Agriculture is more than a livelihood; it’s a legacy. For generations, women have played a vital role in preserving and advancing this way of life, often balancing resilience, stewardship, and faith with an unwavering commitment to the land and community. One woman who embodies this mission is Venessa Wood, the founder of Ag Women Connect, an organization dedicated to uplifting, educating, and empowering women across the agricultural industry. In this interview, she shares her story, the heart behind AWC, and what’s ahead for this growing movement.
Can you tell us a little more about your background, history, and passion for agriculture?
Absolutely! I’m a fourth-generation farmer from Plainview, Texas, and I was fortunate to grow up in the heart of the Texas Panhandle and from an early age, I was actively involved in horse judging through FFA and 4-H, which eventually led me to judge at both Clarendon College and Texas Tech University. That passion has continued throughout my life, and I’ve remained involved by judging open horse shows across the region.
My love for agriculture runs deep. I know firsthand the dedication, resilience, and heart it takes to stay in this industry. But I’ve also learned that we don’t have to do it alone. I believe in the power of community and connection, that when we come together, support one another, and have honest conversations, we grow stronger. Networking isn’t just about opportunity; it’s about lifting each other up and being brave enough to ask for help when we need it.
That’s what drives my passion: building bridges, sharing stories, and making sure the future of agriculture is just as strong as its roots.
You’re now in your fourth year of Ag Women Connect. Can you dive a little deeper into what the formation of AWC looked like and how it’s evolved into what it is today?
From the very beginning, Ag Women Connect was about giving women a platform, one where they could voice their values, customs, heritage, and even their faith in agriculture. Women now represent 36% of farmers and ranchers nationwide, and that number will only continue to grow. But statistics aside, I know firsthand what it feels like to not be heard, or to feel stuck because you don’t have the resources or connections to take the next step forward.
Yes, I believe God will always guide our steps, but we also have a responsibility to take action. That’s why I founded AWC, not just to inspire women to show up for what they believe in, but to help them align with others who respect, support, and walk alongside them.
Relationship-building is the glue that holds this community together and propels it forward. It’s not just about networking; it’s about showing up for one another, growing together, and building something rooted in purpose and legacy.
Beyond the benefits, what has Ag Women Connect given you on a deeper level?
I’ve prayed for friends I could call and just be myself with, women I could have real, meaningful conversations with about life, politics, faith, or the challenges we face, without feeling judged or dismissed. I know I’m not the only one who’s felt that way. So many women out there crave authenticity, depth, and safe spaces for intellectual conversation and honest connection.
Through four years of leading Ag Women Connect, I’ve learned that great things happen when you have a strong core of women who are aligned in their passion and committed to a mission bigger than themselves. It’s not about doing it all alone; it’s about sticking close to your inner circle, trusting the people you walk alongside, and building something together.
There have been hard seasons, moments where the next step felt impossible. But leaning into my faith and surrounding myself with women who encourage, uplift, and challenge me has made those moments not just bearable, but transformational.
At the end of the day, your inner circle matters. And I’m so thankful to have found mine through this journey. My prayer is that others get to experience this too, through the connections they make in AWC.
Part of the mission of Ag Women Connect is to accept anyone, from any role inside or outside of agriculture. Why do you think it’s important to have a spot set aside for anyone at the “table”?
At Ag Women Connect, we like to say “the gate is open.” That means anyone, even if they didn’t grow up in agriculture, is welcome in our organization.
This approach is deeply rooted in our Christian values. It also allows us to be a vessel of information, bridging the gap between those who were raised in agriculture and those who weren’t. The truth is, people don’t know what they don’t know. And if we don’t take the time to tell our story in ag, someone else will, and there’s a good chance it’ll be told through the wrong narrative, often based on misinformation.
That’s why I firmly believe this inclusive approach is the right one. We can have healthy conversations and educate the public on what farmers and ranchers are truly facing. Even if we don’t agree on everything, we can still walk away informed and respectful of each other’s perspectives.
But I do have one non-negotiable, a red line in the sand, and that’s respect. At AWC, we are here to connect, educate, and uplift, not to tear apart. So yes, the gate is open, but only for those who are ready to walk through it with respect, curiosity, and the willingness to grow.
What does being a woman in agriculture mean to you?
I truly believe women in agriculture are sacred. They are warriors of resilience, women who adapt quickly to change, figure things out, and keep moving forward because there simply is no other option. They are caregivers and nurturers, not only to the land and animals but to the legacy that God has entrusted us with.
What has stood out to me in every conversation and interview I’ve had with these incredible women is their faith. Without exception, their faith is a guiding force on their journey. That speaks volumes about the heart and soul behind the work they do every day.
Honestly, the world could learn a lot from a woman in agriculture about strength, perseverance, stewardship, and grace.
Can you explain how your faith has played and continues to play a role in the building of Ag Women Connect and other ventures you are working on?
I thought I was a strong Christian when I stepped into this role four years ago, but I’m definitely not the same person I was back then. Leading Ag Women Connect, building a nationwide community, and hosting events have challenged my faith in ways I never expected. So many times, the only choice I’ve had is to surrender outcomes and things completely out of my control into His hands.
I love the saying, “Build the mission and the people will come.” It takes bold risks, daily, monthly, yearly, and lots of faith to do what we do. I never know what the outcome will be or who God will align us with to accomplish our goals or events, but it always works out in the end.
The pressure and responsibility can be absolutely crippling at times. I get through it hour by hour, day by day. I’m incredibly blessed to have a supportive family, a loving husband, and my inner core circle to lean on.
We take risks and put ourselves out there not for ourselves, but for the industry we all love and want to see thrive. It’s about helping younger generations come up with the tools, resources, and grit to continue preserving the Western and agricultural way of life.
What’s next for Ag Women Connect?
We are so excited about the Ag Women Connect Red, White, and Blue Gala and Conference coming up October 17–18 in Lubbock, Texas! This incredible event will highlight the vital role of agriculture not only in the Texas Panhandle but across our nation.
Our mission is to connect, educate, and inspire both women and men in the agriculture industry, emphasizing the power of unity, the value of each individual’s God-given gifts, and the importance of working together to pave the way for future generations.
The AWC Conference will be a fully immersive, educational, and uplifting experience, featuring motivational speakers, agricultural industry leaders, hands-on trade skill demonstrations, innovative learning opportunities, western fashion showcases, and a powerful network of advocates. It will be one of Lubbock’s premier events, offering a meaningful way to support agriculture and the people behind it!
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our audience before wrapping up?
Response:
I truly hope you find your people and that you turn to Ag Women Connect for friendship, connection, and the resources that can support your journey.
In life, we have a choice: we can serve our weaknesses, or we can serve our purpose. My prayer is that through our example, you’ll find exactly what you’ve been seeking, and that you’ll lock arms with us to make a lasting impact on the industry we all love.
Together, we can preserve the legacy of agriculture and build a stronger, more united future, one connection at a time.
