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Growing the Future: Women in Wisconsin Agriculture
In celebration of International Women’s Day, we are highlighting 48 women who are cultivating Wisconsin’s future through agriculture.
Join us in learning more about the various roles these women have as they share their advice on making a positive impact on the industry.
Why are we showcasing 48 women? Forty-eight years ago, the U.N. celebrated its first official International Women’s Day during International Women’s Year on March 8, 1975.
Connecting Everyday Agriculture to Fairs
Fairs began as a showcase for agriculture and while they have become so much more, agriculture still remains a cornerstone at the Wisconsin State Fair and in the Fair industry. We asked how each of these women see their job connecting to the Fair industry and we heard strong, common themes of agriculture education, advocacy, and agriculture tourism that highlights where safe and quality foods come from in Wisconsin, for Wisconsin.
Within all of these various jobs, increasing agriculture literacy, providing resources, and sharing consumer education is a key goal – something State and county fairs alike work to showcase. From baked potatoes to delicious burgers, fresh Wisconsin produce is harvested from farms to Fairs for vendors to serve to Fairgoers like you. The Fair industry is an essential experience to promote the agriculture industry while connecting the public to fun and educational opportunities to see agriculture in action.
Alex Opgenorth
Office Management & Administrative Assistant, Insight FS Cooperative
What I Do: I handle all walk-in sales, which includes problem solving and product recommendations based on the customer’s needs. I also handle billing, LP contracts, inventory control, placing product orders, receivables, and anything else that my team needs help with.
My Advice: Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, especially when it comes to male-dominated career fields. You can do anything you put your mind to.
Amy Olson, CFE
Fairgrounds & Operations Director, Grant County Fair
What I Do: My responsibility is to organize, prepare, promote, market, and schedule the annual County Fair, along with managing the fairgrounds under the supervision of a Fair Board.
My Advice: To the next generation of women looking to get started in the agricultural industry, I applaud you. You are go-getters, caretakers, multi-taskers, and understand the value of agriculture and how it impacts our society, including educating at our County Fairs. Continue to grow, advocate, and lead by the examples that past generations have established.
Angie Horkan
Director of Marketing, Wisconsin Beef Council
What I Do: I am responsible for our paid consumer advertising which has evolved into mainly digital advertising on the internet and social media. As a resource to Wisconsin’s retailers to help them sell more beef, maybe you’ve seen me representing Wisconsin’s beef industry in the six largest TV markets (eight stations, 15 segments every month).
My Advice: Find a career that doesn’t feel like work! Something you love, are passionate about, that makes you stimulated, and challenges you.
Beth Schaefer
Wisconsin Agriculture in the Classroom Coordinator, Wisconsin Farm Bureau
What I Do: As an educator, I coordinate the Wisconsin Agriculture in the Classroom program. My role is to support academic standards and teachers by infusing agriculture and food lessons into existing curriculum. I work with educators, volunteers, and communities to help our students succeed by learning STEM, reading, writing, and career readiness through an agriculture lens.
My Advice: Find a mentor who is experienced in your interests or profession. Mentors can help hone your skills, support your academic journey, and provide guidance. Agriculture doesn’t exist in a vacuum, and your training and career exploration shouldn’t either.
Brenda Conley
What I Do: As the Dodge County Dairy Ambassador, I teach the public about the dairy industry and about the nutritious products made by the dairy industry. At my family’s dairy farm, I am in charge of the calves, herd health, mating/breeding decision, and all of the bookkeeping.
My Advice: Find your niche in agriculture and run with it. You don’t have to do everything and know everything about agriculture – you’ll get too overwhelmed and burnt out faster. Remember to have fun with it.
Brenda Dowiasch
Ag Lender
What I Do: Growing up on my family’s dairy farm, I always knew that I wanted to work in agriculture. Today, I’m blessed with the opportunity to work as an Ag Lender, helping my customers achieve their goals by reviewing loan applications and helping clients establish and maintain through the lending process.
My Advice: I encourage everyone to follow their dreams, work hard, and enjoy the journey.
Brenda Gudex
What I Do: As the managing partner at Easter Brook, we maintain a small herd of registered dairy cattle. I oversee all daily activities – from feeding to bookkeeping. At Wisconsin Corn, I create, implement, and oversee communications to promote our organization and our members – including both state and national communications.
My Advice: Get involved in agriculture-related organizations to create a network of peers and take the opportunity to learn from those that have a lifetime of experience in the agriculture industry.
Brittney Muenster
Herd Operations & Store Manager, Muenster Cattle Company
What I Do: As a Herd Manager, I manage the health of both our beef and dairy herds. As a Store Manager, I manage inventory, product quality control, and customer service.
My Advice: When learning and progressing, mistakes will always be made. Mistakes are how we gain experience, not how we define ourselves. The fastest way to move forward is to acknowledge something isn’t working and come at it a different way. Always being in the mindset to accept change is key to success.
Christine Bender
Owner & Manager, McFarlandale Dairy
What I Do: I am the sixth generation on my family’s dairy farm, McFarlandale Dairy. I currently manage our herd of 950 Holstein cows and 15 full-time employees.
My Advice: Live outside your comfort zone. When something gets easy, push yourself to learn something new – this is where change happens!
Christine Linder
What I Do: As the marketing manager, I work with leading national retailers to market fresh potatoes and produce while also overseeing the company brand, trade shows, events, promotional materials, public relations, website, and social media.
My Advice: Get involved in 4-H and FFA to explore and take advantage of opportunities to build your communication skills. Say yes to the many opportunities to grow and develop your skills from high school, college, and beyond within the industry!
Clara Hedrich
What I Do: My husband, Larry, along with four of our five adult children co-founded LaClare Family Creamery. Currently at LaClare, I give the tours and host events. My husband and I also own and operate the KIDFARM LLC. We are in the process of starting Calanna Specialty Foods with a main focus of providing goat meat and other goat products as it grows.
My Advice: I love education and dairy goats; thus, my career has centered around education and dairy goats. If you are interested in starting in the industry, get an education of your choice, learn as much as you can, and follow your passion.
Debbie Crave
What I Do: I oversee marketing, sales, HR, and administrative functions along with managing program budgets and payroll. My work includes attending national trade shows and conferences such as the Fancy Food Show in New York and the American Cheese Society conference.
My Advice: Lead with a smile. Be assertive and gracious. Show appreciation to those who have helped you. There will be some bumps along the way, so look for the positives and keep going. Get involved any way you can, in clubs and organizations and as a mentor to youth. And finally, be a good listener – you can always learn new things.
Dr. Jessie Gaska
What I Do: I work predominantly with farm animals and their caregivers. My primary interest is in dairy and beef cattle – helping farmers produce a safe and sustainable food source for consumers. But, on any given day, I’ll see patients that are cows, sheep, goats, llamas, alpacas, pigs, and horses.
My Advice: Get out there and immerse yourself in the opportunities available to you – there are many! Know your physical limitations and find ways to work smarter, not harder. Don’t let anyone tell you that you don’t belong in the ag industry, and most of all, support your fellow women in agriculture.
Dr. Rachel O’Leary
What I Do: I collaborate with our clients to provide vaccination protocols, pregnancy diagnosis, and animal husbandry recommendations on a large herd to individual animal basis on daily and emergency basis.
My Advice: Find a local farm that you can work at to see why our farmers do what they do. This will help you be more compassionate once you are on the other side of the fence. Establish a relationship with a veterinary clinic and find a mentor. Don’t be afraid to work with large animals and learn to study their habits. Cows are truly beautiful creatures that we are blessed to work with.
Dr. Tia Kastenson
What I Do: I manage the day-to-day business aspects of the practice, including financials, inventory, and employees. Since I am also the veterinarian at my practice, I am responsible for wellness care and sick pet visits, as well as performing general surgeries.
My Advice: If you think you have a good idea and want to do it, go for it! Find people that support you and don’t be afraid to ask for help. It may take longer than you planned, and you may have to take a few detours, but if it’s something you really want, you can get there!
Elsa Condon
What I Do: Banking and lending for agriculture are unlike other areas of banking. I spend as much time in the barns, fields, and offices of my customers as I do at my desk writing memos and analyzing data. I provide ag and business financial insight and solutions to present and future owners. Bank deposit accounts, credit cards, banking online, and all kinds of farm and commercial loan decision recommendations are my daily duties.
My Advice: There is no “usual” path to starting a career in banking: bring your listening ear, concise communication skills, some financial knowledge, and an attitude to learn and grow.
Gloria Hafemeister
What I Do: I have been farming with my husband since 1978, doing routine dairy farm chores and mainly driving tractor. I have been a farm reporter for numerous newspapers and magazines as a freelance ag writer and photographer since 1974. I ensure people receive accurate information about what is really happening on farms in terms of livestock care and protection of natural resources.
My Advice: If someone tells you there is no future in farming, don’t believe it. There are lots of opportunities.
Hannah Sjostrom
What I Do: In addition to working full-time as a nurse, I assist on my family’s fifth generation beekeeping operation, Honey Hill Apiary. This includes caring for the bees, harvesting honey, and marketing honey to consumers.
My Advice: It’s important to know your voice matters. There will most likely be bumps along the way, but use them as stepping stones for growth. If you work hard towards your goals, you truly can accomplish anything you set your mind and heart to.
Hannah Tremaine
What I Do: I raise a small beef herd with my family. This includes daily chores of feeding and caring for the animal, working with a vet to ensure animal health. We also exhibit our animals across many venues.
My Advice: Take the leap of faith and do it! There is always something to learn, so never be afraid to ask questions of a mentor. Be an advocate for the agriculture industry.
Heather Reu
What I Do: I manage cow and calf nutrition and health. As I work with my family, we determine which grains to plant with regard to production needs, soil health, and stewardship of the land.
My Advice: Being a woman in agriculture can be intimidating, but that shouldn’t limit you. If you follow your passion, you will find your place in the agriculture sector. Do what you love! Nothing is impossible; it is all about mindset. Being open to new opportunities and unafraid of hard work opens a lot of doors in life.
Jacki Moegenburg
What I Do: I have a passion for sharing the agriculture story and connecting people to the farm. I also host summer camps, farm tours, and various events.
My Advice: It’s so important to share our agriculture story and there is no better way than inviting people into your everyday farming adventures. No two stories are the same; everyone has a different story to share and a different way to share it. Whatever you choose in life, do it with passion, gratitude, and positive energy – then success will follow!
Jayme Buttke
What I Do: I work with Wisconsin Fairs and associate members to provide networking opportunities, share knowledge, and advocate for the Fair industry.
My Advice: The Fair industry is a fantastic way to be involved in agriculture. With the Wisconsin Association of Fairs, I help fair board members shape how their fairs are structured. Our involvement has an impact on every ingredient that goes into making fairs successful. But be warned: those in the Fair industry LOVE the Fair industry and have a passion like no other.
Jeanie Korth
What I Do: I am the voice of the customer. While the boss signs my paycheck, I do not work for him. I work for the customer. Without the customers, we do not have a business. I ensure they are receiving quality products and in quantity they want. This includes conducting meetings, daily email and phone correspondence, and visiting customers to help with display arrangement.
My Advice: The Wisconsin Dairy Industry is strong, but certainly needs more young women as the industry continues to grow. I believe that I am not only helping my customers, but also helping Wisconsin to grow and remain strong as one of the top dairy producers.
Jennifer Hinkel
What I Do: Alongside my family, I own and manage our family businesses located in Franklin, WI started. I manage our employees, HR paperwork, social media and costumer communications, business planning, build activities and experiences for guests, and perform many various farm tasks from planting and shearing Christmas trees to planting and picking pumpkins.
My Advice: Don’t be afraid to ask others for suggestions, advice, or help! I have found that most people within the agriculture industry are incredibly willing to lend a helping hand or act as a mentor when you have questions or are just getting started.
Jill Jorgenson
What I Do: I work with youth and adults to provide educational materials and opportunities to learn about agricultural projects, including plants and animals.
My Advice: Find your spark! Think about what you are passionate about and what drives you. Find mentors that will help you drive that passion forward and don’t be afraid to ask them questions. Think about how you tap into your passion and research-based resources to be an agriculture advocate and educate others. Your voice is needed and powerful.
Jill Ann Makovec
What I Do: By day, I work as a Strategic Marketing Executive for Brownfield Ag News where I help clients execute marketing initiatives to reach farmers building their brand awareness and increasing sales. By night, I continue the legacy of agriculture in my family by managing my parent’s home farms. I also serve on the WI Holstein Royalty committee and WI State Fairest of the Fairs committees where I coach, inspire, and empower young people in agriculture and Wisconsin’s rural communities.
My Advice: You don’t need to know everything, but do need to surround yourself with a good team that will support you. Don’t procrastinate tasks you dread the most – I call them ugly frogs. Instead, do your best to eat those ugly frogs first each day. It will reduce stress and improve productivity. Lastly, pick up the phone and call people. Don’t rely on emails, texts, or social media to stay connected and build relationships.
Kaitlynn McKeen
What I Do: I visit meat and poultry production facilities to perform technical inspection work in fostering and enforcing compliance with Wisconsin’s meat inspection laws to ensure that meat, poultry and meat food products are safe, wholesome, disease-free, and properly labeled.
My Advice: There are many layers to the full circle of the agricultural field – from raising the livestock and working the fields to the final product of the meals on your kitchen table. And if you are wanting to ensure that the general public is receiving safe, wholesome meat products then becoming a Meat Safety Inspector is the path you should take.
Kallie Jo Coates
What I Do: As a graphic designer and free-lance marketer, I offer high-quality website and graphic design, content creation, photography, creative marketing solutions and more to agribusinesses. I’m also a co-owner of Coates Farms where my husband and I grow cash crops and raise laying hens and feeder cattle.
My Advice: Remember that even the smallest steps forward are helping you get closer to your goal. In today’s world, it’s easy to find yourself wanting and expecting instant success, but that’s not realistic. Do something intentional for yourself, your farm, your business, or your career every day. Every little intentional thing gives you the power to reach your goals.
Karoline Twardokus
What I Do: As a field representative, I work with dairy farmers that ship to Saputo across Wisconsin, New York, and California to maintain state rules and regulations, milk quality, and animal welfare.
My Advice: Being a young female in a historically male-dominated industry has its challenges. Always be willing to learn, try to be positive as possible, maintain the relationships with farmers that you make, and you will be set for success.
Keri Retallick
What I Do: I promote and protect the state’s pork industry in order to ensure its success now and in the future. With the Wisconsin Pork Association Board of Directors, comprised of pork producers and at least one allied industry member, we implement marketing and education initiatives.
My Advice: Ag isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it. Stay strong, be resilient, be respectful, and be kind.
Kristi Lange
What I Do: I work with my team of agriculture marketing practitioners to combine in-the-field experience with industry expertise.
My Advice: Get involved in industry organizations at a professional level – our industry is close-knit, and the connections you make throughout the industry will lead you to mentors, leaders, and friends that will last a lifetime.
Leah Weninger
What I Do: I teach the public about the dairy industry and about the nutritious products made by the dairy industry.
My Advice: Be confident in yourself and in what you teach; it shows through when you present. Don’t stop believing in yourself, take opportunities, and push yourself because at the end of the day, you’re the only one holding back your success. Make sure you have all your information correct. If you don’t know, don’t make it up. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice from others!
Lindsay Baneck
What I Do: I help manage employees and the produce harvest of my family-run business. We grow apples, peaches, pears, plums, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, pumpkins, and many other varieties of produce.
My Advice: Be persistent and never give up your dreams. Farming is a tough business, but it is also a very rewarding one. We can only control so much in agriculture. Our outlook on life and attitude is one of the things we can control. Don’t be afraid to try new things and to fail. We gain most of our knowledge through trial and error.
Lori Zitlow Brehm
What I Do: I grow beautiful flowers, plants, and trees. With these, I create floral arrangements, decorate wreaths, and designs planters and baskets for area businesses and individual clients.
My Advice: Be prepared to work hard in all kinds of weather. Don’t be afraid of trying and do the best with what you have.
Lynn Leahy
What I Do: I specifically work as a potato research agronomist. I’m involved in everything from overseeing planting, to ensuring different varieties are planted in appropriate quantities, to scheduling harvest times in consideration of weather and temperature.
My Advice: Put in time building relationships with people currently working in agriculture and potential employers. Knowledge and skills are important, but word of mouth holds more weight than a resume when it comes to job opportunities sometimes.
Mary Adamson
What I Do: I work with her husband and family to care for our herd of dairy goats. This includes daily chores, milking, and food/nutrition. I especially enjoy working with the baby goats.
My Advice: Network with people who are in the business and who have achieved success. Meet and talk to as many different farm owners as you can before making any permanent decisions.
Mary Check
What I Do: I work with the Fair board to plan, market, organize, and run the Rock County 4-H Fair.
My Advice: The Fair industry has so many opportunities to showcase agriculture. The talented and friendly people working in the Fair sector of agriculture are extraordinary. A networking session with people from fairs of all sizes is like a conversation with great friends. I can’t think of a better area of agriculture to be involved in than County Fairs.
Nancy Kavazanjian
What I Do: I work with my husband to determine which crops to plant while considering which crops need to rotate through the land to ensure optimal soil nutrients.
My Advice: Volunteer to get involved in industry organizations and take advantage of every training and seminar that comes your way. Don’t wait to be invited. If you get frustrated with one group, find another. There are many organizations looking for your participation that need your vitality and points of view. You will benefit from the experiences, networking, and information you get being part of these groups.
Nichole Wilson
What I Do: PIC is a Biotechnology Research company that selects commercially relevant traits that create the foundation for profitable food production. I work with clients to ensure they are getting products most beneficial to them and their farming operation.
My Advice: Don’t limit yourself. You never know where an opportunity could lead you. I didn’t grow up around pigs, but I said yes to a job that turned into my dream career. So go out into the world with no limitations and say yes to the opportunities that come your way.
Nicole Barlass
What I Do: I’m responsible for managing the health of my herd, providing quality nutrition, and making sure the cows get milked twice a day. With my family’s trucking company, I manage day-to-operations including managing staff and truck routes. As president of the Wisconsin State Fair Park Dairy Promotion Board, I’m a key player in planning and implementing Dairy Lane.
My Advice: Hard work and a good attitude are keys to being successful in life. Being raised on a Wisconsin dairy farm has taught me to work hard at everything I am involved in. It brings me so much joy to now raise my children the same way.
Nodji Van Wychen
What I Do: First and foremost, I am the owner of our family’s cranberry business, Wetherby Cranberry Company. I am the third generation operating the marsh. We now have our son (4th generation) and grandson (5th generation) involved. I am very active in Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association as an officer or board member for nearly 40 years amongst sitting on various boards. I am a founding member of the Warrens Cranberry Festival and the Royalty Chair for 50 years.
My Advice: Join agricultural organizations, learn from others, do a lot of listening, attend conferences, become a part of your local community, and volunteer to make yourself known to others. Be sure to get your family’s support for whatever you do.
Samantha White
What I Do: I plan and implement innovative lessons to teach high school students about agriculture. As an FFA advisors, I help students develop leadership and communication skills to serve as a voice for agriculture.
My Advice: Agricultural Education can be really overwhelming, but it is very, very, rewarding. You are not expected to be a master of everything. Find what you are passionate about teaching and go for it, but never be afraid to learn new things.
Shari Black
What I Do: As the Executive Director and CEO of Wisconsin State Fair Park, I oversee a staff of nearly 80 year-round employees, along with approximately 1,200 part-time and seasonal employees. I manage all aspects of the annual Wisconsin State Fair including rides, attractions, agriculture, competitive exhibits, entertainment, and vendor services as well the park facility that hosts hundreds of public and private events throughout the year.
My Advice: There are so many opportunities to be involved with agriculture that many people do not realize. Agriculture accounts for 11% of jobs in Wisconsin and most of these do not require you to live on a farm. Firsthand experience is a great way to understand if something is a good fit for you. Your career should be fun and rewarding, don’t settle!
Starla Batzko
What I Do: I’m responsible for ensuring quality recipes are developed, sourcing ingredients, and marketing my products to the public. I also have a love of poultry and raise chickens and pheasants with my husband.
My Advice: Always keep your priorities in order. Time passes faster than we know it, and the work to be done will always be there (and it never ends). Treasure the precious moments you have with your family and friends, and say yes to fun memory making whenever possible.
Tabitha Kumbier
What I Do: I work to ensure food, forage, and water quality is maintained. As an employee of an agricultural testing laboratory, having basic knowledge of farming and agricultural operations provides a better understanding of why testing laboratories are needed to assist producers in awareness of how they maintain health of animals and land.
My Advice: Women make up roughly 41% of the world’s agricultural workforce, but there are many ways for women to continue to grow their contributions in the agricultural industry. In my current workplace, many women – from those working everywhere from customer service to chemistry – play a pivotal role in daily operations.
Tammy Wiedenbeck
What I Do: The company works to provide and expand high-speed internet and cellular coverage into rural communities across Wisconsin. I help achieve this by building brand awareness to working with prospective customers. At Riverview Farms, I work with my brother to provide animal care, and grow and harvest crops.
My Advice: Know what your goals are, stay focused on reaching them, and take time to appreciate every little moment along your path to get there. At the end of the day, your happiness, time spent with loved ones, and leaving behind a legacy are all that really matter!
Taylor Schaefer
What I Do: Alice in Dairyland serves as a full-time spokesperson, cultivates relationships with television, radio, and print media outlets throughout the state, writes and delivers speeches at events, and utilizes social media to tell the stories of Wisconsin agriculture.
My Advice: Knowing your ‘why’ is important when sharing your story in agriculture. Whether you grew up on a farm or discovered your passion for the industry later in life, that ‘why’ is what will connect consumers to real life stories within the agriculture industry.
Wynn Wittkopf
What I Do: My family is very active with harvesting fiber and teaching people about its uses.
My Advice: Invest in your passions! Find others in the industry and learn from them. Lead by example and invest and teach the next generation.