Life lessons for everyone in our great industry
At the 2023 Top Producer Summit in Nashville, I had the pleasure of leading the Executive Women in Agriculture (EWA) breakout. This was not just another “How Do Women Do it All” panel. Nope, our conversations centered on the grand efforts women play on the farm and how they are building a legacy for those who follow in their foot-steps.
Our female farmer panel included a few key themes: Farm women are mothers, wives and leaders. You could feel the sense of pride these women had for their hard work and leadership in their operations and families. Let’s meet the three panelists.
Lead by Example
Susan Weaver Ford is the first female to lead her sixth-generation family farm in North Carolina. She has traveled the globe as one of 10 Americans selected to be a part of Nuffield International Farming Scholars.
“I travel the world and always bring something back to implement on my own farm,” she says.
The only thing more important to Ford than farming is her family.
“I was never forced into farming, and I never forced it on my kids,” she says.
Yet, her passion and dedication have already sparked her three kids’ interest in the farm.
Business Principles Secure Legacy
Marrying into a diversified family operation, Emily Malecha found herself quickly moving into a leadership role at Malecha Enterprises in Villard, Minn.
We all know in-laws aren’t always the easiest to be around, but as Emily took on marketing responsibilities, office management and hiring H-2A employees, she saw the family had a more business-minded approach than most operations.
Whether it’s consulting with advisers or casting family votes around a table, Emily says everything they do isn’t just for the good of the farm right now; they are building a legacy for the next generation.
Pivot to New Ventures
Jennie Schmidt is a registered dietitian turned farmer. She runs a grape, soybean, corn and green bean operation with her brother-in-law in Sudlersville, Md.
For most, farming doesn’t come to mind when they think of Maryland. With changing markets, unusual geography and more regulations than many other states, Jennie has found herself pivoting to new ventures and diversifying her portfolio to achieve goals and stay relevant. She works to earn her spot on the farm.
“Never growing up around farming, I made myself indispensable by learning to drive every piece of equipment,” she says.
