2026 Event Honors International Year of the Woman Farmer
The United Nations (UN) General Assembly declared 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF 2026), led by the Food and Agriculture Organization, to highlight the vital role that women play across global agricultural systems. This fall's annual Western Illinois Fiber Festival, set for Saturday, Oct. 24, is paying tribute to women in the region who take part in agriculture-related activities.
According to the UN, women comprise over 43 percent of the agricultural labor force globally, yet they face severe gaps in land ownership, credit, technology and training. Closing gender gaps in agriculture Could increase global gross domestic product by $1 trillion.
"At this year's fall Fiber Fest, there will be 11 women present who own and work their own farms," noted Lindsey Moore, owner of Little Creek Alpacas and the coordinator of the annual fest. "There will also be ten other women-owned businesses taking part. This is a great event to showcase our rural region and women who work incredibly hard in a predominantly male occupation."
The Fall Western Illinois Fiber Fest, which will be held from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the McDonough County 4-H Center, 3022 W. Jackson St., will feature unique items and wares from fiber farmers, dyers and artisans. The following femaleowned farms taking part include Walnut Springs Family Farm (Elizabeth Pullen), Leaf Livestock Wool Co. (Anne Sammons), Jubilee Farms (Cyndy Ash), It'll Do Farms/The Bird's Nest Knit & More (Jackie Sullivan), SageRidge Ranch (Linda Kernstock), Hickory Grove Farm (Anne Knowles), PW Sheep Farm (Brandy Wamsley), Little Creek Alpacas (Lindsey Moore), Kay Jumper (Ceilidh's Cannabis Conjurations), Drewberry Soap (Jenni Wixom) and Shady Grove Farm (Cynthia Edmonds-Cady).
The female artisan vendors include Hickry Ridge Homestead, Ari-Bo Arts, Noumea Hand Dyed Yarn & Fiber, Kate's Kritters, Kameleon Hand-Dyed Yarn, Green Shingle Graphics, Kristel's Creative Soul, Paint the Sky Blue and The Sassy Rabbit.
In addition to items for purchase, A Tangled Mess Fiber Arts and A Sassy Rabbit will offer needle felting at $10-$15 per DIY project. Participants can also learn how to use a drop spindle, with both spindles and fiber available to try and also for purchase. Individuals are also invited to bring their own spinning fiber and drop spindle.
Aly Sturgis, owner of Sullivan Taylor Uptown and Aly's Bakehouse, will serve breakfast and lunch, with vegetarian options available.
Keep up-to-date on the event at the Western Illinois Fiber Festival Facebook page.
