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# GRAPHIC: The Midwest sees an increase in female farmers
- URL: https://www.investigatemidwest.org/graphic-the-midwest-sees-an-increase-in-female-farmers/
- Published: 2024-03-04T22:32:23.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-23T18:11:23.000Z
- Description: The growth of female producers in the Midwest outpaced the growth nationally.
- Author: Mónica Cordero, Investigate Midwest
- Tags: Agribusiness, Data Harvest, TP::Explainer, female farmers, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-06-18 04:56

According to [Census of Agriculture data](https://www.investigatemidwest.org/latest-farm-data-a-wake-up-call-as-midwest-farmers-face-ever-steeper-challenges/), female producers in the Midwest grew by 4% between 2017 and 2022\. Nationally, this rise was 1%.

Across the country, an estimated 1,266,786 women are actively engaged in farming. Alaska experienced the most significant growth among women farmers nationwide, with 1,022 women farmers, up 21%. In contrast, Arizona experienced the largest decline, losing 2,151 women farmers, a 13% contraction.

Within the Midwestern states, South Dakota was the state that showed the most growth among its female farmers, marking an 11% increase, equivalent to 1,686 more female farmers between 2017 and 2022.

In contrast, Missouri and Wisconsin were the only states in the region to experience a slight contraction in that population, each less than 1%.