Three women with distinguished careers in agricultural technology, education and policy have been named recipients of the 2025 Women in Agribusiness (WIA) Demeter Award of Excellence.
Leah Anderson of WinField United and Land O’Lakes, Inc.; Frances Churchill of Kansas State University; and Sara Neagu-Reed from the International Fresh Produce Association will be honored at the Women in Agribusiness Summit, Sept. 22-24 in Orlando, Florida.
The award, now in its 13th year, recognizes women who have made exceptional contributions to agribusiness while serving as role models and actively dismantling barriers in the industry. This year’s recipients were selected from more than 35 nominations.
Anderson, senior vice president of Land O’Lakes and president of WinField United, was recognized for making data the cornerstone of innovation strategy. Under her leadership, the business collects over 6 million data points annually to inform recommendations for farmers. Fortune named Anderson one of the Most Powerful Rising Executives in the Fortune 500 in 2024.
Churchill, a professor of practice at Kansas State University, made history as the first woman elected president of the International Association of Operative Millers in its 125-year history. She chairs the IAOM Women in Milling Roundtable and is credited with strengthening industry partnerships.
Neagu-Reed, director of production and environmental policy at the International Fresh Produce Association, was honored for her contributions to organic policy, leadership in shaping the Farm Bill and commitment to inclusivity in agriculture. She has advocated for expanded research funding for specialty crop growers using organic methods.
