Growing up on a New Jersey farm, sisters Rebekah Alstede Modery and Sarah Alstede knew from an early age that they wanted to pursue careers in agriculture. Rebekah graduated with a double major in agricultural business and sustainable agricultural production, while Sarah focused on animal science with a specialization in equine studies. Despite the traditionally male-dominated nature of the field, the sisters were eager to take on leadership roles at their family-owned farm, Alstede Farms. In February, Rebekah and Sarah became co-owners of the farm, joining their father and stepmother in running the operations. This move marked a significant milestone, as the farm became majority women-owned, reflecting the changing dynamics in the agricultural industry.
While women have always played a crucial role in agriculture, the Census of Agriculture had not fully captured their contributions until recent years. According to data from the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), there were about 1.22 million female producers in 2022, representing 36% of all producers. Women were found to be key decision-makers in various aspects of farm management, with a high level of involvement in day-to-day decision-making, record-keeping, and financial management. As younger women like Rebekah and Sarah step into leadership positions, they will need to navigate a range of financial challenges, including farm consolidation, rising debt levels, and the impacts of climate change on agricultural practices.
Financial Challenges in Agriculture
The agricultural landscape in the U.S. is rapidly evolving, with a decline in the number of farms and an increase in average farm size. While the percentage of farms carrying debt has decreased slightly, high interest rates and liquidity challenges continue to pose obstacles for farmers. Operating loans and financing costs have surged in recent years, putting a strain on farmers’ budgets. Additionally, climate change has introduced new challenges for farmers, including changing weather patterns, extreme temperatures, and unpredictable growing conditions. These factors have forced farmers to adopt new risk management strategies and invest in technologies to mitigate the impacts of climate variability.
Alstede Farms, like many other agricultural operations, has had to contend with the challenges posed by climate change. In a recent frost-freeze period, the farm had to take proactive measures to protect its crops from frost damage. Rebekah, now working as the farm’s assistant production manager, oversaw efforts to safeguard the apple, peach, plum, and apricot crops from the unseasonably cold temperatures. The farm invested in row covers and fans to protect the strawberries and apples, incurring additional costs due to the impacts of climate change. Despite these efforts, the farm faced significant losses during peak seasons, such as apple-picking season, due to weather-related disruptions.
Building Resilience and Grit
Despite the financial and environmental challenges facing farmers, women like Rebekah and Sarah are determined to overcome these obstacles with resilience and grit. Having witnessed their family’s perseverance in the face of adversity, the sisters are prepared to navigate the uncertainties of the agricultural industry and lead Alstede Farms into the future. By embracing innovation, sustainable practices, and community support, women in agriculture can play a pivotal role in shaping the future of farming and ensuring the long-term resilience of the industry.
The story of the Alstede sisters is a testament to the growing influence of women in agriculture and their capacity to drive positive change in the industry. As more women take on leadership roles in farming, they are breaking down barriers and reshaping the traditional roles within the sector. By fostering empowerment, diversity, and inclusivity, women can contribute to a more sustainable and resilient agricultural future for generations to come.