U.S. Senator John Boozman, chairman of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee, announced on March 21 that he and Senators Joni Ernst and Tina Smith have introduced a bipartisan resolution to designate March 21, 2026 as “National Women in Agriculture Day” to recognize the contributions of women in the agricultural sector.
The resolution seeks to highlight the role women play across all levels of agriculture and aims to ensure their achievements are acknowledged nationally. The Senate unanimously passed the measure, which points out that there are more than 1.2 million women producers in the United States who serve as farmers, educators, innovators, and leaders throughout 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 long advocated for Arkansas farmers as well as 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 biography. Boozman co-founded a family-owned eye care business in Northwest Arkansas prior to his Senate career.
In addition serving on multiple committees such as Appropriations; Environment & Public Works; Veterans’ Affairs; Rules & Administration; Boozman is dedicated toward economic policies supporting job growth within Arkansas’s largest industry—agriculture—which adds about $21 billion annually into its economy while accounting for one out every six jobs according to his official website.
Boozman’s efforts include modernizing farm safety nets amid natural disasters or economic challenges while maintaining strong advocacy for both local producers—and broader national recognition—of women’s ongoing impact within American agriculture.
