{"id":30397,"date":"2026-04-16T09:08:19","date_gmt":"2026-04-16T16:08:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/?p=30397"},"modified":"2026-04-16T09:14:38","modified_gmt":"2026-04-16T16:14:38","slug":"common-threads-reflections-on-women-agriculture-and-the-power-of-showing-up","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/index.php\/2026\/04\/16\/common-threads-reflections-on-women-agriculture-and-the-power-of-showing-up\/","title":{"rendered":"Common Threads: Reflections on Women, Agriculture, and the Power of Showing Up\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Honorees from the Common Threads North event, from left: Anjanette Shadley, Manpreet Bains, Jackie Park-Burris, Toni Scott, Karen Mills, and Rose Tryon VanCott.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

By Sureena Johl, CDFA<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Earlier this month, Secretary Karen Ross attended the 2026 Common Threads North<\/a> event in Chico, an evening dedicated to recognizing women whose contributions have strengthened agriculture and the communities it sustains. <\/p>\n\n\n

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CDFA Secretary Karen Ross makes her way through the room, reconnecting with friends and colleagues.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Common Threads North brought together a diverse group of honorees whose work spans farming, beekeeping, policy, business, water management, and community leadership. While their paths differ, they are united by a shared commitment to service, stewardship, and advancing agriculture beyond their own operations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This year, the event carried added significance as part of the International Year of the Woman Farmer<\/strong><\/a>. While this global recognition elevates the role of women in agriculture worldwide, Common Threads North reflected how that impact is realized at the local level through leadership, innovation, and community investment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the center of the evening were the honorees themselves: <\/h4>\n\n\n\n