Kristan Wright Named 2026 Kentucky Farm Woman of the Year

By Blake Jackson

Kristan Wright’s connection to agriculture has been lifelong, shaped by growing up just a few miles from the farm she now operates with her husband, Daniel, at Wright Farms. Kristan upbringing on a diversified livestock and crop operation laid a strong foundation for the wide-ranging enterprise they manage today.

“I grew up about three miles away, on a very diversified farm, where we had around 800 head farrow-to finish operation. We also grew tobacco, a little bit of corn, soybeans, a lot of alfalfa, and wheat straw as well, and we had cattle,” Kristan said.

Named the 2026 Kentucky Farm Bureau Farm Woman of the Year, Wright credits her grandmother as a major influence in shaping her understanding of women’s roles in agriculture.

“My grandparents had a farm, and when my grandfather became ill and unable to do the work around the farm, my grandmother had to do it all,” Kristan said. “Growing up, I heard stories about her working like a man on the farm, and what made it even more special, she was a very petite woman, but she took over the whole operation.”

Her father also played a key role in teaching her farm skills.

“My dad wanted me to do everything on the farm, anything and everything he taught me,” Kristan said. “The only thing he would never allow me to do was cut tobacco, and I really didn't complain about that!”

Alongside farming, Kristan developed a passion for agricultural education, now serving with the Kentucky Department of Education as an agriculture education consultant and state FFA advisor.

“I always knew I wanted to do something in agriculture and figured out in high school, I wanted to be an agriculture teacher, just like my ag teacher, Mr. Stahl,” Kristan said.

Wright Farms today includes hog operations, row crops, livestock, a roadside market, and even some unexpected animals, reflecting both hard work and creativity. Despite her busy professional role, Kristan says returning to the farm remains a source of balance and pride, especially as she represents women across Kentucky agriculture.

Photo Credit: kentucky-farm-bureau