As we celebrate the International Year of the Woman Farmer, we honor the strength, resilience, and leadership women bring to agriculture every day. Among those women is Joyce Geisler, whose lifelong dedication to farming reflects the grit, perseverance, and passion that continue to shape Frederick County’s agricultural community.
For Joyce, agriculture has always been a way of life. Raised on her family’s farm, she developed a love for farming at an early age by watching and learning from her parents. By just seven years old, she was already driving tractors on her own. Summers and school breaks were spent mowing and raking hay, hauling silage, and harrowing fields — experiences that laid the foundation for a lifetime in agriculture.
In 1979, Joyce married Rick Geisler, and together they built R&J Geisler into a thriving farming operation. Over the years, they milked cows, produced hay and straw, and operated both grain and trucking businesses. Their partnership was rooted in hard work, shared values, and a deep commitment to the land.
Following Rick’s passing in 2024, Joyce continued carrying forward the legacy
they built together with unwavering determination. Through years of working side-by-side with her husband, she gained the knowledge and confidence needed to independently manage the farm’s planting, harvesting, and day-to-day decisions. While the responsibility is significant, Joyce says she is grateful for the support of family and friends who continue to stand beside her when needed.
Reflecting on her journey, Joyce shares, “It’s been a good life, and I wouldn’t have changed a thing. There have been easy times and hard times, but it led us where we are today, one step at a time.”
Her advice to young women entering agriculture is simple, honest, and heartfelt: “Don’t give up. Keep working hard. It’s not always easy, but it will come easier the more you do it.”
As we celebrate women in agriculture, Joyce’s story serves as a powerful reminder that farming continues to thrive because of women like her — women full of grit, dedication, innovation, and a deep connection to the land. 