Farm Credit Celebrates the International Year of the Woman Farmer
Women make up nearly half of the global agrifood workforce. From the farm to the boardroom, they play an invaluable role in feeding, fueling and clothing the world.
Farm Credit is proud to celebrate and showcase female agricultural leaders and recognize the powerful contributions they make to strengthening our food networks and rural communities.
Read some of their stories below.
Darcy Vlot, Cross Creek Farm
Raised on a dairy farm between Los Banos and Gustine, California, Darcy Vlot is a first-generation American whose family immigrated from Terceira, Açores, Portugal. After pursuing a different path, Darcy eventually found her way back to agriculture and is now immersed if her family’s agricultural operations.
Christy Pound, Grigsby Farms
From childhood memories on a Florida cattle ranch to helping lead her family’s multigenerational farm operation today, Christy Pound’s roots in ag continue to shape her purpose.
Amy Frye, Boldly Grown Farm
From childhood days spent exploring her grandparents’ farm to operating Boldly Grown Farm, her own organic vegetable operation in Skagit Valley, Washington, Amy Frye’s connection to agriculture has always guided her path.
The AWARD Experience
In celebration of the International Year of the Woman Farmer, Farm Credit Council has launched an initiative to provide leadership development training to women leaders across the Farm Credit System. This special edition of the FCCS Women of Distinction Program blends historical lessons in decision-making, legacy-building and resilience with modern leadership strategies, preparing participants to return to their communities with renewed purpose and power.
Each of the 55 Farm Credit Associations and four banks, representing all 50 states and Puerto Rico, were invited to nominate one female leader for this distinguished honor. The AWARD experience takes place August 31 – September 3, 2026, on the historic grounds of Gettysburg, a fitting place to reflect on courage and influence in times of change.
