In this episode of Rooted & Restless, Marianne Smith Edge is joined by Jennifer Schmidt, MS, RD, a registered dietitian and full-time farmer in the eastern shore of Maryland, for a candid conversation about the evolving role of women in agriculture and the economic realities that shape what farmers, male or female, face in growing crops.

As the world prepares to recognize the International Year of the Woman Farmer, Jennie shares firsthand insight into the challenges and opportunities women farmers experience both in the U.S. and globally.

Marianne and Jennie dig into the economic pressures facing farmers, from low commodity prices and rising input costs to shifting markets like wine grapes. Jennie explains why farming margins are razor thin and changing crops or production systems isn’t as simple as it sounds.

The episode also tackles common misconceptions about farming and sustainability, including regenerative agriculture, pesticide use, and the trade-offs between organic and conventional systems. Jennie offers a grounded explanation of how farmers balance soil health, yields, labor availability, and environmental stewardship, and why one-size-fits-all solutions don’t work in agriculture.

Bottom Line:

Women farmers are more influential than data once showed in the US and across the globe. From small crop production across the globe to major U.S. commodity farmers, women are now recognized as a true farmers-not the silent partner.

Farming economics drive decisions more than ideals. Low prices, high input costs, labor shortages, and infrastructure limitations shape what farmers grow and how they farm.

Sustainability is about balance- economics, land and people. Real-world farming requires trade-offs between yield, soil health, labor, and cost.

Because food always has a story… and not all of it is as simple as it seems.

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For more insights on women in agriculture, check out my blog: https://agrinutritionedge.com/celebrating-women-in-agriculture/.