The United Nations has designated 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer!  As an organization, The Land Conservancy of McHenry County (TLC) has celebrated the invaluable contributions of FarmHers for years and we are excited to see their hard work and dedication honored on a global scale!  

While over half of U.S. farming operations are owned by women, they still face systemic structural and social barriers that affect their lives, businesses and the health of their land. When women are connected in peer-peer networks, like TLC’s Learning Circles, and to financial and technical resources, they’re more likely to take action toward implementing conservation practices on their land. As we work to preserve and steward land in McHenry County, we must also support its stewards. If we want thriving farms, we need thriving farmHers!

From ordering seeds and planting crops, to tending to livestock and young farm-hands, to packing up for markets and developing marketing plans, to wrangling equipment and refurbishing aging infrastructure, FarmHers wear many hats and juggle a variety of different responsibilities to ensure the success of their farms. TLC has had the privilege of getting to know these dynamic women through Learning Circles, TLC events, and other community programs. We invite you to hear their stories and celebrate their achievements as we take a closer look at the women who make up our local farming community! 

We’d also like to thank the inspiring and creative Anna Lentz of Spring Bird Studios for designing our Year of the Woman Farmer artwork.

As a part of this year’s celebration,TLC is showcasing a farm-her each month to highlight some of the many talented individuals in our farming community; we hope sharing these stories will generate a greater appreciation for the dedication and skills they bring to the table.

Through many of our programs TLC looks to elevate and promote farm-hers. This year we are planning a year of tailored events throughout the county to shine a spotlight on our local farming community. Check back as more details unfurl and additional partner events are added to the calendar. 

• April 9 – Women’s Work Film Screening 
• July 14 – Author dialogue and book signing with Tiffany Kriner of Root & Sky Farm in partnership with Read Between the Lynes
• TBD – Summer Shindig – check back for more details
• Oct. 23 & 24 – Exhibit at Art of the Land

If you are hosting an event this year that is highlighting women in agriculture and would like to have it included here, please contact chodge@conservemc.org to have it added to the event list.

Check out our Local Foods page (coming soon) to find FarmHers’ farm and market stands to buy local!