Since 2014, Jessica Welshans has been a dedicated NASDA enumerator and supervisor in Pennsylvania. Her strong ties to her community and in-depth knowledge of the area have helped ensure reliable agricultural data for local farmers and the entire industry. Jessica’s work makes a real impact on the agricultural community, and her dedication strengthens the data that supports decision-making nationwide. In this issue, we’re excited to share Jessica’s story, her journey with NASDA and the lessons she’s learned along the way.
How did you get started as an enumerator, and what made you interested in the job?
I was working in journalism for many years and wanted a change. I had worked often with farmers in telling their stories, and grew up on my family’s farm- so this seemed like a fit for me.
What advice would you give to someone who’s just starting as an enumerator?
You can be both personable and professional. Don’t take rejection personally.
Get to know your area of coverage if you don’t already – be in tune to what is going on locally – it’s not always about the bigger picture – sometimes the most important things are happening in your community. Keeps you connected to your ops/farmers.
How do you build relationships and trust with farmers when you meet them?
I stay positive and personable and I speak to them like a peer. And I try to stay as understanding as possible.
What makes the farmers or crops in your area unique and special?
I have a great blend of all types of farmers and crops. We lay in the Chesapeake Bay watershed so there are a lot of conservation practices. We have great agritourism here as well, which is my favorite. I love purchasing items from local farms, and growers and visiting their agri-businesses.
What do you enjoy most about being an enumerator?
Working in agriculture and getting to be out to see some really beautiful areas.
Can you share a story from the field that you’ll never forget?
I get to see and experience a lot because of the diversity of the area I cover – I once helped a boy catch his goats who were loose on the road – helped a gentleman with a newborn calf and heard some wonderful stories about farms, farming and the people of ag.
What helps you stay motivated and excited about your work?
I know the data is used and useful – I have first-hand experience when I was a journalist I wrote a piece about maple syrup production and used stats from a report – I helped collect.
I also feel like I learned something – whether it’s newer surveys like hemp or things about the cattle.
What do you wish more people and the public knew about the work of enumerators?
That we are out there working hard and trying our best to make Ag count.
What do you like to do in your free time to relax or have fun?
I love visiting National Parks and monuments – and just traveling in general. I’m a foster for my local animal shelter. I bake and decorate dog celebration cakes.
