The Hoosier Farmer

The United Nations has designated 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer to highlight the essential roles women play in global agrifood systems. The campaign aims to address gender gaps, boost investment in female-led agriculture, and improve access to land, credit and technology for women farmers.

“The fact that we're honoring that this year is such a cool way to not only recognize those that are doing it, but also show younger women and girls that there is a role for them in agriculture – whether it be on or off the farm – that they can get involved wherever it works best for their life,” said Kylie Wagoner of Henry County.

As family farms continue their lineage, more conversations are being had about roles. Wagoner said gender doesn’t matter as much as the person’s passion.

“It doesn't have to just be the sons coming back to the farm and that the daughters have the opportunity too,” she said. “I think we traditionally think of a farmer out on the tractor in the field or feeding the livestock. And that's part of it, but there are other aspects of farming – the financial side, the computer side, the marketing side, things like that. These may not be the strong suit of the person physically doing the farming, but that doesn't mean that women aren't just as crucial of a part of the farming operation.”

Finding her passion for agriculture

Wagoner grew up in Carroll County where both of her parents had off-the-farm jobs. Her grandfather was a farmer and her dad farmed on the side.

“I grew up around agriculture. I grew up showing quarter horses and did 4-H and FFA, so my ag involvement started young,” she said. “I always knew I wanted to be involved in agriculture. I just wasn't sure really what that meant at the time or where that was leading. Looking back, my involvement in 4-H and FFA really pushed me towards majoring in agriculture economics at Purdue University and my involvement in the ag industry.”

Wagoner was on Purdue’s Western Equestrian team in college and still competes as an alumni member.

“It's random draw, so I'm able to show up with my belongings and not have the equipment or expense of owning a horse,” she said. “I take lessons locally and ride fairly consistently at Carson Training Center in Henry County, so it's great to still have that equine involvement while not physically owning a horse.”

Wagoner works for the Indiana State Department of Agriculture as a district support specialist, helping soil and water conservation districts in her territory of 19 counties.

“I am on the road quite a bit, attending board meetings, events, helping staff with transitions and trainings, and then some board development as well,” she said. “I cover the eastern side of the state – from Adams and Wells counties clear down to the Kentucky line – so I really see some vast agriculture in my area.”

Having an influence

Wagoner is serving as Indiana Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer & Ag Professionals State Committee chair for 2026.

“Kylie is a critical thinker who advocates for young farmers and ag professionals by speaking up with ideas and helping us understand the needs of our next generation. She has been a partner as we seek to achieve our goals related to recruiting and engaging members, advocating, developing the leadership capacity of YF&APs and giving back to our communities,” said Dustin Homan, INFB’s leadership development coordinator.

Wagoner got involved in Farm Bureau after moving back to Indiana after living in Minnesota.

“I had just moved to a new area of the state – the opposite side of where I'm from. During a district breakout session at the YF&AP Conference in 2019 is where I got connected with several people from my county, including two of my now best friends that I live right next to and hang out with all the time,” she said.

In addition to serving on the state committee, Wagoner won the INFB Discussion Meet in 2023 and represented the state at the American Farm Bureau Federation national contest in 2024.

“I truly don't know that any of that would have happened had it not been for that first conference invite from my friends in 2019. This organization has just meant so much in terms of network, relationships, and friendships,” she said. 

Contact Editor

Robert Herrington

(317) 692-7871

RHerrington@infb.org