayr urges women to do the hard work now to achieve the outcome they want, before circumstances force their hand.

Stay tuned, because ODA will be featuring more women farmers throughout 2026. If you know of (or are) a fantastic Oregon-based woman farmer and would like to share a story with us to feature... please use the form just below this to put in a nomination!

*click here to see the official State of Oregon Governor's Proclamation

Previous Features in 2026

April 23, 2026

Meet Emily Cooper, who runs Full Cellar Farm and grows organic produce in Boring, Oregon. After launching the farm in 2014 with support from Roan Steel and the Headwaters Farm Business Incubator Program, she now carefully balances her crops to provide fresh food for dozens of preschoolers and her Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) members.

Each year, Cooper and her all-female team grow over 50 kinds of vegetables for their CSA members and for Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC) Head Start and Early Head Start. She does not see herself as a female farmer, however -- just as a farmer. When asked for advice, she prefers to help by acting and often mentors young farmers who need support. For her, showing up and helping is her way of giving advice, while letting others learn by doing.

Similarly, when she was first starting out over a decade ago, Cooper moved to Joseph, Oregon, to learn from Beth Gibbons, a founder of Sauvie Island Organic. Before starting Full Cellar Farm, she also worked for Laura Masterson at 47th Ave. After finishing all of this training, she leased land from the East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District and gradually grew her CSA membership until she had the chance to buy land with a forever farm easement. Now, she is not only running a successful farm business but also caring for the urban wilderness on her land by working with native plants and animals. She is also helping to start a new food hub that supports all local farmers.

Cooper stands out for her dedication to the farmers she hires, works with, and meets. Her farm crew is more like a group of partners, as opposed to just employees, and she never sees her peers as rivals. She is known for saying, "Farmers are farmers, and we need to stick together."

April 17, 2026

Meet Spring Alaska Schreiner, an Indigenous farmer in Oregon who owns Sakari Farms, a specialized seed bank focusing on Native American tribal foods, cold-climate seeds, and education. She collaborates with the Central Oregon Seed Exchange and provides on-farm technical assistance for seed production.

Schreiner was born and raised in Alaska and is a member of the Chugach Alaska Native Corporation and the Valdez Native Tribe. When she moved to Oregon in 2006, she noticed a lack of access to culturally relevant foods, which has been a driving force behind her decades-long work championing Indigenous food sovereignty through agriculture, advocacy, and activism.

Sakari Farms implements organic and biodynamic growing practices and uses regenerative native farming practices. What makes the six-acre farm in the high desert unique is its emphasis on growing Native American First Foods -- plants with deep cultural and historical significance that were consumed before European colonialization -- offering hands-on classes that teach culturally relevant agricultural practices and conducting research-based tribal seed production for contract and wholesale growing. Her farm has also become a hub for Native producers, chefs, and other people to gather and share food, recipes, resources and inspiration.

Schreiner's dedication has earned her many accolades, including the 2023 Central Oregon Environmental Center Sustainability Award, the Ecotrust 2022 Indigenous Leadership Award, the 2021 Na’ahlee Fellowship, and the 2019 NASDA Women Farm to Food Award. Furthermore, she recently co-produced a feature-length documentary, A Reflection of Life, that explores climate change–induced water issues in the Pacific Northwest, with a focus on their effects on Native communities.

April 10, 2026

Meet Angi Bailey, a fourth-generation farmer, a nursery owner, and president of the Oregon Farm Bureau. A leader in Oregon’s agricultural community, Bailey’s mission is to uphold her family's tradition of excellence and to nurture the next generation of Oregon farmers.

She grew up in the nursery that her mother, Verna Jean Hale (her nursery's namesake), established in Gresham in 1967. She believes that her mother's role in the industry broke ground for female farmers, even though her mother didn't see herself as a trailblazer and simply loved growing trees and helping customers.

Bailey encourages the next generation of female farmers to find their community, even if they have to build it themselves. She notes that "farming and ranching are hard and complex ways of life, and it’s easy to become isolated. Finding people who are in your corner -- who mentor, encourage, and support you -- is important."

April 3, 2026

Meet Helle Ruddenklau, a farmer near Amity, grew up watching her Danish immigrant parents dive into their new Oregon community. They were always eager to lend a hand, and as a teenager she tagged along to agriculture events and helped out at state and county fair booths. That early spark for community and education still fuels her passion for sharing the story of farming today.

Proud of her role as a female farmer, Ruddenklau has spent nearly four decades championing agriculture, both as a longtime board member of organizations such as Oregon Women in Agriculture, the Oregon Farm Bureau, and Agriculture in the Classroom, and as an active voice online. Education is at the heart of her mission. She invites the public into her world, sharing how she and her husband, Bruce, keep their diverse crops thriving with techniques like crop rotation and no-till methods, which helped their farm rebound after tough battles with stubborn, chemical-resistant weeds.

Three decades into her farming journey, Ruddenklau still recalls that the idea of feeding the world was the inspiration that set her on this path. To young women entering the agricultural field, she offers heartfelt advice: "Seek out those who encourage you, believe in your worth, and never hesitate to speak up. You belong in every room you enter."

March 27, 2026

Meet Cory Carman, who runs Carman Ranch in Oregon's Wallowa Valley. A fourth-generation rancher, she continues her great-grandfather's legacy from 1913. Raised on the ranch, Carman initially left and earned an environmental policy degree from Stanford and worked in Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles, before eventually returning in 2003 to take over the ranch -- with the goal being to raise the best meat for the health of the land, animals, people, and planet.

Carman Ranch uses holistic management, integrating environmental, social, and economic systems to produce 100% grass-fed beef and a few pastured pigs. It also uses regenerative grazing practices that restore the land, and every decision at the ranch considers long-term soil health.

Carman's business model and leadership are making a difference in an industry traditionally dominated by men. When speaking to other women in agriculture, she advises them to find ways to "work smarter" while also encouraging them to pursue more leadership roles in their businesses and communities and to serve on boards or commissions at any level.

March 20, 2026

Meet Amy Nguyen of Dragonberry Produce, a leader in international agricultural trade, importing dragon fruit and other specialty fruits from Vietnam and marketing them across the U.S. West Coast. Inspired by her Vietnamese heritage, Nguyen has played a key role in connecting Vietnamese growers with U.S. markets. Emphasizing the importance of quality and food safety for success in the U.S., she advises producers to adopt GlobalGAP standards and limit pesticide use.

In 2013, Nguyen was behind the construction of Oregon’s first LEED-certified produce distribution building in Canby, Oregon. During the same time, she advocated for a new chemical tolerance law for dragon fruit with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. By 2020, her company was recognized with the annual Oregon Consular Corp Global Trade/Mid-Size Business Award for her efforts in global engagement. Amy's work combines entrepreneurship, international trade, and advocacy, with a focus on providing high-quality, unique produce.

As a woman working in agriculture, Amy has found that perseverance, strategy, and quality are essential for success. She encourages women to innovate, champion sustainability, and shape global markets with confidence, persistence, and attention to detail.

March 13, 2026

Meet Alex Sharp, a fourth-generation cattle rancher who lives and works in Oregon’s Klamath Basin. She also manages water projects for Sustainable Northwest in the Upper Klamath Basin, partnering with landowners to improve water and habitat. In the past four years, she has led conservation projects totaling over $1.2 million.

After attending an environmental science camp in Washington, D.C. when she was 16, Sharp decided to dedicate her life to educating the public about farm and ranch life, inspired by seeing how hard farmers and ranchers worked to care for livestock and the land. She later graduated from Oregon State University with a focus on wildlife management in Agricultural Science, and then returned to the basin to start her own cattle operation and work her way into the role with Sustainable Northwest.

Sharp recognizes the challenges of ranch life, and reminds herself that it’s okay not to be okay and seeks help when needed. When discouraged about profitability, she takes time to visit her milk cow, Marsha, finding comfort and reassurance as Marsha nudges her for attention and reminds Alex that she is where she is supposed to be. She notes that every day brings new life lessons, and she continues to educate and advocate for agriculture through community involvement, photography, and the management of water projects.

March 6, 2026

Meet Shayna Rayboy of Pacific Botanicals, who uses her years of experience growing, preparing, and using plants for healing in her work as Farm Manager for the Rogue Valley operation. Originally from south Florida, she was drawn to Oregon in 2018 by the mountains and rivers, and although she did not plan to become a farmer, working with the earth felt natural to her. She learned from people who respected the land and saw themselves as part of it, and she found that growing food and medicine brought her closer to the community.

Over the years, Rayboy has found that there are often challenges for women working in agriculture -- for instance, women cannot always match the physical strength of their male coworkers -- but she also says that these challenges have helped her learn to use tools more efficiently, and have ensured that she is never afraid to ask for help. Farming has taught her about respect and balance, and she sees hope for a sustainable future. Over time, she has come to see healthy farming as strong crops and healthy soil, not just making money. She believes that true abundance comes from helping people and the earth.

February 27, 2026

Meet Lesley Tamura of Tamura Orchards, who works in the same pear orchards that her great-grandfather once owned -- land that was taken from her family, and against great odds, returned during World War II. Today, she honors that history by working tirelessly to keep the farm in operation and helping other farmers do the same. 

Tamura was a teacher before returning to the family farm, and today she continues to educate herself and her fellow farmers on the rules and regulations of the trade. As a community leader, she is an active member of the local farm bureau, she serves as vice-chair of the Columbia Gorge Fruit Company, she regularly speaks with lawmakers on agricultural issues, and she is a wealth of information on grant opportunities that benefit farmers in her area.

In December 2025, Tamura addressed ODA's Board of Agriculture with a message shared by many Hood River Valley producers: the numbers no longer add up. She spoke candidly of low commodity prices, rising labor and input costs, and mounting regulations that are straining small farms in Oregon. Almost 100 years after her grandparents planted their first trees, she fears her 42-acre operation may not survive. Her advice to fellow female farmers is to educate themselves, be seen, and be heard. Despite the current hardships, her friends describe her as always having a smile on her face and looking on the bright side, even when the light seems dim for many Hood River Valley farmers.

February 20, 2026

Meet Kate Fifer of Caravan Farm & Kitchen, an inspiring chef-turned-farmer. After six years honing her culinary skills in restaurants, she returned home to the Oregon coast in early 2025 with her partner, Daniel, to launch their micro-produce farm and food event business. They settled on the historic Edenfeld Dairy farm property and are transforming it into Caravan Farm & Kitchen, a small chef-driven produce farm. Passionate about fresh produce, they aim to enrich their community through unforgettable dinners and local events.

Caravan Farm & Kitchen hosts pop-up events that showcase Kate's culinary talents, connecting people to their food and providing a personal dining experience. Despite setbacks -- such as flooding ruining much of her first harvest -- Kate remains motivated, connecting with local farmers and improving their growing practices. She has learned that hard work and dedication can get you a long way, but kindness and community close the gap to including happiness with your successes. Her advice for other new farmers is to keep moving forward in chasing your dreams.

February 13, 2026

Meet Elena Rodriguez of Alumbra Cellars, an award-winning winemaker and trailblazer who, as one of the few Latina winemakers in the Pacific Northwest, is opening doors for future Latinos in the industry. Rodriguez leads her family’s vineyard, Rodriguez Family Vineyard, and its winemaking operation, Alumbra Cellars -- a name that means “to shine,” highlighting her Mexican roots as well as the work being done in the vineyard.

Despite growing up on her family's farm, participating in her local FFA chapter, and raising livestock, Rodriguez initially pursued a career in medicine. She worked as a nurse for 10 years, before eventually choosing to return home in 2014 to help her family with the farm, honoring her parents’ sacrifices and hard work. Over time, Rodriguez helped expand the business from selling grapes to producing their own Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, establishing a wine club and tasting room, and transitioning their operation from conventional to organic/biodynamic farming practices (non-certified).

Rodriguez spends her life in service to her family, friends, God, and community, and continues to give back by serving as a mentor on the Education Committee for a nonprofit: Asociación Hispana de la Industria del Vino en Oregon y Communidad (AHIVOY). The organization empowers vineyard stewards to advance their wine careers through English language immersion and professional development. Through her innovative spirit and cultural pride, Rodriguez is not only crafting exceptional wines, but is also nurturing a legacy of hope and empowerment.

February 6, 2026

Meet Erin Hansell-Heideman of Blown Away Ranch in both Morrow and Gilliam counties. As the eldest of five children -- and the only girl -- Erin’s leadership journey began on her family farm, where expectations were always equal, regardless of gender. She built her confidence through involvement in FFA, years of teaching agriculture, and years spent as a 4-H agent. She now encourages women in agriculture to learn every aspect of their operations, ask questions, seek partnerships, and never underestimate the power of preparation and hard work.

Over the years, Erin has served with distinction: as a member of the Farm Bureau, the Eastern Oregon Women’s Coalition, the Oregon Cattleman’s Association, and most recently as President of the Oregon Wheat Grower’s League -- only the second woman to hold this role in the organization's 100-year history.

Farming alongside her husband, Deacon, Erin carries the words of her grandfather, Dr. Wm. H. Hansell: "Farmers do not own the land, but are stewards of it." This philosophy guides her approach to agriculture and life -- always striving to leave the land better for the next generation.

January 30, 2026

Meet Brenda Frketich. Her path to farming took an unexpected turn after college in Southern California, when she came back to the Willamette Valley and joined her dad for a trial run managing the family farm. Since then, Brenda has thrived. She and her husband, Matt, now run the family business together, and she’s active in groups like the Oregon Farm Bureau. Her enthusiasm for sharing agriculture’s story earned her the 2016 Ag Communicator of the Year award from Oregon AgLink, thanks to her lively social media and her blog, Nuttygrass, where she helps people learn about and appreciate farm life.

Outside of farming, Brenda works as a firefighter and paramedic, serves on her local school board, and is raising three kids.

.