Women in corn field inspecting leaves

Walking into a room filled with the energy of the agricultural community never gets old. Recently, I had the pleasure of attending the annual Women in Agriculture Day Reception hosted by Stine Seed Company.

The gathering was a vivid reminder of the shared history and the collective purpose that unites us across the industry, regardless of the brands we represent.

A foundation in the field

My perspective on the ag industry is shaped by its deep roots here in Iowa. Growing up in a small town in Hancock County, I saw firsthand the grit required to maintain a century-plus farming operation, especially during the farm crisis of the 1980s. I remember the immense struggle farmers faced during that decade and watched my own grandparents take second jobs in town just to keep their farm afloat. Spending time on their farm provided a front-row seat to the resilience needed to sustain a legacy through generations of uncertainty.

While my career path led to marketing, that farm foundation remains the lens through which I view our work today. Over the last 25+ years — supporting global equipment manufacturers, major players in seed and crop protection, and the front-line dealers who handle the critical sales, service, and day-to-day support farmers rely on — I’ve been fortunate to help tell the stories of the people and the industry that define this industry.

A community united

In ag marketing, we often focus on the competitive landscape — the “my seed vs. your seed” narratives. At Two Rivers Marketing, we live and breathe that competition for our clients every day. However, this industry event served as a powerful reminder for me that at the heart of the business, we are all part of the same ecosystem.

While many of the organizations in attendance are competitors in the field, this gathering wasn’t about market share. It was about recognizing the women who are preserving family farms and driving the innovations that will define our industry’s future. It was a moment to appreciate the relentless hard work farmers put in to feed the world, despite the endless uncertainties — from volatile markets to unpredictable weather — that they face every single day.

Voices of leadership

This year marked my second time attending this reception, and the atmosphere was as welcoming and educational as ever. It was insightful to hear from Stine’s marketing team about their dedicated Women in Ag campaign.

The highlight was listening to Julie Kenney, CEO of the Agribusiness Association of Iowa. Having served as the deputy secretary of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Julie brought a unique perspective on the intersection of policy, production, and progress. Her insights on the impact of women in agriculture resonated deeply with everyone in the room — men and women alike.

Preserving the legacy, shaping the future

Ag marketing is more than just selling a product or a service; it’s about honoring the land and the people who tend to it. When we talk about “family legacies,” we aren't just talking about the past. We are talking about the mothers, daughters, and female executives — as well as the scientists and engineers driving technical advancements — who are ensuring that those legacies thrive in a modern world.

Here’s to the women of agriculture — past, present, and future.