Shine On~ Women in Agriculture~Bailey Farrer

Shine On~ Women in Agriculture: Bailey Farrer       (Photo Credit to Linde’s Livestock Photography)

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.  Help me welcome my this Shine On Lady, Bailey.

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.

Shine On~Women In Agriculture featuring: Bailey Farrer

Please tell us a bit about yourself and your career path.
I grew up in the small town of Royal Center, Indiana, where my family owns and operates a purebred seed stock operation for cattle and swine. I was a 10 year 4-H member and traveled across the country showing cattle and swine. I received my bachelor’s in Animal Sciences and Agricultural Economics- Farm and Agribusiness Management and Certificate of Entrepreneurship from Purdue University. After graduation, I joined Elanco Animal Health full time as a Beef Sales Rep and moved to Southern Oklahoma. After the last two years visiting with cow/calf and stocker producers, I moved to our Channel and Distribution Team working as an Account Executive for National Feed Companies for Beef, Dairy and Swine. I reside in Northeastern Oklahoma where my fiancé and I raise show calves and breeding stock as well as Australian Shepherd dogs.

Tell us about your role and what does your “typical day” looks like.
I’m not sure a “typical day” exists…but I will try! My job allows me to travel across the country and interact with marketing teams, technical consultants, feed sales reps, dealer/coop managers as well as customers of our feed additives. When I’m at home, each night consists of doing chores and checking calves. Some nights we are done early, and some nights there isn’t a thing that goes right. I enjoy that every day is so different, because that’s what keeps this job fun and pushes me to continuously learn.

Who is/was your biggest influencer or mentor? What did you learn from them?
My biggest influencers would be my parents as well as my first boss, Katie Cook. My father instilled my love for livestock and opened my eyes to the entire show industry. Without his influence, I wouldn’t have the passion for agriculture that I do, or really be involved. My mother is truly my go to for everything and understands me better than anyone. I’ve learned from her how to “do it all” and not put my values and passion in question for anything. She has an ability to manage time better than anyone I know and never forgets the little things that makes everyone’s day better. Katie Cook is a true Boss. When I moved 13 hours away from home for my first job, she was the best thing that could’ve happened to me. She’s a strong, faith based, independent leader that can and will, take over the world. On top of that, she gives the best advice with my best interest in mind. I wouldn’t be who I am, and where I’m out without the guidance of these three people.

How do you define personal success? How are you working to get there?
Personal success fluctuates day to day for me. I’m a big list maker and work to accomplish the short term goals as well as the long term goals. Success to me would be to provide value in all that I do. My favorite quote sums it up pretty well. “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, ‘I used everything you gave me’. Erma Bombeck. I believe it’s important to keep the long term goals in mind, but feel the satisfaction of accomplishing the smaller, short term goals frequently.

How do you think a women’s role(s) in farming/ranching/agriculture has changed over the last decade?
I think that women have continued to be an important staple in agriculture. I remember my Grandma Farrer teaching me how to process chickens and feed sows, chores she’s been doing since she was a little girl. I believe more women are making the decisions in their operations today, and finding their fit into the business. Regardless of what roles we have, I believe we will continue to support the improvement of our industry.

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?
I have a tendency to want to do it all, and be involved in everything. It’s allowed me to meet and interact with more people than I ever imagined, but I’ve also lost focus on what my priorities are at times and where my time needs to be spent.

How would you define “women in agriculture?”
“Women in Agriculture” are just as diverse as “Men in Agriculture”. We put our boots on just like men do and get those boots dirty every day. Part of work is showing up and getting the job done, and in that regard, men and women are equal in ability.

What in your opinion, is the most important topic in the agriculture world right now?
Clean food. Consumers have such a swayed opinion of where their food comes from and the process of what it takes to produce anything from farm to fork. I think we owe it to our industry to focus more on educating others and telling our story.

What is in your daily toolbox? Planner? Phone? Computer? Special item(s)? Why do you carry it with you?
I’m a mixture; I keep everything on my iPhone so that I always have what I need at my fingertips. From work schedules, to meetings, to when cows are due, my phone has everything and I couldn’t function without my calendar. With that being said, I love making to-do lists. The gratification I get from crossing things off is something that won’t ever be replaced, and is an easy way to keep track of what all needs finished.

In closing, do you have any advice, quotes for young women, or anyone that is starting their career in agriculture?
Whatever your passion is, stick to your gut and never give up. We are our own limitation to what we can accomplish. Once you know your why, “why you do what you do”, anything is possible.

Bailey~Thank you for taking time out of your day to answer a few questions. I am thankful that our paths crossed. I appreciate all you do.

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

🌟You have a good attitude on everything you do. I appreciate your “GO TO IT ATTITUDE.”

🌟I also admire your fun, witty spirit. You are fun to be around.

🌟You always “brighten” up the crowd.

🌟Your a hard worker and it shows.

🌟I love that your smile is very contagious.

🌟You are going to be an amazing wife. Best wishes to you and Taylor on your upcoming marriage.

🌟You make those, myself included, feel comfortable when we are around each other.

🌟I admire your involvement in the show cattle world, in agriculture associations and your community.

🌟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.

My message to you, dear friend is Shine On!!
Thank you for just being YOU!~Naomi