Women Lead Growth in Farming and Forest Management

By Blake Jackson

The United Nations has designated 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer, recognizing the significant contributions women make to agriculture and natural resource management worldwide.

Across the United States, women operate more than one million farms and oversee an estimated 31% of the nation’s privately owned forests.

In Pennsylvania, where private landowners manage nearly 70% of the state’s 11.5 million acres of forestland, women serve as the primary decision-makers for approximately 24% of those acres.

The number of female forest owners has steadily increased, largely because many have inherited family woodlands and assumed management responsibilities.

However, research indicates that women are less likely than men to conduct timber harvests, manage wildlife habitat, or carry out active forest management practices.

Women also tend to own smaller woodland parcels, which often generate lower income and may limit opportunities for long-term investment.

Several challenges contribute to these trends. Many women report feeling underrepresented in traditional forestry organizations and educational programs, making it difficult to access professional guidance or build connections with experienced landowners.

Limited familiarity with forestry terminology and available assistance programs can also discourage participation. Family responsibilities, including childcare and household duties, may further reduce opportunities to attend workshops or networking events.

Studies show that women often have different priorities for their forestland, placing greater emphasis on wildlife habitat, environmental stewardship, scenic beauty, and long-term planning rather than commercial timber production. As a result, educational programs tailored to these goals can better support their management decisions.

Providing accessible information, peer networks, financial planning resources, and woodland management education can help women confidently care for their forests while protecting valuable natural resources.

Strengthening support for female landowners will play an important role in sustaining Pennsylvania’s forests and ensuring healthy woodlands for future generations while promoting greater participation in conservation leadership and land stewardship.

Photo Credit: istock-scharfsinn86