“I wish women in the future would see how hard every generation of women have worked before them to get the respect we deserve. I hope women are inspired by the work I do and wish to pursue a career in agriculture because something I have said or done has resonated with them. I would tell women to work smarter, not harder. I’d also encourage them to voice their opinions, even if they’re unpopular.”

Q: Tell us about your agricultural operation, your background and how you got started in agriculture. 

I grew up on a dairy farm in Southwest VA, then became a large animal veterinarian in Central VA.

Q: What does working in agriculture, and specifically being a woman in agriculture, mean to you?

I realize everyday that I’m a woman in a man’s world, but I try to bring a level of compassion and empathy to my animal patients that I feel is difficult for a man to achieve. I also enjoy giving a female perspective to male farmers in order to work as a team to reach a goal.

Q: What do you wish the next generation of women in agriculture would know about your work? What advice would you give them?

I wish women in the future would see how hard every generation of women have worked before them to get the respect we deserve. I hope women are inspired by the work I do and wish to pursue a career in agriculture because something I have said or done has resonated with them. I would tell women to work smarter, not harder. I’d also encourage them to voice their opinions, even if they’re unpopular.

Q: Have you had access to formal education or informal training programs to help you grow your operation?

Yes I have. I was fortunate to be able to get an undergraduate degree, and a veterinary degree. Because I was able to get a good education, I felt compelled to pay it forward and I do a lot of volunteering to help educate women in agriculture every chance I get!

Q: What would make it easier for women in agriculture to access the capital they need?

I believe there is a need for more educational classes for farm women about economic issues related to the farm. I feel like lenders don’t always take women seriously. I also think that lenders want to see a woman with more collateral than a man, when in reality a strong business plan should be sufficient.

Q: What technologies or innovations have made the biggest difference on your farm? How do you stay informed about best practices, weather, markets, or new technologies?

For my veterinary practice, the ability to use an ultrasound has been amazing. Also, the advances in mobile cattle handling facilities have come a long way. I stay informed via professional publications, such as The Bovine Veterinarian, Successful Farmer, and many more!

Q: Has your state department of agriculture helped you advance your operation? How?

Yes, our department of agriculture in Virginia operates state laboratories where my clients can take animals for post-mortem exams and they help monitor for diseases in all species of production animals throughout the state. This helps me as a veterinarian to recommend preventative practices for producers and helps me to know what is going on in my state.