“Being a woman in agriculture isn’t about fitting into a mold—it’s about shaping one’s own path with resilience, vision, and heart. I’m proud to represent the next generation of women farmers who are not only feeding their communities but also redefining what’s possible on the land.”

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

I manage Danner Farms, a diversified family farming operation in Aledo, IL. Our farm encompasses approximately 1,500 acres of corn and soybeans. I began working full-time on the farm in 2012 after graduating from Iowa State University with a triple major in Agronomy, Environmental Science, and Farm Management.

Since joining the operation, I’ve taken over a wide range of responsibilities, including financial management, input procurement, and crop marketing. I handle all bookkeeping, negotiate seed, fertilizer, and land rental agreements, and am solely responsible for marketing our grain. I also plant all of our soybeans and haul the majority of our harvested crops to the river terminal.

In 2024, I applied for and was awarded a USDA REAP Grant, which is currently funding some of the construction of a $1,500,000 grain storage facility to be operational for the 2025 harvest. This addition will significantly improve our on-farm efficiency and marketing flexibility.

In 2021, I expanded our operation by launching a U-pick flower farm with my mother, Danndee Flowers, which operates seasonally on Danner Farms during late summer and early fall. Together, we grow and harvest a variety of fruits, flowers, and herbs to create a line of culinary, home, and skincare products. Danndee Flowers has welcomed more than 5,000 visitors to our farm, offering educational experiences focused on commercial row crop production, pollinators, and specialty crops. Our flower products are now sold in eight retail locations, and we have provided floral arrangements for over 20 weddings.

Farming has always been more than a livelihood for me—it’s a platform for education, innovation, and community engagement. I’m proud to represent women in agriculture and continually strive to grow a sustainable and diverse farming business that honors both our family legacy and future opportunities.

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

To me, being a woman in agriculture means I can do it all—and do it with purpose. With the support and love of my family, I’ve never felt limited in what I can achieve. Their encouragement, combined with my drive and dedication, has empowered me to grow our farm, explore creative new ventures, and build a life that reflects both tradition and innovation.

My husband and I manage the farm together, while my parents play an invaluable role in helping us manage everything else that comes with a busy, fulfilling life. Our teamwork makes all the difference. Our daughter will turn two this fall, and everything we build—every acre we plant, every flower we grow, every person we educate—is part of a future we hope to pass on to her.

Being a woman in agriculture isn’t about fitting into a mold—it’s about shaping one’s own path with resilience, vision, and heart. I’m proud to represent the next generation of women farmers who are not only feeding their communities but also redefining what’s possible on the land.

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

Yes, I have benefited from both formal education and ongoing informal training throughout my farming career. I hold a bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University, where I majored in Agronomy, Environmental Science, and Farm Management. That foundation gave me a strong understanding of both the science and business of agriculture.

Since graduating, I’ve continued to stay engaged with industry developments through a variety of annual trainings and educational programs. Fertilizer companies regularly offer crop growth and disease prevention sessions, which help me fine-tune our input strategies each season. I also attend meetings hosted by insurance providers and commodity associations, where I gain valuable insight into global trade opportunities, market trends, and updates on government programs that impact our operation.

In addition, equipment manufacturers provide update sessions on the latest precision ag technologies and machinery improvements, which help me stay ahead of the curve and make informed decisions when upgrading or optimizing equipment.

Education in agriculture is never static. I’m committed to continuous learning, and these formal and informal opportunities allow me to bring new ideas and efficiencies back to our farm each year.

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

Access to capital begins with a strong financial foundation. In my experience, presenting a well-documented, cash-flowing business with a clear plan for growth is essential. Lenders—whether banks or credit unions—are looking for complete balance sheets, tax records in good standing, active debt repayment, and organized financial documentation.

For women in agriculture, increased access to financial education and mentorship opportunities could make a significant difference. Resources that help women build strong business plans, understand lending criteria, and develop confidence in financial management would empower more women to pursue capital with success.

Ultimately, capital follows credibility—and when women are equipped with the tools and support to clearly demonstrate the viability and potential of their operations, doors open. Encouraging that readiness is key to unlocking more opportunities 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?

Technology has made a tremendous impact on our farm—there truly seems to be an app for everything these days. One of the most influential tools has been the John Deere Operations Center. It allows us to manage data in real time and track field history with precision. This platform helps me make informed, field-specific decisions that improve both efficiency and productivity for our corn and soybean acres.

Beyond machinery and crop data, social media platforms have become an unexpected but valuable resource. Farmers often share their own experiences, tips, and innovations, offering practical insight that you won’t find in a manual. I’ve learned everything from machinery tricks to workflow hacks simply by being part of that community.

Staying up to date with weather and markets is also easier and more accurate than ever. With instant access to forecasts and grain pricing tools, I can make timely decisions that directly impact our bottom line. Whether it’s analyzing input costs, tracking yield trends, or responding to a storm system on the horizon, today’s technology helps me stay informed and agile—key qualities for any successful farm operation.

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

One significant challenge we’ve faced is the high cost of equipment—especially when it comes to upgrading key machinery like our planter. A few years ago, we were seriously debating the purchase of a new planter. While our existing equipment performs very well for soybeans, it lacked some of the technology and precision we were looking for to push corn yields to the next level.

Rather than making a major financial investment at that time, we found a creative solution through collaboration. A neighboring farmer and close friend had recently lost his father and was looking for someone to plant his soybean acres. We saw an opportunity to work together. Now, each spring, we partner—custom planting his soybeans while utilizing his advanced planter for our corn crop.

This partnership has allowed us to avoid the large capital expense of new equipment while still improving our corn planting outcomes. At the same time, we’ve been able to generate additional income through custom work and support a fellow farmer during a transitional time in his operation. It’s been a mutually beneficial solution that highlights the power of community, resourcefulness, and shared goals in agriculture.

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

Yes, support from the USDA and my state’s agricultural programs has been pivotal in helping me grow and strengthen my operation. When I began farming full time, one of my first financial needs was securing an operating note. I brought organized records and realistic price projections, and through the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), I was able to participate in the Young Farmer Program. This allowed me to access capital at a lower interest rate than traditional lenders offered—making it possible to get started with a manageable financial foundation.

After several years of building credit and growing the business, I utilized the USDA Farm Service Agency’s First Time Farmer Program in 2019 to purchase farmland—an important step in securing long-term stability for our operation. More recently, I’ve worked with USDA to finance our new grain facility, again taking advantage of favorable interest rates that make large-scale investments more accessible.

These programs have provided essential resources at key moments in my journey. Without them, scaling our farm in a sustainable and financially sound way would have been much more difficult. I’m incredibly grateful for the tools and opportunities made available through both federal and state agricultural support systems.