“[Don’t] be afraid of the daily hard work or being told you can’t do it. There’s always a way to meet the challenges. The accomplishments make the lifestyle a satisfying way of life. Being one with nature and the animals is so gratifying.”

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

We raise registered Simmental cattle and Southdown cross Hampshire sheep. I’ve been in agriculture for over 50 years including managing and partnered in Canada for registered show cattle back in the 80’s. We are a family operation with my sons and granddaughters involved with 4-H and such.

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

It’s been a challenge being a woman in a primarily male-dominated world. The daily care of the livestock and land to be sustainable has made the hard work very satisfying; seeing the changes by seasons in livestock and the land.

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

Not to be afraid of the daily hard work or being told you can’t do it. There’s always a way to meet the challenges. The accomplishments make the lifestyle a satisfying way of life. Being one with nature and the animals is so gratifying.

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

Yes I pursued many training programs, and some classes in agriculture and science.

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

Knowledge of existing capital for women and accessibility to funding and grants solely for women in agriculture.

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?

Internet and cell phone.

Q: Describe a specific challenge you faced and how you overcame it. 

Discrimination in raising livestock from men because of the hard manual labor of raising livestock and caring for the land to raise them on. But with persistence and willingness to think outside the box, I could move past it.