Sisters Rebekah Modery and Sarah Alstede have chosen to continue their family legacy by committing to a career on their New Jersey farm. With Rebekah’s background in agricultural business and sustainable production and Sarah’s focus on animal science, the sisters recently became co-owners of Alstede Farms alongside their father and stepmother. Despite the traditionally male-dominated field of farming, data shows that women play key decision-making roles on farms, with many women being involved in daily decisions, financial management, and marketing.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture revealed that women represent 36% of all producers in the U.S. farming industry, with many being actively involved in key decision-making areas. The addition of new decision-making categories in the census, such as marketing, has shed light on the significant role that women play in agriculture. Women farmers are often responsible for day-to-day decisions and financial management, with record-keeping being a particular strength. Both genders are equally involved in estate and succession planning, highlighting the diverse roles that women play on farms.
As younger women like Rebekah and Sarah take on more significant farm responsibilities, they face various financial challenges in the agriculture industry. While the number of producers in the U.S. has remained relatively stable, farms continue to consolidate, resulting in larger average farm sizes. Debt levels have declined slightly, but high interest rates have made it more expensive for farms to carry debt, posing liquidity challenges. Moreover, climate change and weather extremes have introduced additional challenges for farmers, requiring them to adapt to changing temperatures, rainfall patterns, and other environmental stressors.
Alstede Farms recently faced challenges due to a frost-freeze period in mid-March that threatened the life of new blooms, putting crops like strawberries, apples, peaches, plums, and apricots at risk. Rebekah, now working as the farm’s assistant production manager, led efforts to protect the crops from the adverse weather conditions. Despite significant investments in protective measures like double row covers and heaters, the farm incurred additional costs due to climate change. Adaptability and resilience are essential qualities for farmers like Rebekah and Sarah, who have witnessed their family tackle hardships such as lost income from adverse weather conditions.
The farm’s vital apple-picking season was affected last year by rain, leading to the loss of revenue and necessitating creative solutions like selling apples for juicing at a lower price. Sarah remains optimistic about the future and believes that she and her sister are well-prepared to navigate the challenges of farm ownership based on their family’s experiences. The dedication and hard work of the Alstede family, including the younger Alstede women, demonstrate the commitment required to sustain a successful farm operation amidst financial uncertainties and climate-related risks.
Overall, the story of Rebekah and Sarah Alstede highlights the evolving landscape of women in agriculture, with more women taking on leadership roles and shaping the industry’s future. As they continue to make key decisions for Alstede Farms and address financial and climate challenges, the sisters exemplify the resilience and determination required to thrive in the ever-changing world of farming. Their journey underscores the importance of female empowerment and diversity in agriculture, paving the way for a new generation of women farmers to succeed in a traditionally male-dominated field.
