The word equity shows up in our conversations at conferences, in policy, or on social media. And depending on who you are or where you work, you might have different reactions to it. Some feel energized by the discussion. Others feel unsure, defensive, or even exhausted.
And for some, especially LGBTQ+ people working in agriculture, it’s not just a concept. It’s personal.
Equity doesn’t have to be a buzzword. At its core, it’s about something most people in agriculture already value: making sure people have what they need to succeed.
Not everyone in agriculture is struggling with equity
And that’s worth saying out loud.
There are many people around us who feel supported, seen, and equipped. That’s a good thing, and it’s part of what keeps rural communities strong. But it’s also true that some people in agriculture face barriers that aren’t always visible. Barriers that come not from lack of effort, but from systems or expectations that weren’t built with everyone in mind.
Equity invites us to recognize both realities at once.
Equity makes sure the boots fit.
Here’s one way to think about it: equality gives everyone the same pair of boots. But if the boots only fit a few people and leave others with blisters or frozen toes, it’s not working for everyone. Equity asks what each person needs to be successful, and then makes sure they have what they need for the path they’re on.
In agriculture, that might mean acknowledging that not everyone has the same access to land, resources, networks, or even safety.
For LGBTQ+ people in rural communities, the barriers can include a lack of visible mentors who share their experience, social pressure to stay silent about personal identity, or navigating work environments where being out doesn’t feel safe. These aren’t always dramatic moments of discrimination, but they add up.
When we offer the same starting point to everyone without adjusting for those differences, some people are left struggling to keep up, no matter how hard they work.
Equity isn’t about lowering the bar. It’s about addressing the barriers.
It’s not about special treatment or checking boxes. It’s about recognizing that success in agriculture has never been one-size-fits-all. And if the goal is a strong, resilient ag community, we need to make sure more people have a fair shot at being part of it.
Sometimes that means reevaluating who we mentor, how we define leadership, or whether our meetings and programs are truly accessible to everyone who wants to be there.
What does showing up for equity look like?
You don’t have to overhaul your entire operation or have all the answers. Sometimes, equity is about small, intentional choices. Like:
- Mentorship: Reaching out to someone new to ag, especially if their background or path looks different than yours, including those who might not feel comfortable bringing their full selves to the table.
- Inclusive language: Being mindful of how we talk about “real farmers,” “family operations,” or “tradition” and making room for the fact that families and identities don’t all look the same
- Policy awareness: Asking who’s left out, intentionally or not, when decisions are made, assumptions are made, or resources are shared.
Still unsure where this fits?
It’s okay not to have it all figured out. Equity isn’t a destination. Sometimes it’s a process. It’s a way of noticing who’s in the room, who’s missing, and how we can make space without making assumptions.
We don’t all have the same story. But we can still work toward a future that gives everyone room to grow, whether that’s the next generation of farmers and ranchers, or LGBTQ+ people who want to know they have a place in this industry, too.
Want to learn more?
Check out these thoughts from Matthew Winterholler as he shared his experiences on creating space for equity in our communities.
“It’s important for everyone to challenge their own thoughts and preconceived notions. Without empathy, it’s impossible to understand where marginalized community members are coming from.
That thoughtfulness can be enlightening, and it can make all the difference in the world for those that just want to be seen and heard.”
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