“Being able to be a part of not only feeding my family but our community and world is important to me. Being involved in agriculture shows the strength of women both physically and emotionally. We work to support the farm in decision making, farm chores and bookkeeping, while managing a household and often working off the farm for additional income. It is important to us to raise the next generation of agriculturalist to appreciate the benefits of hard work and dedication and understand the hardships of farming.“

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

I grew up on a beef cattle and sheep farm in McGaheysville. My family had a cow/calf operation as well as a feedlot to finish cattle in addition to the sheep flock. After I graduated high school, I spent a year serving as a state FFA officer and then attended Virginia Tech. I graduated Virginia Tech with a Bachelors Degree in Animal and Poultry Sciences. After graduation I started employment at the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) – Office of Veterinary Services. I started my own registered Angus cow herd focusing on replacement bulls and commercial feeder cattle. In 2016, my husband and I had the opportunity to purchase the family feedlot and land associated with it. The feedlot is now used to background replacement dairy heifers. In 2021, I added commercial hair sheep to our operation. I have since added registered Dorper replacements focusing on selling replacement ewes and rams in addition to feeder lambs. In 2023, we were able to purchase a neighboring farm to our acreage. I assist with making hay. We also grow corn and small grains. Today we maintain the feedlot, a 50 head cow herd, 50 head of sheep and approximately 130 acres.

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

We are feeding the world. So much of today’s society are removed from agriculture and where their family’s food come from. Being able to be a part of not only feeding my family but our community and world is important to me. Being involved in agriculture shows the strength of women both physically and emotionally. We work to support the farm in decision making, farm chores and bookkeeping, while managing a household and often working off the farm for additional income. It is important to us to raise the next generation of agriculturalist to appreciate the benefits of hard work and dedication and understand the hardships of farming.

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 going to be hard. Agriculture and farming has to deal with uncertainties that most other industries do not. The weather has a huge control on if we make a profit or if we have feed for our livestock. Some years it is really good and some years are really bad. Learn to take praise in the good and save for the bad. Seeing an animal you have worked with all year lose their young, grieve with them. Repairs are unpredictable, things are going to go wrong at the worst possible time. But, at the end of all that works against you stand back and look at what you have done. Look at the land you have cared for, the livestock you have produced, the children you have and the life you have given them and be proud.

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

I attended and graduated from Virginia Tech. I participated in American Farmland Trust, Women for the Land class. I have been involved in the Farm Bureau Young Farmers program. The hands on experience of growing up and living on a working farm is invaluable.

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

Have a plan. Know where you want to take your operation and what your goals are. Having a good relationship with your bank. Having someone who knows your operation and your goals. Is willing to provide good sound financial advice and take the risks associated with agriculture with you.

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?

Social media. I feel there is both advantages and disadvantages to social media. There is a lot of negativity and misinformation that is shared. But, as agriculturalists we can use that platform to share our story and inform the public. Social media can introduce us to the newest equipment or tools that make our job easier. We can buy and sell products or equipment all over the country that no other tool could provide those resources for.

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

The resources that VDACS has to offer has helped me with my operation. Being able to work with the state animal health lab for diagnostics, animal identification utilizing RFID tags and technology and knowing the standards for livestock marketing has all helped advance my operation.