Submitted by Jennifer Halfinger
(February 22, 2026) — The United Nations has declared 2026 to be the International Year of the Woman Farmer. This campaign is aimed at recognizing women’s contributions to agriculture all over the world.
On February 20, 2026, a core group of Haddam’s women farmers met to celebrate each other and their contributions to our town’s agriculture. What became clear as they talked is how much they have in common as women in the agricultural industry. These are ag business owners, responsible for not only production on their farms, but for marketing, planning, accounting, labor, documentation and sales of their products.
Giving back to the community was another commonality the group shared. These are women farmers who welcome the public out to their farms, attend local markets, and provide donations to non-profits. Agriculture is more than a job. It’s a lifestyle. If you know any of them, you know they are always working, either in front of, or behind the scenes.
Addison Tomanelli demonstrated this so well when she pulled out her phone to monitor a pregnant mare that was preparing to give birth that night. We all laughed when we could see the mare had fallen asleep and was snoring!
Chelsea Cleveland will be “boiling hundreds of gallons of sap this weekend” as part of their farm’s maple syrup production. Sheep shearing, Christmas tree planting, planting of greenhouses, field crops and an expansion of a meat market were all projects these farmers were actively planning for.
This group represents the best of Haddam’s women entrepreneurs, and you can support them! When possible, go to their farms and purchase products. Tell your friends about the Haddam farms you patronize. Like, comment on and share the farm’s social media posts. Leave a positive review on their social media, or write them an uplifting note about your positive experience.
These actions will help keep all of our cherished farms viable. You’ll be helping to assure that these women, and all of Haddam’s farmers, can continue farming well into the future. This group of women farmers represents the mavens of Haddam’s agriculture. If you see one of them, be sure to let them know you saw this article. Let them know that you appreciate them, and all that they do.
Photo above provided by Halfinger Farms
Left to right:
Beth Vallera Gauss, Tin Lizzie Farm
Chelsea Cleveland, Cleve’s Giants Giant Pumpkins and Tasty Maple Syrup
Vivienne McGarry, Cold Goats Farm
Addison Tomanelli, Whitney Ridge Stables
Melissa Gibson, Wellstone Farm
Dianne Digioia, Sycamore Farm Meats
Susan Scovill, Candlewood Hill Tree Farm
Whitney Lagace, Whitney Ridge Stable
Jennifer Halfinger, Halfinger Farms and Dancing Daffodils
