Being involved in agriculture is noble work, but it’s no secret that the work is exhausting and rigorous. Being a woman in agriculture comes with extra challenges that have to be faced with a special kind of resilience. We are delighted to introduce, Heather Delanoy, this month’s Women of FVC feature.
Heather grew up outside of Spokane, Washington on a small farm watching the KC-135’s fly over her home daily. Her grandmother and parents always had large gardens, and she enjoyed spending time and learning from them. She served 6 years in the Washington Air National Guard as an Avionics Technician stationed at Fairchild, AFB. She worked alongside her father who was a Crew Chief. She was able to travel to Europe and develop a very strong work ethic and values.
She spent 22 years working in the aerospace industry but when COVID hit, it brought a lot of things into focus for her. She began thinking more about where our food comes from and how real food insecurity is for many people. It made her realize how important local food systems are and that she wanted to be part of the solution.
Heather started by growing a garden, and it didn’t take long for her to realize how rewarding it was. Watching food grow from seed to harvest and sharing it with her community gave her a deep sense of purpose. What began as a small garden quickly grew into something much bigger – Wild Sage Farms. At Wild Sage Farms, they grow vegetables, root crops, garlic, summer and winter squash, and a variety of pumpkins.
“What I enjoy most about my farm is the sense of purpose and connection it gives me every day,” said Heather. “I love seeing a tiny seed grow into a healthy, thriving plant, knowing that it will eventually feed someone’s family.”
To Heather, there’s something deeply rewarding about nurturing the land, experimenting with new crops, and learning from each season’s challenges.
Heather cherishes the relationships she’s built with her community – sharing her harvest, hearing stories from customers, and knowing that her hard work is making a difference.
“For me, farming isn’t just a business; it’s a way to care for others, to create something tangible, and to live out a dream that started from a simple garden,” said Heather. “Every early morning, long day, and problem solved is worth it when I see the joy my food brings and feel the connection to the land I love.”
Heather has been honored to receive the Fellowship Fund Grant in both 2023 and 2024. In 2023, she was awarded fencing that allowed her to expand her growing area by more than 21,000 square feet, resulting in a 25% increase in revenue.
In 2024, she received 30 cattle panels to support her 500 tomato plants. This trellising system significantly reduced the labor required to manage the crop and harvest. It also helped to produce stronger, more robust plants that were more resistant to disease.
Both times she was awarded were funded thanks to the Tractor Supply Company.
When asked about what it means to be a woman in agriculture, she connected her time in the military to her current ventures in agriculture.
“For me, being a woman in agriculture is deeply connected to my time in military service. Both paths require grit, resilience, hard work, and a commitment to something bigger than yourself. In the military, you learn discipline, teamwork, and how to keep going even when conditions are tough,” said Heather.
Farming requires many of those same qualities – long days, challenges, and the determination to see things through and succeed. Heather’s love for farming comes from the connection it creates to the soil, to the seasons, and to her community, who share in the harvest.
Heather also had some wise and inspirational words for women who are interested in pursuing a career in agriculture but feel intimidated on getting started. She simply said, “Just do it.”
“If I can create a thriving farm, then so can you. There will be plenty of days filled with doubt and self-reflection, but the reward of seeing customers enjoy the food I’ve grown makes it all worthwhile,” said Heather.
“Start small, find a strong mentor, and don’t be afraid to learn as you go. None of us start out knowing everything, and agriculture is a constant education. Most importantly, don’t let anyone convince you that you don’t belong. Strength in farming isn’t about physical size, it’s about determination, creativity, and the willingness to keep going when things get tough.”
“If you have a passion for the land and a desire to feed and serve your community, there is absolutely a place for you in agriculture.” – Heather Delanoy
Please join us in tipping our hats to the women who show grit, determination, and a seriously rugged attitude as we celebrate the women who work tirelessly to keep our western heritage alive. We see you, and we thank you!
Learn more about Wild Sage Farms by visiting their website HERE or following them on Instagram.
