During Women’s Day at The Great New York State Fair, ten women from various sectors of the agricultural industry were recognized with New York State’s Women in Agriculture Awards. This marks the second year for the awards, which aim to highlight the contributions and leadership of women in agriculture across the state.
State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “The Women in Agriculture Awards are a new tradition that celebrate something timeless – the leadership and spirit of women in our agricultural sector here in New York State. The incredible group of farmers, scientists, business owners, and community organizers awarded today showcase the diversity and strength found in all corners of our industry, and I’m honored to celebrate them all.”
Fair Director Julie LaFave added, “The Great New York State Fair has agriculture at its core, so celebrating the contributions of the women who make up this community here just makes sense. I’m honored to be a part of this second annual ceremony and look forward to continuing this tradition for many years. Congratulations to all the winners!”
The awards recognize achievements in several categories including research, legacy, sustainability, veterinary practice, leadership, innovation, mentorship, and overall achievement. Nominations opened during Women’s History Month in March and were reviewed by a committee from both the State Fair and Department of Agriculture and Markets. Winners were notified in June and received their awards during a special breakfast event at The Fair.
This year’s event also featured a keynote address by Maureen Ballatori, Founder and CEO of Agency 29. Photos from the ceremony will be posted on The New York State Fair’s Flickr page.
Honorees include Terri DiNitto (DiNitto Farms) and Diane Eggert (formerly Farmers Market Federation of New York) for Industry Legend; Alyssa Belasco (New York Kitchen) as Rising Star; Kirsten Workman (Cornell CALS PRO-DAIRY) as Innovator; Sheryll Durant (International Rescue Committee) as Urban Farmer; Brittney Peachey (Hudson Valley Fisheries) for Golden Hoof; Dr. Margaret Smith (Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Science) for Rooted Success; Connie Frasier (Frasier Farm) as Dairy Dynamo; Teri Martin (Cybil’s Fisher Photography/The New York State Fair) as Friend of The Fair; and Tonya Van Slyke (Northeast Dairy Producers Association), who received the Leaving it Better Award selected by Commissioner Ball.
Last year’s inaugural event was attended by Governor Kathy Hochul. Information about previous winners is available on the Department of Agriculture and Markets’ website.
Women’s Day at The Great New York State Fair is sponsored by Fidelis Care & WellCare by Fidelis Care. There is also a health and wellness mini-fair featuring advocacy groups for women at Chevy Court Pavilion.
According to data from USDA’s National Agricultural Statistical Service 2022 Census of Agriculture, nearly 22,000—or 38%—of New York’s 57,558 producers are women. Over 14,000 farms statewide are owned or operated by women. Nationally, there are 1.2 million female producers representing 36% of all U.S. producers.
In addition to these recognitions, the United Nations has designated 2026 as International Year of the Woman Farmer to raise awareness about women’s roles in food production worldwide.
The Great New York State Fair runs through Labor Day with admission tickets priced at $8—which includes access to concerts—and offers free entry for seniors aged 65+ as well as children under 12 years old. More information can be found on their official website: https://nysfair.ny.gov/. The fairgrounds operate year-round as an exhibit complex supporting tourism growth strategies like CNY Rising.
