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| Women working in agriculture are definitely a special breed |
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A real shot in the arm is what I received when I headed north recently to speak to a group of women in agribusiness.
Expecting the group to be made up of high-energy women, dressed to the nines and decked out with manicured nails and Mary Kay faces, I walked in wondering what in the world this farm wife would have to say to people who crunched numbers, marketed corn or managed advertising accounts for high-profile companies.
Looking around, I saw a bunch of high-energy women, dressed in casual-Friday wear, decked out with smiles on their faces, a welcoming handshake and a sweet demeanor as they anticipated a morning among friends who shared the same passion – agriculture. I was instantly at home as they approached me with kindness and told me their stories.
One sweet woman, Jan, related her story of retirement. After a life of raising hogs, milking cows, managing beef herds and crop farming, she and her retirement-age husband now own three greenhouses and sell bedding plants in their golden years.
Talk about high-energy and success-driven!
Phyllis had e-mailed me earlier in the week to let me know she would be there and wanted to connect at the conference. Her warm smile radiated and I was instantly drawn to this sweet, new friend who had a passion for farm safety and consumer education.
Her excitement about the ag industry was infectious and a real encouragement for me, as she shared with me her recent trip to the American Farm Bureau Federation national convention in Atlanta.
As the conference was about to begin, a beautiful woman in business attire sat down next to me. She looked accomplished, educated and experienced. She oozed confidence and I couldn’t help but want to know more about her story.
She introduced herself and, glancing at her nametag, I noticed she was from the local community college. When I inquired about her role at the college, I simultaneously noticed the title of “President” below her name!
President? She was way too down-to-earth and kind for my stereotypical picture of a college president. But then again, she grew up on a farm, and that explained her generous demeanor.
A young friend of mine showed up and we were able to encourage each other in our endeavors in the social media sect of ag industry.
Surrounded by a group of ag types, one young woman told us her success story of a growing pierogi business and encouraged the budding entrepreneurs to reach for their dreams without letting obstacles get in the way.
By the end of the day I had met so many wonderful women in agriculture, and while I was called upon to encourage them, I was the one who left with the lion’s share of courage.
I’ve said it before and I will keep saying it: Women in agriculture are a unique and gifted bunch, unmatched by any other group of women.
Each with their own individual talents, they are crowned with an extra measure of strength and beautifying dignity.
Readers with questions or comments for Melissa Hart may write to her in care of this publication. |
| 2/3/2011 |
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