Guiding Principles
What are the guiding principles on my farm and in my life?
As a wife and mom, I have guiding principles that I want my children to learn: be kind, be considerate, work hard, set goals, and many other values that most parents share in common. As a rancher, I also have a set of guiding philosophies that are important to our ranch. In both instances, the principles upon which we are building our family and ranch have a far-reaching impact, extending beyond the boundaries of our immediate family or farm. Our principles shape the world around us. To know more about me, I want to share a few of those principles with you.
Sustainability isn't a Buzzword
I'm fortunate to be the sixth generation on my family's farm. My hope is that my children can be the 7th generation. To do that, everything we do has to be done with the intention of being sustainable. Sustainability is an ongoing, ever-evolving endeavor that requires responsible stewardship of the land, resources, and community. On our farms and within our agriculture organizations, agricultural leaders must prioritize collaboration, innovation, and adaptability to ensure sustained success and resilience. I believe in a mindset that goes beyond short-term gains, focusing instead on building strong relationships, fostering environmental stewardship, and empowering future generations of farmers and ranchers.
The Privilege of Food Choice
Food choice may not rise to the top of many leadership philosophy lists, but at the core of this leadership philosophy is the belief that people should have the freedom to make informed decisions about the food they consume. As a rancher, I will always choose 100% real beef. But, I also believe that if someone wants a meat alternative, they should have that choice - without limiting my food choice as well. Transparency and education are a vital part of this. I want to engage in open dialogue and provide accessible information about farming practices, the benefits and considerations of different production methods, and the environmental and health impacts associated with food choices. This enables consumers to make well-informed decisions based on their own beliefs and priorities.
It Takes All of Us
Similar to my philosophy on food choice, I'm very passionate about being inclusive within the agriculture industry. As a woman in agriculture, I'm no stranger to the changing face and landscape of today's industry. I'm deeply rooted in the principle that it takes all of us working together. That includes farmers and ranchers that are full-time and part-time farmers, multi-generation and first-generation, conventional and non-conventional, largescale or urban. Everyone brings something important to the table, and when we can work together with a common idea or goal, although our end results may vary, we can be successful. Tearing someone down to build myself up will never help agriculture.
The Golden Rule
It's simple. Do unto others as you would have done unto you. This guiding principle is with me on our farm, in the board room and everywhere in between. I never want to make decisions that affect a group of people without first learning how it may impact them. Understanding the root of the problem instead of trying to fix the problem is a better strategy. Kindness goes a long ways in my book.
The Golden Rule also applies to the way I care for our farm's land and livestock. Thinking about the impact of what happens on our farm beyond the fencerows requries a sustainable approach so that we can leave things better than we found them, which benefits our environment, a principle that's good for everyone.