Women are an integral part of the farming community in the United States—making up 1.2 million of the nation’s 3.4 million farmers. 58% of all farms in the U.S. have one or more female farmer(s) compared to 92% of farms for their male counterparts, according to the 2022 Census of Agriculture. 

Johanna Braun, 2021 Delta College graduate and Nickless Family scholarship recipient, is part of the growing number of female farmers in the U.S. “Being a woman in agriculture is not always the easiest thing and we may be thought of as the underdog in certain circumstances,” says Johanna. “But buying land and having it in my own name is a major achievement, and one that I am very proud of.”

Johanna grew up on her family’s farm, spending most of her days doing chores and enjoying the outdoors. Some of her most cherished memories are of visiting grain elevators and riding in the truck with her Grandpa Booms. Johanna didn’t realize how deep her love for agriculture ran until she was no longer a part of it.

After graduating from Harbor Beach High School, Johanna began attending Saginaw Valley State University for early childhood education. But it didn’t take long for her to recognize she was in the wrong place. “I thought I helped on the farm because I had to, but being away from the farm for just one week into my first semester at SVSU, I realized that [farming] was my true passion.”

Johanna quickly met with an advisor, transferred her credits to Delta College, enrolled in the agriculture program for the next semester and never looked back. While at Delta, she accepted an internship at Nutrien Ag Solutions in Ubly, MI. She continues her employment there, taking on roles as administrative coordinator and crop consultant.

Soon after completing her degree at Delta College, an opportunity to purchase farmland near her brother’s and her father’s farms arose. In addition to the perfect proximity, the land was once owned by her great-great uncle, William Nowicki, which was sold over 50 years ago upon his passing in 1970, which made the deal even sweeter. “It feels so good to have [the land] back in the family.” At just 22 years old, Johanna purchased her first 40 acres of farmland on July 25, 2022.

Johanna had her first growing season in 2023 and follows the same three-year crop rotation of edible beans, wheat and corn as her father and brother—working in tandem while sharing knowledge and resources. Johanna has also brought a new perspective to their farming operations, introducing cover crops as an alternative to manure for readying soil for each growing season. Though she has the full support of her father and brother, Johanna maintains her independence as the sole decision-maker for her crops regarding day-to-day responsibilities, sales and financial management. 

Building a career in agriculture takes a lot of passion and dedication. For other women starting in the ag industry, Johanna says, “Just because you’re a female doesn’t mean you can’t be great in the ag industry. You should have a positive outlook because you’re up against Mother Nature and many variables—tomorrow is a new day. But also remember that you’re not alone, so don’t be afraid to ask questions.” 

For more information about Delta’s agricultural technology program’s partnership with MSU, contact Lance Fowler at 989-686-9350 or lancefowler@delta.edu.