There are more than 2 million farms across the United States.
On those 2 million farms, 36% of the farmers are women. Just five years before, that number was 31.5%. And as that statistic grows, Alison Viebrock-Steveson is proud to be part of a time that now has more women farmers than ever.
Alison, or “Blessed Farmgirl” as many across the country know her as, is a fourth-generation dryland wheat farmer in eastern Washington. She grew up on the farm, and for the last 10 years, she and her husband have been farming together.
Alison alongside her grandpa.
“I am proud to be carrying my family’s heritage and continuing the legacy of being a steward to the land,” says Alison. “The hours can be long. The work can be hard. There are sacrifices to be made to juggle our family and our work. But I wouldn’t trade this life for anything. I was blessed with the opportunity to do what I love. Farming is just something that's in my blood.”
While growing up on the farm, Alison says she was grateful her father trusted that she could get the job done alongside her sister. “I was fortunate my dad didn't treat me like a ‘girl,’” Alison said. “He treated me like a capable young person. My sister also grew up farming and is just as tied to it today as I am, but instead of farming, she works as the regional administrator for our local farmer-owned grain company, Highline Grain.” Not only is Alison carrying on her family’s legacy but she also created her own: Blessed Farmgirl, a blog about farming.
“I am blessed to be living this life of a farm girl,” Alison said. “The thing I've loved most about it is the opportunity to share farming from my point of view. Many people will never get the opportunity to step foot in a wheat field, and I want everyone to get to see farming from a farmer's perspective. I want the blog to be informative, educational, fun, real and relatable.”
And relatable it is. Alison currently has over 15,000 likes on her page where she shares photos and videos, farming insights, and, of course, an inside look of what it means to be a farmer. She also has her own merchandise with her coined phrase “Blessed Farmgirl” you can purchase.
And Alison doesn’t think any of it as work. It’s her way of life, and if she can inspire someone else, then she’s all for it.
“I am doing what I love. If I can be a role model and inspiration to other women to follow their dreams, that's awesome.”
Leading by example, Alison is showing the world the influence women farmers have on the future of farming.