For Wisconsin dairy farmer, Renee Clark being a woman in agriculture means being able to work just as hard as everyone else. The young dairy woman pulls on her bootstraps and heads to the barn every morning to mix feed for her farms’ milking herd.
Located in the southwestern part of the state, Renee’s family farm, Kieler Farms Inc., is home to 1,800 cows and an equal number of youngstock. Additionally, the farm, which is owned and operated by two generations, including Renee and her husband, Matt, along with many other family members, also raise steers and grow all their own forage to feed their cattle.
Growing up on her family farm, Clark learned a strong work ethic and the desire to efficiently complete tasks. “As a woman in a male dominated industry, you learn to stand your ground and give creative ideas and perspectives,” Clark says. “And, let your voice be heard.”
Clark’s career path has not been straight, as she did not expect to return to the farm or even her hometown. However, plans change and after graduating from the University of Minnesota, Clark and her husband moved back to Platteville and eventually back to her childhood farm. The young dairy mom admits that the return home to the family farm was a natural fit since her whole life included cows and tractors.
Their three young daughters: Kendra, 8; Addison, 6, and Savannah, 4, can be found smooching on their beloved Brown Swiss cows or riding their bikes through the very same feed alleys their mother drives the feed wagon up and down. “My hope for the future of the dairy industry is that it continues to be a thriving industry for future generations to provide for their families,” Clark says.
The biggest challenge Clark has faced as a woman in the dairy industry is the balancing act of being a mom and having a career. “Farming is a 24/7 job and so is being a mother,” she says. “Women tend to carry more of the responsibilities with kids, and so it is difficult to give up some responsibilities you would like to maintain on the farm.”
A constant balancing act, Clark takes it one step at a time and one season at a time. Her hope for the future of the dairy industry is that it continues to be a thriving industry for future generations to provide for families. The Wisconsin farmer stays optimistic, as dairy farmers continually are incorporating more technology and innovative ideas to increase production while decreasing inputs.
