Outstanding in their Fields profiles seventeen women farmers and ranchers who dramatize the pioneering spirit, creativity and courage that animates much of the kinds of artisanal agriculture where women are leading the way. For many of these agriwomen, farming is a second occupation following careers in business, science, and aeronautics. Others, like Mary Orr, chase it in serendipitous fashion as a healthier social environment for their children only to find that they have taken to farming like proverbial ducks to water.

All in all, this book is an exciting reading experience that illustrates exciting developments in California's agriculture landscape.