From a Reader cultivating the hunger to do more. What started as simple childhood curiosity became a literal lifetime calling.
The real turning point came when I began studying agriculture with intention as an adult alongside my husband, learning how to farm in ways that restore the land rather than deplete it. Regenerative agriculture resonated with me because it wasn’ t just about production; it was about stewardship, about conscious choices and about preserving ways of life that embrace a long-lost passion for old ways in today ' s industry.
Every decision at our family farm, from what crops to plant to which animals to raise, or how to rotate pastures, is guided by this philosophy. Choosing heirloom varieties isn’ t just about flavor or aesthetics. It’ s about preserving biodiversity, nurturing soil health, keeping the past alive and building a resilient farm that can thrive for generations, leaving a legacy our children will hopefully continue.
Redefining Expectations
Getting started wasn’ t without challenges. Being a woman in agriculture, unfortunately, means constantly navigating assumptions and biases. Early on, I noticed that my presence in barns, pastures, sales and meetings was often underestimated. People assumed I was“ helping out” rather than running operations, asking to speak to my husband instead of myself. I quickly learned the importance of asserting myself, trusting my knowledge and demonstrating competence through confident, calm action.
One memorable moment was at a livestock sale, where I confidently sold bottle calves to a group of older gentlemen after being underestimated on my knowledge and experience. It taught me that competence earns respect, but persistence and patience are just as important.
At the same time, being a woman in agriculture has its own unique rewards. Many people underestimate the depth of knowledge and skill required to run a farm, which means there’ s an opportunity to surprise them, and frankly, myself, at times. From building infrastructure to mastering seed saving or professional butchery, I’ ve carved out a space for leadership in a field that often assumes otherwise when it comes to women.
Mentorships and women’ s networks have been invaluable, offering guidance, camaraderie I wouldn’ t otherwise have and the reassurance that I’ m part of a larger community of women breaking ground, literally and figuratively. It takes you from a perspective of being in your own little silo to being part of something much bigger and more important than yourself.
The Everyday Effort
My daily life on Saratoga Homestead combines routine with unpredictability while blending raising my children with introducing them into the boisterous farm life. Mornings begin with feeding and checking on our animals, noting any health issues or unusual behavior, followed by homeschooling the kids. Afternoons often include planting, harvesting and tending the greenhouse. Evenings are for processing produce, preparing orders and managing farm logistics.
Somewhere in between, I fit in product deliveries and community involvement. Every day is a lesson in problemsolving, observation, flexibility and patience. I’ ve learned to read the land, anticipate challenges and adapt on the fly. All skills that extend far beyond farming. The work is demanding, but the
March 2026 | www. FarmersHotLine. com | 21