The Power of Women to Lead Regenerative Change

Maggie Keith is a farmer in regenerative agriculture, biodynamic farming and direct-to-consumer food in Kentucky.

By Maggie Keith

I didn’t set out to challenge the food system; I just couldn’t ignore what I was seeing. Early on, it became clear that farmers carry the most risk yet hold the least power, often the last to be paid and the first to absorb loss. That didn't sit right with me.

Instead of trying to succeed within that flawed structure, I stepped outside of it. I built a direct-to-consumer model at Foxhollow so we could price food in a way that reflects the work, the care, and the life behind it. I’ve made a point to speak openly about what’s broken, because pretending it works helps no one.

Twenty years ago, my mother and I took a major step by reintroducing cattle to our land. We had to relearn everything: building soil, working with animals, and creating a closed-loop system. It was slow and difficult, but today, Foxhollow is more than a farm. It’s a place where people reconnect with food and where we prove that a regenerative system is possible. Mary Berry has been a guiding force for me, demonstrating how to lead with clarity and conviction, even when the world pushes back.

Becoming a mother shifted my perspective entirely. It slowed me down and changed my leadership style; I listen more and think long-term. When I spend time with the "momma" cows, I see my own experience reflected in theirs: care, protection, and presence. It’s a grounding reminder that this work isn’t about speed, it’s about stewardship.

While parts of this industry remain difficult to witness, I’ve seen how quickly land can heal when you change the system. That is what keeps me going: building something that works and proving it can be done differently.

Maggie Keith is a farmer in regenerative agriculture , biodynamic farming and direct-to-consumer food in Kentucky. https://www.facebook.com/foxhollowfarmky ; https://www.instagram.com/foxhollowfarmky