Real Maine and the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry celebrate the women shaping our state’s agriculture today and inspiring the next generation. We are proud that 2026 has been proclaimed as the Year of the Woman Farmer in Maine. Throughout the year, we have received dozens of nominations for women farmers, agricultural leaders, or young women making an impact to highlight. We have spotlighted, and will continue to spotlight, many of those nominated on social media. We have reached out to some of those who have been highlighted to hear a little more from them.
Keena Tracy’s first farm job was in Pennsylvania in 2000, where she says she “fell in love with farming right away.” She worked there for three years, then came to Maine and worked on another farm for four years. She started Little Ridge Farm in 2007.
What is something people in Maine may not know about working in agriculture in the state?
Even though Maine is a large state, a lot of farmers know each other. I find it to be a collaborative network of folks sharing knowledge, inspiration, and business base. We are all rooting for each other because we believe in local ag, want to keep land in ag, and want the business of local ag to thrive.
What have you learned from other women who work in agriculture?
Gosh, so much. Expertise in soil science, plant growth, marketing, business… Also, I am not alone in feeling that farming is both a joy and very challenging. I find most farmers have to farm for the love of it because otherwise it will break you, and I think women have this sense of love of earth and growth more than men.
What does being a part of Maine’s food system mean to you?
It means tending to the earth and community. Food is a love language and an essential piece of every person’s day. The way we grow, sell, and share our food is a loud statement on how we present ourselves on this planet and in our community. We have met and collaborated with so many amazing non-profits, most run by women, to get healthy food to those who are food insecure, and that is very important to us.
What would you say, or what advice would you give, to a young woman aspiring to build a life/career in agriculture?
Take it slow. Make yearly goals and stick to them. It is so easy to get overwhelmed and burnt out, both physically and financially. Setting a clear path helps with that.
