April 6, 2026

Women powering the future of dairy farming

The U.N. declared 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer, drawing attention to the vital role women play in global food systems. At GEA, women across the dairy farming business are helping shape that future. We asked several of them to share what inspires them, what needs to change and how they see the industry developing.

This picture shows a woman stroking a cow on the head

“Working with dairy farmers is more than just a job – it’s the responsibility of feeding the world today while safeguarding it for tomorrow. I’m very confident about the future of dairy farming.”

^{- Pauline Vanel, Market Manager, Farm Services, France}

Women play a central role in global agriculture, particularly in livestock and dairy production. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), around two thirds of low-income livestock keepers worldwide are women. The International Dairy Federation estimates that approximately 80 million women worldwide are involved in dairy farming, with around 37 million women heading their own farms. In turn, their work supports the livelihoods of more than 600 million people.

Yet access to resources in many agricultural systems remains uneven. Female farmers often have less access to land, financing, training or modern technologies than their male counterparts. The FAO estimates that closing these gender gaps could add around one trillion US dollars to the global economy and reduce food insecurity for up to 45 million people worldwide.

The future of dairy farming is shaped not only on farms, but also by the women developing the technologies and services behind them. With that in mind, GEA asked several women from its dairy farming business to share what inspires them, what needs to change and how they see the industry developing. From automation and herd management to service and market support, their perspectives show how women are helping drive the industry forward.

What made you choose a profession in agriculture?

Josefina Morrogh Bernard, Automated Milking Systems & Herd Management Support, Argentina

My upbringing played a big role. I come from a family of cattle producers who were already involved in livestock farming before emigrating from Europe to Argentina. They have continued working in the industry ever since. That background enabled me to stay connected to agriculture and led to my interest in how technology can help the industry continue evolving.

Kathryn Bargawanna, After Sales Support, Australia

I spent the later years of my childhood living on a small farm – and loved it! When deciding what to study at university, I knew I enjoyed science and animals, so I focused on Agricultural Science. Since graduating, I’ve worked in a number of agricultural roles mostly within the dairy industry and I’ve really enjoyed it.

What makes your work meaningful for you?

Wiebke Pohlmann, Market Support Manager, Automated Milking Systems, Germany

I enjoy supporting farmers in developing their operations and seeing their progress. It’s rewarding to see farmers reach their goals – and sometimes even surpass them. Whether it’s gaining more quality of life for themselves or achieving healthier and higher performing cows, being part of that journey provides purpose to my work. Happy cows and happy farmers!

Ella Morris, Herd Management Specialist, Australia

Helping farmers make smarter decisions for their cows based on data – and ultimately strengthen their businesses – is what fills me with purpose and drives me to show up every single day.

How does your role contribute to the future of dairy farming?

Anne Cuyt, Dairy Management Support, Belgium

More dairy farms are opting for automation and digitization. I expect this trend to continue. Automatization and digitization go hand in hand with data. Translating this data into practical actions and guiding dairy farmers through this digital evolution is my contribution to dairy farming of the future.

Carina Nagl, Consultant, Herd Management, Austria

Modern herd management is about optimizing all aspects of dairy farming – from feeding and health to fertility and farm organization. I support farmers by offering an outside perspective, identifying improvements and keeping the cow at the center of all decisions. My work is especially valuable when farms adopt automated milking systems or grow rapidly, which creates complex processes and large data volumes. I help farmers develop clear strategies and focus on the key information. As automation and herd size increase, data-driven herd management becomes essential. I combine practical experience with data analysis to guide farmers in making confident, future-oriented decisions.

In your opinion, what will modern dairy farming look like in 10 years?

Theresa Niedermaier, Regional Sales Manager, Germany

I think dairy farming will be significantly more digital in 10 years, with many processes supported by AI-based technologies. These developments will make work in the barn easier and streamline operations. The goal is a ‘transparent cow’ – one that immediately detects even the smallest deviations and supports the farmer – perhaps even reacting automatically. At the same time, farm structures will change drastically: Farms will grow, rely more heavily on automation and further improve animal welfare. Milk production is expected to continue rising and the entire operation must be organized in an increasingly efficient and sustainable manner.

Pauline Vanel, Market Manager, Farm Services, France

Working with dairy farmers is more than just a job – it’s the responsibility of feeding the world today while safeguarding it for tomorrow. I’m very confident about the future of dairy farming. A new, highly committed generation of farmers is emerging, driven by the desire to pursue meaningful work while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. What won’t change is the passion. Dairy farming will remain a vocation rooted in local communities and carried forward by dedicated women and men.

What change would you most like to see for women in agriculture?

Theresa Kunick, Business Development Manager, Germany

Women fill so many important roles and responsibilities in agriculture – often working full-time in addition to their roles as mothers, care providers for elderly parents, etc. These extra duties are often taken for granted. The contributions women have been making for decades must be made much more visible and, above all, valued in every sector!

Lena Krippendorf, Senior Director Global Herd Management, Germany

I want to see women in agriculture gain far greater visibility and no longer be reduced to traditional roles such as ‘calf caretakers.’ Women are highly skilled professionals and deserve a platform to demonstrate their expertise and contribute equally to the progress of our industry. Managing a farm or a team in agriculture should not be viewed as an exception; what truly matters is the competence, knowledge and the valuable strengths and perspectives that women bring to the agricultural sector.

Heather Crawford, Senior Director Technical Support Service and Training, U.S.

Heather Crawford, Senior Director Technical Support Service & Training, U.S.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, approximately one-third of U.S. farmers are women. Applied to dairy, this means women manage roughly one out of every three farms we serve. This reinforces the importance of engaging directly with women owners and decision-makers. While our approach to working with dairy producers remains consistent, it highlights the opportunity to further support and attract women to dairy farming and related industry roles, recognizing the valuable expertise they bring to the business.

Customer stories: Women in agriculture

How a milking robot changed a mother's life

Michele Schneider's life took an unexpected turn when she married her husband Virlei, an aspiring dairy farmer, and the two started dairy farm Fazenda Inovação Schneider Milk in Brazil.

How robots ensure equality and health in the barn

Improving animal health and work efficiency through modernization with GEA

Fully automated freestall barn with four GEA DairyRobot R9500 milking boxes – The cows’ well-being is the top priority in the milking facility and barn

Sisters Lesley and Katie Bryson with their children at Carl-Lou Farms

GEA Automated Milking System customer story

Female owned dairy farm upgrade milk efficiency and herd hygiene, with the latest GEA Automated Milking System

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GEA is one of the world’s largest systems suppliers for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical sectors. Our portfolio includes machinery and plants as well as advanced process technology, components and comprehensive services. Used across diverse industries, they enhance the sustainability and efficiency of production processes globally.

GEA is listed in the DAX and the STOXX® Europe 600 Index and is also among the companies comprising the DAX 50 ESG and MSCI Global Sustainability Indices.

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