Applications for the Women in Ag Award Now Open

DLG and Women in Ag Magazine jointly present annual international award for women empowerment in the agricultural sector – aligned with the “International Year of the Woman Farmer” – Applications now open – Selection by an international jury – Award ceremony on 11 November 2026 at EuroTier, the world’s leading trade fair for professional animal farming in Hanover – Women in Ag Award 2026

The International Women in Ag Magazine and the DLG (German Agricultural Society) will confer the international Women in Ag Award for the fifth time this year. Open to international candidates across the entire agricultural sector — from livestock to crop and horticultural production — the award recognizes professional women working in one of four categories: agriculture; agribusiness; education; and technology & research. The deadline for applications is 10 July 2026. Register here 

The award is presented in alternating years at the DLG’s two leading international trade fairs: Agritechnica, the world’s largest trade fair for agricultural machinery, and EuroTier, the world's leading trade fair for animal husbandry professionals.

In 2026, the Women in Ag Award will be conferred at EuroTier taking place from 10 to 13 November in Hanover, Germany.

“Women around the world make vital contributions to a sustainable agricultural and food system every single day,  with expertise, innovation and a deep sense of responsibility across the entire value chain,” says Freya von Czettritz, CEO of DLG Holding. “With the United Nations declaring 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer, their achievements and their role in shaping resilient agricultural and food systems are gaining the visibility they deserve. In this special year, the Women in Ag Award offers an ideal platform to spotlight outstanding women in agriculture, agribusiness, education, as well as technology and research

“The achievements and innovative spirit of women make them important role models throughout the global agricultural and food value chain. At EuroTier 2026, we want to honor this diversity and strength and we look forward to receiving many inspiring applications,” she adds.

Women as Shapers of the Future

“I am delighted that the DLG and Women in Ag Magazine are continuing their collaboration and that we are presenting the Women in Ag Award for the fifth time,” says Kim Schoukens, Editor and founder of Women in Ag Magazine. “It is impressive to see how the award brings together women from all over the world who work in agriculture, agribusiness, technology, education or research.”

“One of the most important aims of our joint work is to highlight the achievements of women along the agricultural value chain as an essential contribution to the future viability of the sector. Even today, women in agriculture are often placed into traditional roles that may not accurately reflect their strength not only as innovators but also as leaders.

“The Women in Ag Award addresses how diverse and influential female perspectives are in agricultural and food systems and how these contribute significantly to empowerment. That is why I want to encourage women in agriculture to become a candidate for this award – it is definitely worth it,” says Schoukens.

Inspiration and empowerment: Testimonial from 2025 Award Winner Linda Kelly

“Being one of the Women in Ag Award winners has been incredibly inspiring,” says Linda Kelly, founder of Lupinenmanufaktur at Biolandhof Kelly in Herdwangen, Germany. “This is a network of women from so many countries with such diverse backgrounds. Yet we all share the same motivation: to shape agriculture sustainably and build the future. This community has deeply encouraged and empowered me.”

“When I received the Women in Ag Award in 2025, not only was I honoured  I was also proud that my work with sweet lupins was being recognized: from ecological cultivation and artisanal processing to regional value creation, biodiversity and tangible climate impact. Showing every day that innovation and tradition can work hand in hand to create something meaningful, that is my motivation!”

“The award is a great opportunity to share your own story and it shows how important it is for women in agriculture to be seen as entrepreneurs, innovators and decision-makers. I want to encourage other women to take their ideas seriously, follow their path  and apply. This step can open doors you didn’t even know existed,” Kelly emphasizes.

Message from Federal Minister Alois Rainer

“As Federal Minister of Agriculture, it is a matter of particular importance to me to reduce the structural barriers that still keep women from taking up leadership positions. We need fair conditions and strong role models so that their abilities, ideas and leadership strength can shape the agriculture of the future even more strongly,” says Alois Rainer, German Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity (BMLEH), who assumed patronage of the “DLG Female Agri Fellows network” and “the Women in Ag Award” at Agritechnica 2025.

Award Presented by an International Jury

Women active in the agricultural sector can apply for the Women in Ag Award until 10 July 2026. The winners are selected by an international jury comprised of representatives from agricultural practice, science, organizations and the media. The DLG, who has appointed the jury, places special emphasis on broad international representation across the agricultural and food value chain, from Europe to Asia and from Latin America to Africa and Australia.

The focus is on outstanding achievements that contribute to the development of local, national or international agriculture. The jury assesses entries according to the following criteria:

• Overall presentation of professional work
• Innovative approaches to work
• Contribution to addressing future-relevant agricultural topics
• Positive impact on the agricultural community, locally or globally

Applications must be submitted online and must include a short video portrait. The video may be recorded in the applicant’s native language, provided it includes English subtitles.

More information here

Media contact:

Malene Conlong
Tel: +49 6924788237
Email: M.conlong@dlg.org

About DLG

With more than 31,000 members, DLG is a politically independent and non-profit organisation. DLG draws on an international network of some 3,000 food and agricultural experts. DLG operates with subsidiaries in 10 countries and also organizes over 30 regional agricultural and livestock exhibitions worldwide. DLG’s leading international exhibitions, EuroTier for livestock farming and Agritechnica for agricultural machinery, which are held every two years in Hanover, Germany, provide international impetus for the local trade fairs. Headquartered in Frankfurt, Germany, DLG conducts practical trials and tests to keep its members informed of the latest developments. DLG’s sites include DLG's International Crop Production Centre, a 600-hectare test site in Bernburg-Strenzfeld, Germany and the DLG Test Centre, Europe's largest agricultural machinery test centre for Technology and Farm Inputs, located in Gross-Umstadt, Germany. DLG bridges the gap between theory and practice, as evidenced by more than 40 working groups of farmers, academics, agricultural equipment companies and organisations that continually compare advances in knowledge in specific areas such as irrigation and precision farming.

www.dlg.org