Farming While Female

How three FACT female farmers are making headways in a male-dominated field 

By Samantha Gasson, FACT's Humane Farming Program Director

Over the Moon Farm and Flowers

Livestock farming is a hard career choice but one that is both fulfilling and rewarding, if you add being female into the mix it's even harder. Here at FACT, we work hard to support all livestock farmers but with a department run by female farmers, we know how difficult it is to raise livestock and poultry in this male-dominated field. It puts a smile on our faces when we can support female and BIPOC farmers as they put the welfare of their farm animals first. 

Luckily, through FACT’s Fund-a-Farmer grants, we are well-situated to assist our fellow female-owned farms as they work hard to feed their families and communities. In 2024 FACT awarded over $251,000 to farmers across 31 states, the US Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico to 87 farmers, 68% of which reported being female-owned.  

Here are three stories of inspiring women who are farming either alone or with a female partner. We hope you are as impressed as we are with these hard-working women as they not only farm to feed their communities but are committed to helping others fulfil their farming dreams. 

Over the Moon Farm and Flowers is owned and operated by two queer young women in rural Iowa with a passion for agriculture, the land, their livestock, and their community. In 2024 Anna and Shae were awarded a Fund-a-Farmer grant to increase the implementation of rotational grazing on pasture to enhance the production of broiler chickens, turkeys, and Pekin ducks with the integration of solar electric fencing, mobile water tanks, and portable feed totes.  

As a diversified farm, they intend to maximize their efficiency, while not compromising on their high animal welfare standards and making sure their poultry are given the best lives possible.  

Anna and Shae strive to be role models for other women entrepreneurs and for the LGBTQ community. They are committed to making a long-lasting impact. With their passion and drive we believe they will. 

Feral Woman Farm

Atlas Farms is owned and operated by Magdalena De Lores. Magdalena is a single mother of 6 with a passion for farming which she credits to growing up on her Mexican grandmother’s farm. In March of this year, Magdalena was awarded a Fund-a-Farmer grant to purchase materials to install fencing for 10 acres of land, establish rotational grazing, and give animals access to land and a better quality of life. Magdalena shared that fencing is a huge step towards improving both the land and the wellbeing of her livestock. 

Feral Woman Farm is a small-scale farm owned and operated by Lulu Redder. Farming is Lulu’s sole source of income, and she shared some of her challenges in her 2024 Fund-a-Farmer application (which was funded). 

“Being a farmer and single mother has been incredibly challenging, but also incredibly rewarding, allowing me to share this time and experience with my daughter and build an incredible community of support for myself and my business. I am extremely passionate about what I do and highly motivated to be successful.” 

Lulu’s long-term vision is to continue to build a hub of inspiration and empowerment for others interested in pursuing agriculture. Her hope is to inspire future high-welfare female farmers through her example. 

FACT’s Fund-a-Farmer grants, while not large, still make a significant impact for small-scale farmers who traditionally have a challenging time receiving federal funding. You can help farmers like Shae, Anna, Magdalena, and Lulu when you make a gift to FACT and improve the lives of the livestock and poultry under their care. https://www.foodanimalconcernstrust.org/make-a-gift