“To me, working in agriculture means living with purpose, caring for the land, and raising animals whose fiber and presence enrich people’s lives. Being a woman in agriculture means embracing the ability to wear many hats—farmer, educator, artisan, entrepreneur, mentor—and showing that farming is not a single path but a dynamic, creative, and resilient way of life. It also means serving as a role model for young women, demonstrating that leadership, innovation, and sustainability have no gender boundaries.”

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

I own and operate Clover Brooke Farm in Hyde Park, New York, with my family. Our solar-powered farm is home to llamas, alpacas, Shetland and Finn sheep, Pygora goats, donkeys, and more. We specialize in fiber production and natural fiber arts, as well as agritourism experiences that connect the public with farming. My background is in education and community programming, which I’ve blended with agriculture to create a farm where people not only meet animals but also learn skills like spinning, natural dyeing, and soapmaking.

I am also a proud 4-H parent, leader, and active community member, with a focus that has always been on education—whether teaching young people through 4-H, offering hands-on workshops at the farm, or mentoring others in agriculture. I entered agriculture in 2016 with the vision of raising livestock, caring for the land, and creating a place where agriculture could inspire, educate, and sustain both people and animals.”

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

To me, working in agriculture means living with purpose, caring for the land, and raising animals whose fiber and presence enrich people’s lives. Being a woman in agriculture means embracing the ability to wear many hats—farmer, educator, artisan, entrepreneur, mentor—and showing that farming is not a single path but a dynamic, creative, and resilient way of life. It also means serving as a role model for young women, demonstrating that leadership, innovation, and sustainability have no gender boundaries. My years of service on local boards such as Cornell Cooperative Extension, GALA, Annie’s Project, nonprofit community clubs, and schools have deepened my commitment to creating opportunities for women and youth in agriculture.

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

I want the next generation to know that agriculture can be as much about creativity and community as it is about hard work and perseverance. My advice is: lean into your strengths, seek out mentors, and don’t be afraid to take risks or create your own path. Women bring unique perspectives that enrich farming—whether through business innovation, environmental stewardship, or building community connections. Having served many years on boards, I’ve seen firsthand how women’s voices shape policy and programming; I encourage young women to step into leadership roles early and often.

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

Most of my learning has been informal and community-based: 4-H leadership, workshops with other farmers, and Cornell Cooperative Extension programs. I also completed coursework with Fearless Farmers to become a certified Regenerative Farming Educator, which strengthened my ability to integrate environmental stewardship into our farm practices and educational programming. These hands-on experiences, combined with trial and error on the farm, have been invaluable. My involvement with Annie’s Project and service on community boards have also given me access to peer learning, financial training, and decision-making experiences that strengthened my ability to grow Clover Brooke Farm

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

Simplified lending processes that account for the unique challenges of small and diversified farms would help, as would more targeted programs that recognize women’s contributions in areas like agritourism, education, and value-added products. Building relationships with lenders who understand agriculture—not just traditional row cropping but also diversified operations—would also make a difference. Women farmers would benefit from more mentorship in financial literacy, and board leadership experiences like mine have shown me how impactful it is when women have a seat at the decision-making table in local and state funding organizations.

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?

Solar energy has been transformative for our farm’s sustainability and costs. Portable fencing, improved livestock-handling tools, and social media platforms have also been critical innovations—helping us care for animals efficiently, reach new markets, and share our story.

To stay informed, I participate in monthly farming and agritourism networking groups, attend webinars, and work with local organizations to learn new social media skills. I’ve also taken community college courses focused on financial management, business modeling, and computer programming, which have strengthened the business side of Clover Brooke Farm and supported its long-term sustainability.”

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

Insurance and liability for agritourism was a major challenge early on. Many insurers were unfamiliar with farm-based tourism and hesitant to provide coverage. Through persistence, networking, and working closely with local and state organizations, I was able to find partners who understood the value of agritourism. My experience on nonprofit and agricultural boards also gave me insight into policy and advocacy, which helped me navigate this issue more effectively. Today, Clover Brooke Farm is thriving, and that challenge helped me develop strong business practices and policies to ensure sustainability.

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

Yes, New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets has supported agritourism initiatives and created opportunities to connect with other farmers. Programs offered through Cornell Cooperative Extension and state-supported grants have provided training, networking, and visibility for operations like mine. My service on local and state agricultural boards has also strengthened my ability to collaborate with the department, making sure the unique perspectives of small farms and women farmers are included in broader agricultural conversations. Additionally, enrolling in the New York Grown and Certified program has helped validate our practices, provided market credibility, and reinforced our commitment to transparency and quality.