By Blake Jackson
The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets has announced the recipients of its 2026 Women in Agriculture Awards, recognizing 13 outstanding women whose leadership and achievements continue to strengthen New York’s agricultural industry.
The honorees will be celebrated during the annual Women’s Day Breakfast at The Great New York State Fair on September 2, 2026.
Now in its third year, the awards highlight excellence across multiple areas of agriculture, including research, sustainability, innovation, veterinary care, leadership, mentorship, and farming.
This year’s recognition is particularly significant as the United Nations has designated 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer, honoring the contributions of women in agriculture worldwide.
“The Women in Agriculture Awards is a great opportunity to celebrate the incredible women who continue to make our industry better," Commissioner Ball said.
"From leading agricultural research teams to developing programs that support food systems, these innovators are strengthening our shared agricultural community and bringing it to new heights. The Department is thrilled to recognize this group of individuals who continue to shape the future of New York agriculture.”
“The New York State Fair is the perfect place to shine a light on the incredible contributions these women bring to our industry," Fair Director Julie LaFave said. "I’m excited to celebrate them and the impact they have made across agriculture.”
The Department received 42 nominations for this year’s awards, recognizing women who have made meaningful contributions across New York’s agricultural sector.
2026 Women in Agriculture Award Recipients
- Industry Legend Award: Karen Rivara – Greenport, NY
- Rising Star Award: Julia Fouts (Fouts Family Farm) – Cortland, NY
- Urban Farmer Award: DK Kinard (New York Restoration Project) – New York, NY
- Rooted Success Award: Amanda Dykeman (Dykeman Farm) – Pawling, NY
- Golden Hoof Award: Dr. Carie Telgen, DVM (Diamond V) – Fort Ann, NY
- Empower Through Ag Award: Adrienne Bitar, PhD, and Jennifer Han, PharmD, BCACP (Seen Nutrition) – Ithaca, NY
- Dairy Dynamo Award: Kendra Lamb (Lamb Farms) – Oakfield, NY
- Friend of the Fair Award: Kathleen Burns (CCE Onondaga County) – Cazenovia, NY
- Innovator in Ag Award: Jenn Smith, Sarah Meyer, and Amanda Reilly Pitman (Grow-NY) – Ithaca, NY
- Leaving it Better Award: Kim Wagner (Stoutridge Winery and Distillery) – Marlboro, NY
The award winners will be recognized during the Women’s Day Breakfast on September 2 at 9 a.m. at The Great New York State Fair, where attendees will celebrate their accomplishments and lasting contributions to agriculture.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-pixdeluxe
Categories: New York, Business, General