“I love being a 63-year-old female farmer because it keeps me active and mentally healthy. I always tell everyone there is nothing better than “hands in the dirt, and butt in the air.” Being a woman, I feel I am more nurturing with each plant and am not afraid to sacrifice my leisure for the good of my crop.”

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

I am a female lavender farmer and had no prior farming experience until I began in 2022 when I turned 60 years old. CRAZY, right!?! I truly feel God called me to this agricultural adventure to share joy with other people and thus I sought out all the education and research I could before the first plant went into the ground in the fall of 2022. I took a class through Michigan State University for lavender farmers, joined the U.S. Lavender Growers Association and visited as many lavender farms as possible to interview experienced lavender farmers. Since I felt this was what the Lord wanted me to do versus some grand idea I came up with, I have done everything with far more intensity and quality. As someone with a reputation of killing most plants I’ve ever touched, l doubted my success thus the reason I planted over 1400 total lavender plants. Even though I expected at least half of the field to die, God quickly showed me HE was in charge and my field flourished. I am thankful for the opportunity to share my knowledge and enthusiasm for lavender farming with garden clubs, youth groups, daycares, rehabilitation groups, hobby clubs, school field trips, and more.

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

Being a lavender farmer is a physically challenging adventure. During a season of life when most people are cutting back and relaxing, I launched this hugely physical and financially challenging farm. I love being a 63-year-old female farmer because it keeps me active and mentally healthy. I always tell everyone there is nothing better than “hands in the dirt, and butt in the air.” Being a woman, I feel I am more nurturing with each plant and am not afraid to sacrifice my leisure for the good of my crop. As a registered nurse who spent many years in medical sales, I feel this new phase of life is one meant to be shared with others who may need encouragement by engaging their senses. My lavender field nourishes me and others by the sight of its gorgeous blooms, its fragrant scents, the hum of the pollinators, and the feel of the dirt and plants in my hands. As a woman in agriculture, I willingly offer encouragement to others and am confident that my role is that of the steward and ambassador of the field. To help support my farm I hand-craft many body care products from the essential oil I distill after hand harvesting my plants. At vendor events where I sell these products, I have the opportunity to share my “story” with women who may never challenge themselves outside of their comfort zone or take a leap of faith. I help educate them with lavender planting advice, choosing healthier body care products, and encouraging them with the joy and love that overflows from being a lavender farmer.

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

It is HARD work; there is no time clock that tells you when to “clock in” or out; its full of surprises and things you cannot control (like floods & droughts); it is physically draining to be bent over sweating into your eyeballs in the heat of summer; you most likely will not get rich from doing it; BUT it is a source of joy and accomplishment when you look at that gorgeous field and bask in the glorious sights, sounds and fragrances it provides to your senses.

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

Yes, I took a class through Michigan State University for lavender farmers, attend conferences for lavender farmers, and do online classes through the US Lavender Growers Association. I also take classes offered through my local extension office and the Piketon OSU extension services, the USDA and the ECDI (Economic & Community Development Institute). My local florist has also been a source of education.

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

More programs for specialty crops and equipment for specialty crop farming. Specific grants and affordable loans for female farmers. More funding for equipment and marketing resources. FREE money through grants and affordable interest rates are critical.

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?

Weed barrier fabric, mounding devices (bedders), gas powered augers, distillery equipment, rain gauges and thermometers, narrow mowing devices, Cutco scissors, harvesting tools, gloves, refrigerator for cut flowers, weather apps, Canva app, QuickBooks, some items that would help I cannot afford.

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

Labor force assistance is hard to come by when the work is hard, long hours, and outside. Still in process but I’ve tried reaching out to FFA advisors, 4-H advisors, extension office, SBA, local landscaping companies, local youth groups, Shawnee State University …

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

YES! The ODA shot a couple of videos in my field and my lab where I make body care products and shared them on social media! Social media exposure and free (or significantly reduced price) advertising is HUGE!! Also through grant money opportunities and discounts through Ohio Proud. I regularly work with ODA to sell my products at area conferences and at the Ohio State Fair in the Ohio Proud store. Advertising, photography and video resources (including drones) are so helpful in trying to market visits to my farm, and the products I make and sell from my farm. Printing & Signage resources would also be helpful.