Shine On~Women in Agriculture~Krista Stauffer

Shine On, Shine On was the subject of a blog post that I did a while back.

Here is the link to my first Shine On, Shine On post!

I have decided that there are a lot of people that help me “Shine” and I am going to feature them on my Shine On, Shine On series.

This year I decided to start a new spin on my Shine On series and add a little more of agricultural spin. I am excited to be bringing you these interviews. My goal is to share these fine ladies stories with you all.  

From historic homesteaders to contemporary cattle ranchers, women have been the cornerstone of America’s agriculture heritage. In fact, the 2012 Census of Agriculture notes that nearly 1 million women are working America’s lands. That is nearly a third of our nation’s farmers.  Women are also scientists, economists, foresters, veterinarians, and conservationists. Women are in the boardrooms and the corner offices of international enterprises, and are the owners and operators of small businesses. Women are property owners and managers. Women are policymakers and standard bearers. Women are involved in every aspect of agriculture. Women do play significant roles in agriculture and this series is to spotlight some of those women. 

Shine On~Women In Agriculture featuring: Krista Stauffer

Please tell us a bit about yourself and your career path.

I never dreamed of becoming a dairy farmer. In fact, I wanted to move away from my small hometown and never look back. That all changed when my husband moved to town to start his own dairy. We met at the local feed store and I never did leave this little town.

Tell us about your role and what does your “typical day” looks like.

With farming, my day changes with the seasons and what we have going on in life at the moment. Right now I head out to the barn around five in the morning. I get the second group of cows up for milking, rake all their stalls clean and clean the entire barn out with the tractor. I then feed all our calves. Once I am done with chores, I head to the house to get the kids ready for school. We head to school where I recently started working as a para educator. After school its dance, sports, Awana, appointments, etc. before evening chores. Then of course add in farm errands, book work, raising four kids and trying to keep everyone fed and the house clean. Oh and cannot forget pretending I am a blogger. lol

Who is/was your biggest influencer or mentor? What did you learn from them?

As a farmer, my husband has taught me most everything I know. He is the reason I do what I do every day. I also spent (and continue to spend) countless hours reading anything and everything I can about farming through publications, studies, etc. As far as blogging, I was first inspired by Wanda of Minnesota Farm Living to start sharing our story online. She was one of the first farmers I found online and she was so amazing answering all my questions about raising pigs. Cleared up several misconceptions I had. I thought if she could do that for me then I could do that for others. I definitely wouldn’t have made it this far if I didn’t have support from two good blogging friends, Sarah of Nurse Loves Farmer and Amanda of The Farmer’s Daughter USA.

How do you define personal success? How are you working to get there?

Overall happiness. Keeping my plate full but not overflowing. 😉

How do you think a women’s role(s) in farming/ranching/agriculture has changed over the last decade?

When I entered into the world of agriculture I was completely surrounded by amazing women who were farming and raising kids. I was constantly in awe of what these women had been through (many had already retired when I had met them). Maybe I was naïve or maybe I still am but I have always felt women are the backbone to the farm. It doesn’t matter if they are “just” making the meals or the only person running the farm, their roles have always been and always be crucial to this way of life.

Learning from our mistakes is an important part of life. Would you mind helping others and share a mistake that you have made and what it taught you in the process?

The biggest mistake anyone can make is to assume that their way is the only way or refusing to try something new. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box, don’t be afraid to challenge “how its always been done” and don’t be afraid to fail.

How would you define “women in agriculture?”

A woman within the field of agriculture. From raising babies to feeding calves to running the entire operation on her own. That term covers so many amazing women throughout the world.

What in your opinion, is the most important topic in the agriculture world right now?

Every day I see farmers and ranchers tearing each other down. It doesn’t matter how many head of cattle you own, the acres you farm or if you do all the work or have employees. It takes farms of all shapes and sizes to feed this growing population. The biggest threat to agriculture right now is agriculture itself… tearing itself apart from the inside out.

What is in your daily toolbox? Planner? Phone? Computer? Special item(s)? Why do you carry it with you?

I am old-school. I have a paper planner that I write everything down in and require lists so I can cross things off to feel accomplished. haha

In closing, do you have any advice, quotes for young women, or anyone that is starting their career in agriculture?

Be patient, stand up for yourself and forgive yourself when you make mistakes. This way of life is hard and it’s not for the faith of heart.

Krista~Thank you for taking time out of your day to answer a few questions. I am lucky to have you as one of my friends.

Here are a few more reasons that you help me Shine On:

🌟 Your smile is contagious. 

🌟Your a hard worker and it shows. 

🌟I love your attitude. Your attitude on everything you do does not go unnoticed. 

🌟Your beautiful inside and out.

🌟I admire your community involvement. Investing in our communities is one of the best things that we can do, in my opinion. 

 🌟I appreciate your advocacy efforts. Telling our story about the way we live is important and You my friend, are one the the best.

 🌟You are a great wife and a great mom. 

 🌟You are one of my favorite dairy ladies!

🌟You are an great example. 

🌟I know there is nothing that you can not do and that makes those around you, including me, want to try harder each day.

🌟Strong women stand together when things get rough, hold each other up when they need support, and laugh together when there’s no reason to.

🌟I love this quote from you. “So with all that said, I want to make something very clear. I do not share what we do to receive anyone’s approval. I share because folks want to know how their food is grown/raised. I share because I think it is important for farmers to have a voice in the growing conversation about food. I share because I want to be transparent about what happens on our farm.”

When I think of you, this quote comes to mind:

“You’ve got what it takes, you’ve got both – Grit and Grace” 

My message to you, dear friend is Shine On!!

Thank you for just being YOU!~Naomi

Check out Krista’s Blog Page: The Farmer’s Wifee

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