HOLLISTER, Calif. — April England, owner of AM Ag Consulting, says there are many more women in her field today than five years ago.

“Regulatory compliance has seemed to open up the opportunities for women to be engaged and involved at a whole new level,” England said. “When I started, there was a group of about six of us in the Salinas Valley that really were heavily engaged and involved in regulatory compliance.”

Now companies are finding that many women are intuitive, organized and good at multi-tasking — all great traits in helping manage regulatory compliance programs, she said.

She credits a teacher and mentor at her Lake Isabella, Calif., high school who saw her potential and encouraged her to become involved in all facets of agriculture — showing livestock, public speaking contests, leadership workshops and contests involving different areas of agriculture.

She holds both a bachelor’s degree in animal science and a master’s degree in ag business economics and policy from Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo.

As owner and operator of a consulting business, England helps farmers comply with state regulations and assists them through various requirements including food safety certifications, organic certifications, water quality management and reporting and air quality regulations.

The part of her career she most enjoys is getting involved in local, state and national organizations “where I have the ability to lobby legislators and educate young students and other adults about agriculture,” she said.

Her involvement in Farm Bureau, California Women for Ag, Monterey County Ag Education and her local Heritage Board for the Fair all provide networking opportunities.

“Over her years of involvement with Farm Bureau, April has made significant contributions to water quality and food safety compliance,” said Norm Groot, executive director of the Monterey County Farm Bureau. “Her work with growers, shippers and processors has fostered the success of local farmers who are challenged to meet compliance requirements on their own.”

England’s participation in numerous committees has provided valuable insight into fresh food production in the Salinas Valley.

“It’s important for women getting involved in agriculture to understand that those of us that do this do it because we love what we do and we are passionate about feeding the world and educating others about where their food comes from,” England said. “It’s not just a job, it’s a life!

“Being comfortable with yourself and confident in what you do is necessary when working in a ‘man’s’ world,” she said. “It’s a fast-paced, ever-changing career. One will need a thick skin and just be willing to go for the ride. It’s the best ride with the best, most genuine people ever.”

A Capital Press’ annual special section that highlights the contributions women make in the agricultural sector.

Read the stories of the exceptional women featured Women in Ag 2023:

Erika Ackley: ‘I like the independence of farming’ 

Geri Byrne: ‘I love to organize’ 

Lerrina Collins: Fluent in the language of stockdogs 

April England: ‘It’s not just a job, it’s a life’

Suzanne Gallagher: ‘I love the work, I love the land and I love the cattle’ 

Denise Godfrey: A love of plants, and for the community 

Mary Hood: Shattering ceilings in ag banking 

Sharon Hoyt: A passion for the ranching lifestyle 

Jessica Jansen: ‘I love agriculture, and I love teaching people about it’ 

Jean Kurtz, Ali Rodgers: Telling wine’s story in the Umpqua Valley 

Anne Mitchell: Perseverance pays off 

Lori Moore: A bison believer turns vision into reality 

Keri Roid: Lavender farm a dream come true 

Nicole Sanchez: Taking on new challenges 

Wendy Swore: Staying busy with farming, writing