14th Annual Women in Agribusiness Summit

Celebrating Excellence in Agribusiness

We’re thrilled to announce the 2025 recipients of the Women in Agribusiness Demeter Award of Excellence: Leah Anderson (WinField United & Land O’Lakes, Inc.), Frances Churchill (Kansas State University), and Sara Neagu-Reed (International Fresh Produce Association).

Now in its 13th year, this award honors women who lead with impact, break down barriers, and inspire others across the food and ag industry. With over 35 nominations this year, these honorees truly stood out.

Anderson is recognized for utilizing her background in technology to make data the cornerstone of WinField United’s innovation strategy. Under her leadership, the business collects and processes over 6 million data points annually – the industry’s most robust data set to inform recommendations for farmers. This data is used to advise a robust, science-backed pipeline of new products and services aimed at offering more predictability and profitability to farmers. In 2024 alone, Anderson oversaw the launch of more than 15 new products that directly address challenges faced by farmers today.

Anderson supports broader ag initiatives through her positions on the board of directors for GreenPoint Ag and CropLife America. Outside of this critical ag work, she is an active member of her local community as a mentor for student career planning at her alma mater, St. Olaf College, a member of the University of Minnesota Gopher Athletes fund supporting student athletes and more. She also has served on the Industrial Advisory Council for University of Minnesota’s College of Science & Engineering, and the Board of Directors for Minnesota Tech For Success, among others.

Said her nominator, Glenda Gehl, vice president of agribusiness R&D and innovation at Land O’Lakes, “Leah is a leader that finds purpose and puts her whole self into her work. She doesn't take lightly the weight of her role and the importance of supporting America’s farmers into the future…. [she] is driving outsized impact by enabling long-term resiliency and success for retailers and growers with cutting-edge agronomic research, product development and insights generation.”

Her nominator Samantha Bock said, “It is impossible to overstate her contributions to the success of the College’s undergraduate program while serving as assistant director. Her ability to build relationships, be a positive role model for young women in agriculture and develop employees have contributed to her success and impact on many others in agriculture.”

Frances Churchill has a long and storied career in ag, which began at The Pillsbury Company in 1984 in St. Louis, Missouri, and flourished as she served in leadership roles for ConAgra Flour Milling Co, The Mennel Milling Company, General Mills, and Knoxville Milling Company/C.H. Guenther & Sons. In 2012, she joined Kansas State University as the North American Milling Instructor of Milling Science & Management and is now a Professor of Practice.

Churchill is an active member of the International Association of Operative Millers (IAOM) and was the first woman to be elected as president in its 125+ year history, and also was among the first women to serve on the association’s board of directors. She also chairs the IAOM Women in Milling Roundtable that was started in 2020.

Churchill is credited with strengthening IAOM’s collaboration with other key industry partners through her thoughtful approach to cross-sector engagement that builds trust, and her focus on innovation, education and succinct communications.

“One of Fran’s most meaningful contributions has been her commitment to increasing visibility and inclusion for women in milling – a field historically lacking in gender diversity. She is a leading advocate for IAOM’s Women in Milling initiative and frequently speaks about the importance of building community, mentoring young professionals, and removing barriers to entry,” said her one of her nominators, Melinda Farris, CEO of IAOM. “Fran’s empathy, transparency, and approachability make her a powerful role model for both women and men across the agribusiness sector…. In every role she holds, Fran is a force for good in agribusiness. She brings a rare combination of deep technical skill, people-centered leadership, and a genuine passion for helping others thrive.”

Sara L. Neagu-Reed, director of production and environmental policy with the International Fresh Produce Association, was recognized for her contributions to organic policy, her leadership in shaping the Farm Bill, and her unwavering commitment to inclusivity in the ag sector.

Said one of her nominators, Elaine Trevino of Sunkist Growers, “Sara has emerged as one of the most effective and visionary leaders in the agribusiness sector, with a lasting impact on organic policy, federal agricultural legislation, and equity within the specialty crop industry. Through her strategic leadership, tireless advocacy, and inclusive policy development, Sara has advanced the interests of fresh produce growers across the country—particularly those committed to organic and sustainable farming.”

Neagu-Reed, who is based in Washington, D.C., is credited for being a driving force behind critical reforms to the National Organic Program, as well as introducing a Farm Bill marker bill designed to increase direct farmer engagement with the National Organic Program, and advocating for expanded research funding aimed at the challenges faced by specialty crop growers using organic and sustainable methods.

Neagu-Reed also is widely respected as a mentor and collaborator – frequently sought out by colleagues and clients for her expertise, strategic insight and problem-solving acumen. She is known for delivering high-impact results to advise farmer coalitions on strategy, help associations navigate regulatory updates and guide processors in accessing new funding, which has earned her a reputation as both a thought leader and a trusted ally to growers.