MCJ 122 Social Media Journalism

Celebrating Women in Agriculture: Generations of Influence and a Growing Impact

In recognition of National Women’s History Month, the role of women in agriculture continues to gain attention as both a historical foundation and a driving force for the industry’s future.

For generations, women have contributed to agriculture through labor, leadership, and innovation, often without widespread recognition. 

Today, their influence is more visible, expanding across production agriculture, education, agribusiness, and research. As younger generations continue to build on the legacy of women in ag, they bring new perspectives and skills that will shape the future of the industry. 

Students such as Taylor Sousa, Evelyn Delapa, and Elaina Dulcich represent the next generation of leaders in teaching our youth about agriculture. 

Others, including Charle Swope, Elizabeth Mello and Kendall Hinton, highlight the diverse career paths within the industry, and beyond the classroom, Brenna Orchard, a first generation cowgirl in agricultural real estate. 

National Women’s History Month provides an opportunity to recognize both the historical contributions and the growing impact women have in agriculture today.

Support your local ag gals! 

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Daylight Savings: Clock Changes Continue to Spark Debate

The practice of changing clocks for daylight saving time began in the early 20th century as a way to make better use of daylight and conserve energy.

The idea was first widely implemented during World War I, when several countries moved clocks forward to reduce the need for artificial lighting and save fuel. After the war, many places abandoned the practice, but it returned during World War II.

In the United States, daylight saving time became more standardized with the passage of the Uniform Time Act of 1966.

Today, most states still observe daylight saving time, although debate continues over whether the biannual clock change should remain.

Some Americans question the need for the time shift.

“The majority of the year we’re in daylight savings time,” said a 41-year-old health care worker. “What are we doing this for?”

Others see benefits, especially those balancing work and responsibilities at home. Anne Deniz, a professor in The Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, said the extra evening daylight can be helpful.

“Daylight savings gives me more daylight during my day,” Deniz said.

Her family raises a variety of farm animals, and the additional daylight allows them to spend more time working together in the evenings.

“I have more time at home at night in the daylight to get chores done with my family,” she said.

While the debate continues across the country, daylight saving time remains a routine part of the American calendar — one that still sparks discussion more than a century after it began.

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FRESNO — The Fresno State Mule Packing Club brought the community together for a night of
food, dancing, and Western tradition at its 4th Annual Pitchin’ Hitches Dinner Dance on March
28, 2026.
The event was held at the Fresno State Pavilion from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and featured a tri-tip
dinner, line dancing, live and silent auctions, and packing demonstrations that highlighted
agricultural skills and heritage.
Students, alumni, and supporters of agriculture attended the evening celebration, showing
strong community support for hands-on agricultural education and tradition.
Tickets started at $50, with additional table and sponsor options available for attendees.

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Vintage Days 2026 Highlights Local Agriculture and Family-Owned Business
Vintage Days 2026 at California State University, Fresno brought together students, community
members, and local vendors to celebrate agriculture and small businesses in the Central Valley.
Among the featured booths was Poulsen’s Honey Pot Apiary, a family-run operation showcasing
the value of locally produced goods and sustainable beekeeping.
Samantha Poulsen, owner of Poulsen’s Honey Pot Apiary, shared that her business has grown
to include over 200 hives, with plans to continue expanding throughout the Central Valley.
Working alongside her at the booth was her daughter. Their booth displayed a variety of
products including jars of honey, candles, lip balm, and beard balm, all produced using natural
hive practices.
Poulsen emphasized the importance of keeping operations local and natural, stating that her
hives are “all natural here in the Central Valley,” reflecting a commitment to local agriculture.
Support local. Support the Valley