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.
Prior to living on a farm, Sarah Martin said she “knew very little about agriculture or farming.” She has a PhD in chronic disease epidemiology and said she has “learned more about food on the farm than I learned in all of my schooling.” After losing her job, she “had to adapt to farming and food producing and processing – and ‘grew’ to love it and live it.” She says she knows how to make value-added products out about everything that grows,” and that she is best known for her low-sugar jams and “healther adaptations of baked products..”
What have you learned from other women who work in agriculture?
Other women in agriculture taught me about natural perennial herbs. I remember being new to Starks and the farm, and my son had a friend over, whose mom was stripping mint from the stem while we sat and talked. Another neighbor taught me about harvesting kale. I had not ever seen kale, and now I use it year-round!
What is something people in Maine may not know about working in agriculture in the state?
It takes a lot of work, and you keep learning and adapting to the weather, the pests, the invasive species. It is good that we have resources to learn from, like the University Cooperative Extension, the county USDA offices, and NRCS, and I even learned about SCORE, and my SCORE mentor helps me get on track with reporting for tax purposes. A greenhouse helps to extend your season for sure, but it needs a watering plan.
What does being a part of Maine’s food system mean to you?
It’s so important to me. I try to help my community by participating in Maine Senior FarmShare, and I got approved to accept SNAP. I love preparing farm-to-table meals for the community once per month at our Campfire Chronicles, and I enjoy Open Farm Day and Maine Maple Weekend – we do it all!
What would you say, or what advice would you give, to a young woman aspiring to build a life/career in agriculture?
It’s a good life, and you can’t be lazy if you choose to live it. It is a great feeling to put dinner on the table when it all comes from your own land. I would say try it before you adopt it. There are “woofer” opportunities and just plain volunteer opportunities to try. Ask questions and attend the state agricultural trades show in mid-winter.
