Shine On~ Women in Agriculture~Amy Rorvig

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, Amy.

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: Amy Rorvig

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

I am a 6^th generation North Dakotan from McVille. I grew up on my family ranch that consists of cow/calf unit, backgrounding, yearling grazing operation, and marketing commercial bred heifers.  I graduated from Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM) with a Bachelor of Science degree in 2014.  After graduation I moved back home to work full time on the family ranch. My career path is probably going to be a little different from other people on the blog. In high school I would help out haying or moving cows when dad asked, but for the majority of it I was running around playing basketball, volleyball, or run at a track meet. I bet if you asked my high school class majority of them would probably not believe I am a full time “cowgirl”. Going into college I don’t know if I ever seriously considered ever going back home full time to ranch with my family. It took me a few college major changes, from elementary education, graphic design, to business to realize none of those courses were what I was looking for. I wish I could tell you what my ahh-ha moment was that made me wake up one day and think I’m ready and want to go back home, but I can’t. All I can tell you is that it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Doing hard work every day, with the goal to make things better, and care for all the livestock is one of the most rewarding feelings one can have at the end of a day.

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

First off, I will tell you there is not a “typical day” but I will say there is a typical season! Summer is branding and haying season, fall is for weaning calves, moving to cows closer to home, and getting ready for winter, winter time is chore time, meaning you are feeding and watering your livestock, spring time is calving time! Of course, that is just the highlights of every season and everyday is different and busy but that’s what keeps the job/ lifestyle fun.

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

My biggest influencer or mentor would be my dad. I could go on and on about the things I have learned or the things I admire but I will just share a few. When I think of my dad a few words come to mind, smart, hardworking, understanding, and patient. I think in this line of work those traits are must haves! Some of classic lines you would hear my dad say…

• Think before you speak
• Don’t make things harder than they have to be
• Keep it simple
• You can’t win if you don’t play
• Don’t keep score
• Keep producing as long as marginal revenue exceeds marginal cost (ps. Did I mention he is a former banker?)
• Just do it right the first time

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

I would define personal success as setting personal/work goals, big or little and doing something each day to get closer to the end goal. For me where I feel success or the joy of getting things done is at the end of each day I write down what needs to get done. That morning the things on my list from the night before are priority to me. Once I get everything crossed off that list I feel like I have accomplished a lot and then on to the next thing. Every day your job is to make things better. One of my favorite sayings come from my dad, “leave things better than you found them.” So I feel like success comes from improving yourself and things around you.

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

A decade isn’t that long ago, a decade ago was 2008. So, I’m not sure if I really think much has changed with women’s role in agriculture. I think in the last ten years women have been here doing the work the men have been the face of. What I do think has changed though is social media exposure. I think women are getting recognized more or more credit for the roles they play in agriculture. I think social media is spot lighting women like you and I more now than ever. I think its pretty cool seeing other ladies in the field with me getting recognized. So thank you Naomi for putting the spot light on us!

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’m not sure I have a huge major mistake to learn from yet but just remember I’m only 25, so I have a lot of time to make one (ha). I do have one regret however, I wish I would have taken some interest in more of the AG related courses in college. I feel like I overlooked them not because I didn’t care but because I didn’t know. I didn’t know all the different jobs the agriculture life could offer you. It wasn’t until I started meeting other people in the field when I started thinking this. So, I wish I would have met more people and talked to them about their role in the agriculture world sooner in life, so I could have made a few changes in my college education.

How would you define “women in agriculture” or “women in your career”?

I did a little looking around on this topic and focused on women in agriculture in North Dakota. What I found was that there are 11,332 ladies in agriculture in ND that’s 26% of farmers. Even though there are more men in the field of agriculture I still wouldn’t define us any different from the men. Everyone is doing the same work and trying to make a living there are just fewer women.

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

Everyone always is trying to do one thing, year after year, and that’s trying to figure out how to be profitable.

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

I would be lost with out my phone. I have everything on that. I use my phone for emails, things I need to remember, things I need to get done, a calendar, and just the everyday phone calls. Also, a little fun fact I like taking pictures of the ranch life and I do have a real camera, but I use my phone for most all my pictures.

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

“do the thing you think you cannot do”

Amy~Thank you for taking time out of your day to answer a few questions. I am thankful that our paths crossed. The first time that we met, I was immediately drawn to you and knew that I needed you in my life. I appreciate you and all that 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 “Just Get it Done!”

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

🌟You make me want to be a better cowgirl-cattlewomen. 

🌟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 Taryl on your upcoming marriage.

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

🌟I admire your involvement 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!!

When I think of you, I think of this quote:

 “There are friends who will offer advice and wisdom. Then there are cowgirls who come blasting through your door with whiskey, weapons, a shovel and a plan.”

Thank you for just being YOU!~Naomi

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, Dallas.

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: Dallas Duncan

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

I grew up on a diversified livestock and grain production farm in western IL. My families main focus was our beef cow-calf operation. In school I was always very active in 4-H and FFA and even earned my American Degree. I attended the university of Illinois for college. While in college I did numerous internships all over the U.S and even Mexico. I also did research in the Meat Science and Muscle Biology Lab. In addition, I was on the UofI livestock, meats, and meat animal eval teams. I always wanted to be a cattle buyer so my advisor chewed my ass and said he would pay me to apply for vet school. I applied and got in…..so I went to Vet school at U of I.

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

Hahahhaahaha …..ya I don’t have one of those lol the only thing I can count on every single day is that my arm will be in a cows rectum at least once J hahaha

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

I would have to say my dad and my grandpa were my biggest influences. That both pushed honesty and hard work. I definitely learned a lot about cattle from both of them, but work ethic was definitely something they pushed. My dad was real tough on us growing up, but both him and grandpa were definitely my strongest support system growing up.

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

I think personal success is different for each person. For me, I tend to focus on reaching goals and enjoying what I do. Every single day I work to learn more and be a better doctor. Im always changing what I do and I do it to be better and faster.

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

I honestly don’t think it has changed as much as some of us would like to think……..I believe the awareness that women are involved in ag has been brought to light. Women, even my grandma, have always been involved in farming and ranching. Sure more women in current times are managers and bosses, but a lot of them have always worked cattle, helped with decisions, and drove tractors.

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?

One of my biggest mistakes is working too much and focusing too much on my job. Family is crucial and so is mental wellness. I lost my Dad, uncle, and grandpa all in 14 months times. I wish I would have spent more times just enjoying being with them instead of working so hard on my career. I think is very important to take time off of work to prevent burnout and to spend time with loved ones.

How would you define “women in agriculture?”

The same as I would men in agriculture. We all get up and go to work and try to do our best and turn a profit while enjoying our jobs.

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

Consumer education.

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

Phone. I use my phone for client records, account billing, scheduling, email, texting and calling clients.

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

Do what you enjoy, work hard, be honest and fair, and you will find true success.

Dallas~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. I also appreciate our few chats and I love you sharing your story on SnapChat.

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 admire your involvement in agriculture associations and your community.

🌟I also admire your fun, witty spirit.

🌟Your a hard worker and it shows.

🌟I love that you are fun to be around.

🌟I love that you always smile not matter how your day is.

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

🌟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!

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 second Shine On Lady, Demi.

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: Demi Guerin

Please tell us a bit about yourself and your career path.
Hi y’all! I grew up in the northern part of Colorado, in the small town of Kersey. Growing up in a rural community heavily influenced my love for the agriculture industry but my years in FFA and 4-H made me believe that pursuing a life involved in agriculture is what I was supposed to do. I was always involved with agriculture, when I was young, but it was more on the recreational side, as I competitively showed western performance horses in Reined Cowhorse and Cutting.
It wasn’t until my years at Colorado State University that I found my passion for the beef industry and the production sector of agriculture. I graduated with degrees in Agriculture Business, Equine Science, and Business Administration. While in college I interned with a feedyard in Southern Colorado, where I learned and experienced various aspects of the cattle industry. Upon graduation, I was hired on with Platte Valley Cattle Company, LLC. (PVCC) as their controller. PVCC is a calf ranch, located in northern Colorado, that purchases and raises day old dairy calves, until they are ready to be shipped to our feedyard. Not only do we raise steers but we custom raise dairy heifers for surrounding dairies that will be returned to their production herd, to contribute to the next generation of calves.
When I’m not at PVCC I am working on our family farm/ranch with our commercial beef herd and our newly started registered Simmental herd. Over the next few years and decades we hope to increase our numbers on both sides and continue to produce great cattle, genetics and, of course, great BEEF!

Tell us about your role and what does your “typical day” looks like.
For a majority of my ‘non-agriculture’ friends they don’t understand how I can manage, what seems to be, two full-time jobs. My response is always, “I don’t know anything different” or “It’s the life we’ve chosen.”. A typical day is filled with outside work, office work, and house work. The day typically starts with morning chores, which includes feeding horses, cattle we have separated off from the herd, show cattle, and the other barn creatures. While all the creatures are eating breakfast that leaves time to clean horse runs and check cows. After morning chores are finished it is time to head to my ‘real job’. I am usually in the PVCC office from 7am-4pm. While at the office I handle all of the day to day activities of keeping the business going, from individual calf data to accounting practices and EVERYTHING in between. Once I’ve wrapped up my duties at PVCC, it is on to afternoon chores at the farm. Afternoon chores are my favorite, as I don’t have to rush to get to work after. It’s amazing the time you have to think while you are alone doing chores – it’s my time to plan the rest of the week. I would say my typical day is a well-managed balancing act! Ha!

Who is/was your biggest influencer or mentor? What did you learn from them?
I think about this question, a lot as I go through my daily life and the person who has made the largest impact on my life would be my Step Father, who I affectionately refer to as my Old Man. He always tells people that I am more like him than his biological kids, and I can’t say I disagree with that statement. From the time I learned to ride horses (about 7 years old), I was addicted. This addiction really worked in my favor because my Old Man too, was addicted to the horse show world. I credit my Old Man for raising me with a work ethic that has gotten me to this point in my life. As I was showing horses competitively, I had to earn my entry fees by working around the farm. Showing my horses was what I wanted to do, therefore, I was going to do what I needed to get there and developing a stellar work ethic was it. I learned many life skills that have gotten me to where I am today but the work ethic he instilled in me is the skill I truly believe has made me the person I am today.

How do you define personal success? How are you working to get there?
I define personal success as reaching short-term goals that are contributing to one’s ability of achieving their long-term goal. I believe that if you set a major goal without short-term or ‘stepping stone’ goals there is a much more likely chance that you are not going to achieve that major goal. By setting short-term goals you gain satisfaction as you accomplish each one on your way to the top. The sense of accomplishment when achieving short-term goals, helps drive you on to the next goal you need to reach your long-term goal.

How do you think a women’s role(s) in farming/ranching/agriculture has changed over the last decade?
I believe that the women’s role in agriculture has changed immensely over the last decade. I think there are women who are involved in agriculture that find their place in all areas of the industry. Whether she is working in the office managing books or working in the field, she is playing a vital role. We all have our strengths and weaknesses and I feel that women involved in agriculture are great at honing in on her strengths. By acknowledging ones strengths, you can figure out where you can add the most value to your specific operation. I feel that a woman can do anything her Cowboy can do, it’s just a matter of if he lets her or not. Ha! For instance, my Cowboy only lets me drive the ‘little’ tractor, not his ‘big’ tractor.

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?
One of the first mistakes I made when really getting involved in agriculture production industry was when Cowboy and I were working cattle. Communication. Before we started working Cowboy and I didn’t discuss a plan on how we wanted to get the task accomplished. By not having a plan it caused the both of us to get irritated and not efficiently achieve the task at hand. We both realized that we needed to take a step back and take a minute to discuss the best way to go about job. Once we had communicated about the current job, we were both on the same page and things went much smoother the next time. We make sure that we communicate about all aspects of the farm/ranch so we both know what is happening.

How would you define “women in agriculture?”
I would define women in agriculture as any women who makes agriculture a major part of her life and is doing what she can to help better the industry and inform consumers.

What in your opinion, is the most important topic in the agriculture world right now?
In my opinion, one of the most important topics in agriculture is transparency. Every day I feel that consumers are wanting to know more about where their food is coming from. As farmers and ranchers it is our responsibility is to help educate those who want to listen and learn. There are plenty of myths and bad press that can be found on the internet, so when we have opportunity to educate people on what is real it is a small step to squashing some of those myths. When you have the opportunity to teach someone about your agriculture operation, take it!

What is in your daily toolbox? Planner? Phone? Computer? Special item(s)? Why do you carry it with you?
My phone and computer are in my daily toolbox. Between my phone and computer I can access almost any data I need for the ranch or PVCC. The calendar on my phone keeps me on time and on schedule for the usually hectic weeks that come especially during spring calving.

 In closing, do you have any advice, quotes for young women, or anyone that is starting their career in agriculture?
One of my favorite quotes is by the late great John Wayne, “Courage is being scared to death and saddling up anyway.” This really applies to mine and Cowboys life a majority of the time. To survive in this industry, you will most likely have to start near the bottom and work your way up. There will be a lot of hard days but there will be even more good days. Find someone who is willing to dream your dreams with you and go for it! You are only giving one life to live, so live it with passion!
Finally, never stop learning. You can learn something from everyone you meet. Never be afraid to ask for help if you need it.

Demi~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. I also appreciate our few chats and your support!

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 admire your involvement in agriculture associations and your community.

🌟I also admire your loyalty.

🌟You are a great example.

🌟Your a hard worker and it shows.

🌟I love that you are fun to be around.

🌟I love that you always smile not matter how your day is.

🌟You make those, myself included, feel comfortable with as you.

🌟Surround yourself with people who make you hungry for life, touch your heart, and nourish your soul.

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