Growing Change: The Women Paving the Way in Organic Cotton

For decades, the image of a cotton farmer has been almost exclusively male: a rugged figure driving a tractor at sunrise, working long hours in the field, making the big decisions that keep an operation running. Cotton farming has long been a male-dominated field, especially when it comes to land ownership and decision-making power. But step onto an organic cotton farm today, and you’ll see a different story unfolding. 

Women have historically played vital roles, but often in administrative or support capacities rather than in leadership. Now, that’s changing, and a new generation of women is reclaiming their place in agriculture. Women are stepping into leadership roles – not just behind the scenes, but at the forefront of farming, processing and sustainability efforts that are shaping the future of the industry.

In this blog, we’re sharing the stories of three women who are breaking barriers in organic cotton: Kayla van Zielst, a young farmer preparing to take over her family’s organic cotton operation; Randi Harris, who transitioned from teaching to running one of the country’s leading organic cotton gins; and Deb Pepper, the quiet but powerful force behind her family’s success in farming. Through their distinct journeys, we’ll explore the challenges and triumphs of women in this industry and why their leadership is essential for the future of organic cotton.

Why should you keep reading? Because the story of organic cotton isn’t just about the products we make with it – it’s about the people who make it happen. And as more women step up to shape the industry, they’re proving that the future of farming is more inclusive, innovative and resilient than ever. Oh, and it’s organic, too.

Farming has been considered men’s work for most of history. Cotton farming, in particular, has been a male-dominated space due to its physically demanding nature and the deep-rooted traditions of agricultural communities. 

In many farming families, sons were expected to take over operations, while daughters were often encouraged to pursue different paths. This division left many women in supporting roles rather than at the forefront of farm ownership and management.

The barriers to women in cotton farming haven’t just been cultural – they’ve been systemic. Access to land and financial resources has historically favored men, with women often facing difficulties securing loans, purchasing equipment or being taken seriously in a field where leadership has long been passed from father to son. Additionally, agricultural education and mentorship networks have traditionally catered to men, leaving fewer opportunities for women to gain hands-on experience or formal training.

But despite these challenges, women have always been present in cotton farming, working just as hard as their male counterparts. 

Across the organic cotton industry, a new wave of women is stepping up – not just as farm hands or behind-the-scenes supporters, but as decision-makers, innovators and leaders shaping the future of agriculture. Let’s meet a few of the women who are a part of our Farm to Bed story at Naturepedic.

For Kayla van Zielst, organic cotton farming is home. Growing up on her family’s farm, she was never pressured to follow in her parents’ footsteps, but over time, she felt a natural pull toward the land and the values it represents. Now, she’s embracing her role in the family business, preparing to take over operations as her father transitions toward retirement.

Kayla plays an active role in every part of the farm, from driving tractors during busy seasons to handling regulatory paperwork and contributing to the Texas Organic Cotton Marketing Cooperative’s marketing efforts, and she enjoys the physical work just as much as the leadership responsibilities. She also thinks about the bigger picture – what it means to be a woman in this industry and how she can help open doors for others.

“It’s very exciting to me to be a woman in this industry and for the opportunities that could lie ahead,” Kayla told us. “Mom and Dad don’t want to force us into this role, but it’s something that we’re taking on, and I’m really proud of that. To be a woman and to be able to do certain things that help so much on the farm – it means a lot.”

She hopes that her journey will encourage other women to pursue leadership roles in organic farming and that she can one day mentor the next generation.

“As we move from a learning role and step into running our own operation, I’m thankful for the opportunity to become a leader. I hope that there are other women who are able to have some of the same opportunities, and I look forward to being like my dad – encouraging other women along the way.”

Unlike Kayla, Randi Harris didn’t initially set out to work in the organic cotton industry. She started her career as an elementary teacher, but her roots in cotton farming and ginning ran deep. Her grandmother worked for Woolam Gin for 33 years, and her grandfather was a farmer, so she grew up surrounded by the industry.

When she decided to move back home with her family, she took a job at Woolam Gin – the same position her grandmother once held. At first, she didn’t know the details of how the gin operated, but she quickly learned.

“When I started working here, I didn’t know anything,” Randi admits. “I grew up around it, but I didn’t really understand the working side of things. I just learned it as I went.”

Now, she’s a co-owner of Woolam Gin, one of the first organic-certified gins in the country. Woolam Gin has been processing organic cotton since 1989 and played a key role in the formation of the Texas Organic Cotton Marketing Cooperative. Beyond her role in processing organic cotton, Randi is a passionate advocate for its benefits. She has an autoimmune disease that makes her highly sensitive to chemicals, so she understands firsthand the importance of toxin-free farming.

“Because of my health, I’m very aware of what I’m exposing myself and my children to. Organic cotton is part of that bigger picture.”

A leader in both organic cotton processing and sustainability, Randi is committed to ensuring that Woolam Gin remains at the forefront of the movement – and she’s empowering more women to follow similar paths in the organic cotton industry.

While Kayla represents the future of organic cotton farming, her mother, Deb Pepper, has been an integral part of its past and present. For Deb, farming was a way to raise her family with strong values, a deep connection to the land and an unwavering work ethic.

“Farming aligns with our family values because, especially when the girls were little, it allowed time to oversee what they learned, set an example for them and allow them to be part of what was going on with mom and dad,” Deb explains.

In the early years of organic farming, Deb played a crucial role in supporting the family. She took a teaching job in O’Donnell, Texas, to provide for the family financially while her husband Carl worked to establish their organic operation.

“It was a challenging time but also a rewarding time. I would go to work, and then I got to come home and help him. Summer times, I loved, because I would stay home for a week at a time. The teachers at school thought I was crazy. They said, ‘How do you stand that?’ But I loved it. Being in the field helping was a joy and a privilege.”

For Deb, the greatest reward of organic farming has been knowing that her daughters and their spouses want to continue the legacy she and Carl built.

“My daughters wanting to carry on this legacy is affirmation for what we’ve done for the last 30 years,” she reflects. “It’s a blessing. I would be sad if neither of them had any interest, but as it turns out, both of them do, and their husbands do, too.”

Women are essential to the future of organic cotton farming – they bring unique leadership and innovation that strengthens the industry. By supporting female farmers, we invest in more ethical supply chains, responsible land stewardship and the long-term success of organic agriculture.

As more women like Kayla van Zielst, Randi Harris and Deb Pepper take on leadership roles, they are shaping a stronger, more sustainable organic cotton industry. Their work ensures that farming continues to evolve, creating new opportunities for women and a better future for agriculture.

We’re proud to be a part of their story and to have them be a part of ours. Learn more about our Farm to Bed philosophy and be a part of the story, too.