Meet these 4 innovative farmers at 2026 Farm Progress Show

At a Glance

The award celebrates women who exemplify excellence in production ag demonstrate innovation and serve as leaders.

This years finalists raise a diverse mix of crops and livestock across the U.S.

The winner will be named during the Farm Progress Show in the Hospitality Tent at 2 p.m. Wednesday Sept. 2.

The Women in the Field Producer of the Year Award celebrates outstanding women who exemplify excellence in production agriculture demonstrate innovation in sustainability and ag technology and serve as leaders within the industry and their communities.

Meet this years finalists who will be recognized at the 2026 Farm Progress Show. Stop by the Hospitality Tent at 2 p.m. Wednesday Sept. 2 to see the winner announced.

The finalists are.

Karen Makamson Edwards Garry Makamson Farms Morgan City Miss. In the heart of the Mississippi Delta Makamson Edwards cultivates 5500 acres of corn soybeans and cotton despite never intending to return to the family farm.

Her journey into production agriculture began when she moved back to Mississippi from Colorado growing her first official crop in 2016. Over the past decade Makamson Edwards has emerged as a leader in southern agriculture collaborating with Mississippi State University and advocating for the early adoption of technological innovations data driven decision making and sustainable farming practices. Karen Makamson Edwards has emerged as a leader in southern agriculture collaborating with Mississippi State University and advocating for early adoption of technological innovations data driven decision making and sustainable farming practices. Courtesy of the Makamson Edwards family.

After her father retired she transitioned to managing the family operation where she significantly enhanced productivity and efficiency. Beyond her own farm Makamson Edwards serves as a mentor within her community and across the industry sharing her expertise and inspiring others to embrace innovation and sustainability in agriculture.

Wendy Johnson Joia Food and Fiber Farm Center View Farms Charles City Iowa. Diversification conservation and entrepreneurship are central to Johnsons two distinct farming operations in north central Iowa. At Center View Farms she manages her familys 1000 acre legacy of corn and soybeans integrating oats into the crop rotation grazing and cover crops.

In addition Johnson owns and operates Joia Food and Fiber Farm a certified organic enterprise spanning 130 acres where she raises perennial grains and forages fruit and nut trees and grass fed lamb and beef poultry and pork.

Johnson integrates regenerative agriculture into every aspect of her work emphasizing no till farming cover crops plant diversity and rotational grazing. She has been vital in supporting local and regional food systems in the Midwest and helped create the direct marketing food company 99 Counties. Wendy Johnson integrates regenerative agriculture into every aspect of her work emphasizing no till farming cover crops plant diversity and rotational grazing. Courtesy of the Johnson family.

She also has helped grow and expand the Perennial Promise Growers Cooperative and started Joia Sleep. a wool bedding company.

Wendys dedication to long term sustainability extends beyond her fields as she actively serves on state and national committees shaping farm policy and advocating for the industry.

Doris Scully Sips Family Farms Spencer Ind. Scully has transformed Sips Family Farms in Spencer Ind. into a model of sustainable agriculture over the past 40 years. Managing 1350 acres of corn soybeans forest hay and cattle Scully has been an early adopter of 100 percent no till farming and cover crop practices which were once rare in Owen County.

Her efforts have not only improved soil health and conservation but theyve also inspired other farmers in the area to follow her lead. Doris Scully has been an early adopter of no till farming and cover crops practices that were once rare in her home county of Owen in Indiana. Courtesy of the Scully family.

Beyond her farm Scullys 37 year career with the USDAs Natural Resources Conservation Service has solidified her as an expert in soil health initiatives across Indiana. She played a key role in the states soil health strategy and innovative demonstration tools. She also has empowered women in agriculture through programs like Women 4 the Land.

Scully has spent both her farming and professional careers dedicated to sustainable agriculture better soil and strong community.

Lisa Tate Rancho Filoso JM Sharp Co. California Coffee Collective Santa Paula Calif. With over 15 years of experience Tate manages diverse farming operations in Ventura County Calif. While managing the day to day operations of her 200 acre farm producing citrus avocados and coffee Tate also serves as chief financial officer for a separate citrus avocado and agave operation.

She is a pioneer in California coffee cultivation developing innovative practices and value added products. This includes making syrups and jellies from coffee byproducts and reducing waste while creating new revenue streams. Lisa Tate is a pioneer in California coffee cultivation developing innovative practices and value added products. Courtesy of the Tate family.

She is the founder of the California Coffee Collective. Her commitment to sustainability is evident through soil health initiatives orchard redevelopment and carbon conscious farming practices.

Beyond production Tate is a respected industry leader serving on advisory committees and advocating for growers on critical issues such as pest management water sustainability and labor challenges. Her integrity resilience and vision make her a trailblazer shaping the future of California agriculture.

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