Executive Women in Agriculture

Nominate the Nation's Best Female Farmers

Mon, 24 Jul 2023 15:48:48 GMT

The 2023 Executive Women in Agriculture Trailblazer Award will be given to a female producer who is a shining example for her peers. The winner will be an advocate for agriculture and represent an innovative farming or ranching operation.

Entrants are judged on agricultural advocacy (50%), farm business innovation (30%) and industry or community leadership (20%).

Learn more about the EWA Trailblazer Award Application .

To apply, complete the entry form below and attach your resume and two letters of reference from an industry peer, banker or agribusiness leader. Winners agree to be recognized in articles published in Top Producer magazine and online. Any financial information remains confidential unless entrants agree to its release.

The deadline to enter is Sept. 30, 2022.

PRIZES INCLUDE:

A trip for two to attend the Top Producer Summit in Nashville, Tenn. (Jan. 23-25)
Other prizes provided by award sponsors

Fill out the EWA Trailblazer Award Application.

Read about the 2021 winner, Jennie Schmidt of Sudlersville, Md.

Read about the 2020 winners, Shelly Boshart Davis and Macey Wessels of Tangent, Ore.

Read about the 2019 winner, April Hemmes of Hampton, Iowa

Questions? Contact Sara Schafer at 660-537-0587 or sschafer@farmjournal.com.

Iowa Farmer Blazes Trails in Field and Out

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 18:44:12 GMT

“If she wants to farm, then we will make it work.” Those few words spoken in 1985 by Bert Hemmes to his granddaughter, April Hemmes, framed a pivotal moment for an ambitious young lady and still echo across a century-old Iowa farm.

Like other young farmers who started in the 1980s, Hemmes faced tremendous challenges. She joined her grandpa and dad on the operation in Hampton, Iowa, armed with an animal science degree, three years of off-farm experience and no assets. But what she lacked in equity, she more than compensated with energy.

“I was the first girl to go through all four years of FFA at my high school,” Hemmes says. “I always knew I wanted to be on the farm.”

Hemmes has been blazing her own trail ever since. From starting a farrow-to-finish hog operation to doubling her corn yields to traveling internationally on behalf of American farmers, Hemmes is a sharp businesswoman and true advocate for agriculture. As a result, she was awarded the Executive Women in Agriculture Trailblazer Award from Top Producer.

Hogs And Headaches. Hemmes knew when she returned to the farm, she needed to bring value. She renovated an old building into a farrowing house and eventually expanded to 100 sows and a farrow-to-finish operation. She also added a 60-head cow-calf herd, trading labor with her dad and grandpa for feed.

The hog enterprise was going well until disease hit her sow herd and killed almost all the baby pigs. “I worked with veterinarians to find out how to keep the herd healthy and got my sow herd back to production,” Hemmes remembers. “But losing a pig crop was devastating to my income.”

So, Hemmes went looking for part-time work. Her Iowa State University degree opened the door for a job with a researcher, who just wanted someone November through March. “I helped to develop tests for cold germination in corn,” she says. “Oh, and I should mention, I went through all of that while pregnant with my first child.”

Hemmes slowly started taking more management responsibilities on the farm. She could see the payback of upgrading machinery and installing new technology. “I had to prove to my dad and grandpa that the changes I wanted to make were good ones,” she says. “I continually had to prove myself, not only to them, but to everyone who thought I was ‘just helping my dad.’ What I found out right away was I had to be better. I was going to be watched and scrutinized far more than any other farmer out there.”

Hemmes took over the operation in 1993, transitioning her dad and grandpa to come-as-they-liked tractor drivers. Her grandpa lived to be 101. “He drove the combine at a 100 and planted beans at 100,” Hemmes recalls. “I can only hope for such a great life.”

“I have chosen not to chase yield, but to chase profit.”

Full Speed Ahead. Today, Hemmes’ operation includes 1,000 acres of corn, soybeans, hay and pasture. She exited the livestock business to focus on crop production. Hemmes and her husband, Tom Kazmerzak, own all their ground, which has been owned by the family for four generations.

“I’m content with my farm’s size,” she says. “I decided I wasn’t going to chase ground. I like being a size where I can do most everything myself or with my part-time help.”

Since Hemmes doesn’t plan to add acres, she carefully weighs return on investment for machinery, technology and inputs. “I have to get better at every acre I have by managing it better,” she says. “I have chosen not to chase yield, but to chase profit.”

Hemmes’ biggest goal is to use technology to become more productive. “I’m not a big farmer, so I can’t afford some of the technology,” she explains. “I call myself a dumpster diver. I get the used machinery, so I can still afford the technology.”

For the past two years, Hemmes has been one of the 22 members of John Deere’s lead user group. “Most of our software developers did not grow up on a farm,” says Cody Dicken, digital solutions product manager for John Deere. “So, we maintain contact with a panel of customers to fill the gap.”

Hemmes challenges the John Deere team to think about the real-life challenges on the farm, such as logistics. “Around here we say her name all time like, ‘April would want it to work that way.’ or ‘What would April use this for?’” Dicken says.

Markets Maven. Hemmes is constantly trying to improve her grain marketing skills. “When I came home to the farm, I would go to marketing meetings and my dad and grandpa would be so mad I took time off from the farm to go to a stupid meeting,” she says. “I looked at them and said, ‘I don’t think you understand; I’m making you more money by doing this than putting a tire on a trailer here at home.’”

Eight years ago, Hemmes approached Kelvin Leibold with Iowa State University Extension, about starting a grain marketing group. “I was selfish and needed to focus on marketing,” she recalls. “I didn’t care if it was men or women, but the men always wanted to meet in the morning, and I had to get kids ready for school.”

Hemmes and Leibold pooled their contacts and formed a women’s grain marketing group. A group of 15 to 20 women meet each month, from November to April. During their three-hour meetings, they host speakers and discuss USDA reports, marketing contracts and strategies.

“Sometimes we’ll break up into groups and give each so many bushels, and they make a marketing plan,” Hemmes says. “Then we pull a different scenario out of hat because, that’s farming. We can see which tools work when.”

The group has grown into a tight-knit family, with some of the members driving up to 90 minutes to attend. By dedicating time and growing their marketing knowledge, Hemmes says, some of the members have increased their farming incomes by $10,000 to $30,000.

The group’s goals are to be educational and hold each other accountable. Hemmes’ marketing plan is centered on price and time goals. “My gut instinct also works for me more than often,” she says.

Hemmes’ grain marketing group is just one example of how she tackles challenges, says Mark Noll, president of Green Belt Bank and Trust, which has been Hemmes’ lending partner for 20 years. It also shows her dedication to helping others.

“Recently a neighboring farmer fell ill with an extended hospital stay during harvest,” Noll recalls. “She was one of the first to graciously volunteer during a busy time and helped to get the crop out.”

“You can be a born leader, but it is also a skill set that you need to develop.”

Inspire And Empower. Hemmes has a personal mission to empower other female farmers—both in the U.S. and across the globe. Whether speaking with a waitress, student or a farmer in a third-world country, Hemmes proudly explains how she sustainably raises her crops.

“I was in Uganda working on a Farmer-to-Farmer project,” Hemmes says. “I’ll never forget the look of sheer amazement on the women’s faces when the interpreter told my story. More than one of them hugged me and said, ‘Someday I want to farm just like you!’”

Leadership in county, state and national roles has been a cornerstone of Hemmes’ life for decades.

“I started leadership roles on the state level early on, and then once I started shuttling kids around, I pulled back and only held county roles,” she says. “Then, after they could drive, I ramped back up.”

Not only does Hemmes donate her time to important causes, but she also encourages others, says Pam Johnson, a long-time friend and farmer from Floyd, Iowa.

“She shows up at a meeting with a carload of young people,” Johnson explains. “She’s very smart, but also a lot of fun to be around.”

Hemmes knows she has a calling both in and out of the field.

“I could have a full-time job and do what I do on the farm,” Hemmes says. “But I couldn’t do the leadership. You can be a born leader, but it’s also a skill set you need to develop. I am very fortunate to be doing what I love to do—that is rare for a man or a woman. I never think of myself as a female farmer, just a farmer. I love watching people’s faces when I say, ‘I farm, and my husband works in town.’”

A Snapshot of Hemmes Farms

Operation: April Hemmes is a fourth-generation farmer in Hampton, Iowa. The original 40 acres of her family farm were purchased by her great-grandfather in 1901. Hemmes took over operations in 1993. Today the farm includes 1,000 acres of corn, soybeans, pasture and hay. Hemmes and her husband, Tom Kazmerzak, have two children, Ethan and Ruth.

Conservation: Hemmes says her biggest aspiration is to pass down her farm to future generations with healthier soil. She uses practices such as filter strips, wetlands, no-till, buffer strips and pollinator habitat. “I’m pretty proud to be able to say that I have never plowed in my life,” she says.

Marketing Group: Hemmes collaborated with Iowa State University’s Kelvin Leibold to form a women’s grain marketing group. For the past eight years, a group of about 15 to 20 farm women meets monthly (outside of the growing season) to discuss marketing strategies and opportunities.

Leadership: Behind farming, Hemmes’ greatest passion is leadership. She has served on numerous boards and committees. Some of her current roles are with the United Soybean Board, Iowa Soybean Association, Franklin County Soil and Water Conservation District, Franklin County Farm Service Agency and the Franklin County township.

Watch a video about April Hemmes’ farming operation at bit.ly/April-Hemmes

Inspiring Women In Agriculture

Iowa farmers April Hemmes and Pam Johnson have been long-time advocates for female farmers. Here’s the advice they share for young women.

Know when you say yes to a business venture or leadership opportunity if you can give 100%. If not, let it go.
If you want to return to a family farm, you’ll likely need either off-farm income or to provide a skill or service the operation is paying someone else to do.
Network with other women in the industry and find a mentor.
Don’t fill a leadership role just because they want a woman involved.
Support and encourage your peers. Know there’s always room for more talented women.

I love watching people’s faces when I say, ‘I farm, and my husband works in town.’”

Meet Maryland’s Dietitian Turned Farmer

Fri, 24 Sep 2021 15:50:58 GMT

Jennie Schmidt brings a vital view to food production and consumption

When Jennie Schmidt scans her fields of grapes, corn, soybeans and green beans, her mind toggles between biology, crop conditions and consumer perception. A registered dietitian turned farmer, Schmidt still uses her nutrition knowledge and scientific background every day.

“Being a farmer is essentially being a dietitian to the crops, just in a different biological system than the one I was clinically trained,” Schmidt says. “I prefer to work with plants and soils because they are more compliant with their diet prescription than people.”

When Schmidt married her husband, Hans, she became part of the third generation to lead Schmidt Farms. The diversified operation located in Sudlersville, Md., is a partnership between the two Schmidts and Alan, Hans’ brother.

“I love the farm so much I purposefully tried to make myself indispensable by being able to run every piece of equipment,” Schmidt says.

DIVERSIFY, ADAPT, EVOLVE

Diversification and adaptation are overriding strategies at Schmidt Farms. Today the operation spans 2,000 acres near the eastern shore of Maryland and the Chesapeake Bay.

The farm was established by Hans’ and Alan’s grandfather, who emigrated to the U.S. from Germany, after home-steading in Canada, South America and the Dakotas. The first two generations of Schmidts raised hogs and cattle. When Hans and Alan took over, they analyzed each enterprise and looked for new opportunities.

“We got out of livestock production altogether, put up several center pivot irrigation systems and pursued vegeta-ble contracts as a means to diversify the farm and add high-value crops to those acres,” Schmidt says. “About that time, we also planted wine grapes to diversify and meet the growing demand of an expanding wine industry.”

When the Schmidts started their vineyard, Maryland had 12 wineries. Today, nearly 20 years later, the list is close to 100.

As the winery scene evolved, Schmidt launched a vineyard management company to provide custom services, such as planning, planting and harvesting.

“Everybody thinks they want a vineyard,” Schmidt says. “But they have no idea, especially if they are not farmers, they have no idea how much work they are. For us, the vineyard is a nice diversification. It cash flows, but it would be very difficult if that was our only crop.”

Today, Schmidt manages 22 acres of grapes, along with a crew of 12 employees. She negotiates deals with local win-eries, planting grapes to meet their variety wishes, while still generating consistent profits.

“The European varieties such as chardonnay, merlot and cabernet, have lower tonnage, around two or three,” she says. “Hybrids can yield six to eight tons, so generally it’s more profitable to grow hybrids.”

Patience and planning are essential in vineyards, as it takes seven to eight years before they hit peak grape produc-tion.

TEAM OF TWO

In 2015, Hans was appointed by the Maryland governor to be the assistant secretary of agriculture for resource con-servation. In turn, this created a full-time position for Schmidt on the farm.

“Having Hans, with his 30 years of farming experience, in a policy position related to Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay environmental regulations was critical,” Schmidt says. “Now I am the full-time operator working with my brother-in-law.”

Even though they had been in-laws for almost 30 years, the brother-in-law and sister-in-law had never worked exclu-sively together.

“Alan has put a lot of trust in me,” Schmidt says. “It’s not my farm; I’m technically just his employee. As the in-law who did not grow up on a farm, I had to prove myself as competent and capable. Now five years later, we operate as a seamless team. He doesn’t have to consult me on decisions, but he does. I am truly thankful to him for the opportuni-ty to farm.”

Schmidt closed down her vineyard management company to focus on the farm duties. She leads regulation compli-ance, financial management and operates equipment.

MAKE EVERY ACRE COUNT

Schmidt continues to find ways to weave in her previous experiences. One such concept: Continuous Quality Im-provement (CQI).

“When I did my food service rotation, we were focused on CQI, which is where you analyze systems and see where you are inefficient.”

Schmidt used this concept to streamline their crop rotations and not lose hours to transporting equipment to dif-ferent fields. Now, fields are grouped into larger tracts and planted to similar crops.

Beyond grapes, Schmidt Farms produces corn, tofu soybeans, high-oleic soybeans, green beans and occasionally can-ning tomatoes. They focus on value-added crops, which don’t take additional equipment or complex logistics. They aim to meet local demands from the poultry industry and urban consumers.

“We can’t always get more acres in this area,” Schmidt says. “It’s very competitive to rent and to buy and so we were looking at how to add value to these acres.”

SHOW AND TELL

As a farmer, nutritionist and mother of two, Schmidt serves in organizations where few other women are repre-sented. She was the first female board member of the Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board and their first female president.

“She is known for her strong agricultural background and her willingness to share her knowledge with others,” says Sharon Redding, loan officer for MidAtlantic Farm Credit. “Jennie serves as a role model to other farmers.”

Schmidt employs a high level of emotional intelligence in her role as a farmer and advocate, adds Michael Twining, vice president of sales and marketing at Willard Agri-Service.

While Schmidt knows agriculture needs and supports more women leaders, she also hopes the novelty of it wanes in the future.

“I want to cut a path to make it easier for those who come next,” she says, “but I hope we can stop saying I’m the first woman to ____.”

Scan to travel to Sudlersville, Md., and virtually visit Schmidt Farms .

Snapshot of Schmidt Farms

Operation: Schmidt Farms in Sudlersville, Md., produces green beans, grapes, soybeans and corn. It is a partnership between Jennie and Hans Schmidt and Hans’ brother, Alan Schmidt. The op-eration was a 2010 Top Producer of the Year finalist.
Conservation: Schmidt Farms is a “Certified Agricultural Conservation Steward,” a designation for meeting high standards in conservation initiatives. They voluntarily submit their fields and rec-ords for inspections to prove excess nutrients and sediment do not leave their farm.
Community: Jennie Schmidt’s leadership roles span the U.S. Grains Council, National Corn Grow-ers Association and Global Farmer Network. She is a frequent speaker, bringing the perspective of a farmer and registered dietitian.

Farm Succession Planning Gets A Boost From An Ethical Will

Wed, 18 Nov 2020 03:05:51 GMT

This article is from the Top Producer 2019 Executive Women in Agriculture Conference. Learn more about the 2020 EWA Conference agenda and register here: https://bit.ly/30jjkwY

Thirteen years ago, Mitzi Perdue says an experience changed the trajectory of her life.

At a meeting of wealthy, high-profile people who belong to what she describes as the “Famous Last Names Club,” she heard nearly everyone share a story about how they weren’t getting along with their family. Perdue, who grew up as part of the Sheraton hotel family, the Hendersons, and later married Frank Perdue, the poultry giant, was puzzled.

“I couldn’t really relate,” she recalls. Both of her families had been what she describes as high functioning. Plus, their respective businesses had thrived through multiple generations, an unlikely feat given that 70% of family businesses don’t survive beyond the first generation.

“I started studying why some families are high-functioning and others are not,” she recalls. “Why do some families want to help each other be all they can be?”

That question sent her on a quest during the next decade to find the answer. She read books, she attended conferences, she watched programs on YouTube and talked with tens of experts.

Her conclusion, she notes, could be summed up in one word: culture.

“Culture is a road map that guides us in what’s right or wrong,” she says. “The families that don’t [succeed] left their culture to accident. The strong ones invest in and teach their children values.”

She shared three things with attendees at the 2019 Executive Women in Agriculture (EWA) Conference that she says saved both of her families and their thriving businesses through the years.

“We keep our quarrels in the family,” she says. “We know that being part of a family requires sacrifice. Relationships are more important than money—what good is it to succeed financially but fall apart as a family?”

Along with those three factors, she says the Perdue family made five additional decisions that it continues to use. She recommends these to help other families that are wanting to survive and thrive in the future. They are:
1. Create an ethical will
2. Encourage and cherish traditions
3. Have awards that reinforce your culture
4. Write newsletters just for children
5. Produce a “What It Means to Be Us” book

Upon his death in 2005, her husband, Frank Perdue, left the following “ethical will” for his children and grandchildren, which she says the family still uses today. It reads:
1. Be honest always.
2. Be a person whom others are justified in trusting.
3. If you say you will do something, do it.
4. You don’t have to be the best, but you should be the best you can be.
5. Treat all people with courtesy and respect, no exceptions.
6. Remember that the way to be happy is to think of what you can do for others.
7. Be part of something bigger than yourself.
8. Remember that hard work is satisfying and fulfilling.
9. Nurture the ability to laugh and have fun.
10. Have respect for those who have gone before; learn from their weaknesses and build on their strengths.

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5 Must-See Executive Women in Agriculture Speakers

Wed, 11 Nov 2020 06:21:36 GMT

Connect with women across agriculture who are making a difference at the 2020 Executive Women in Agriculture (EWA) conference. It takes place Jan. 28-30 in Chicago as part of the Top Producer Summit .

Find information to achieve your farm, business and professional goals from speakers who have “been there, done that” and are sharing what they’ve learned along the way.

Experience this one-of-a-kind networking event and take advantage of your time away to relax and connect with other women in agriculture.

>>Register Now

Don’t wait too long to register. Early-bird discounts on registration fees end Jan. 6!

Here are just a few of the must-see speakers at EWA:

Anna Brakefield, Red Land Cotton
Andrew McCrea, author of Total Town Makeover
Monica Sorribas, Corteva
Davon Cook, Ag Progress
Rena Striegel, Transition Point Business Advisors

You’ll also gain invaluable insights from two Summit keynote speakers:

Garry Ridge: Our closing Summit speaker will give you a behind-the-scene look at an iconic company: WD-40. As CEO and a member of the board of directors, Garry Ridge is passionate about empowering organizational culture. His vision and leadership have positively impacted the WD-40 Company in both measurable and immeasurable ways. Learn more.

Matt Mayberry: Be inspired by a dynamic keynote speaker—Matt Mayberry. As a business professional and former NFL linebacker for the Chicago Bears, Matt has a real-world understanding that success is based on overcoming adversity, motivation, culture and teamwork. Learn more.

The Top Producer Summit is a combination of five business-focused events for farmers. Here are the other events you or your team could attend:

Tomorrow’s Top Producer : Make business connections with like-minded producers 40 and younger. Develop management skills with advice from industry experts.
Top Producer Seminar : Discover business opportunities as you network and gain insights to increase your operation’s competitive advantage.
Farm Journal Legacy Conference : Take a deep dive into creating a succession plan. You’ll hear from the country’s top farm succession and estate planning experts.
Farm Journal Hemp Summit : Experts will discuss best agronomic practices for hemp production. You’ll also learn about marketing opportunities and legal considerations.