As March arrives, so does the celebration of Women’s History Month—a time to honor the invaluable contributions of women throughout history. In the realm of agriculture, this month takes on special significance as we recognize the profound impact women have had and continue to have on the cultivation of our lands, the stewardship of our resources, and the advancement of agricultural practices worldwide.
Agriculture, often seen as a traditionally male-dominated field, has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. Women have increasingly taken on leadership roles, contributing their skills, knowledge, and passion to drive innovation and sustainability in farming practices.
The theme for this year’s Women’s History Month, “Inspire Inclusion,” resonates deeply within the agricultural sector. It underscores the importance of creating an environment where women are empowered, respected, and given equal opportunities to thrive in agriculture. Inclusion not only benefits women but also enriches the agricultural community by fostering diverse perspectives and approaches to tackling complex challenges.
In celebrating Women’s History Month, it’s essential to recognize and amplify the voices of women who are making a difference in agriculture. Their stories inspire us to strive for greater inclusivity and equality in the agricultural sector and beyond. Here are just a few women who are making a difference in agriculture.
Maurica King, Member-Owner
Share your journey and experience as a woman in agriculture, specifically with Maryland & Virginia. What inspired you to pursue a career in this field?
I grew up on my grandparents’ dairy farm and while I always loved animals, I never saw myself owning dairy cows. After I got married, my husband and I raised beef cows, but it took us several years to decide that working for someone else didn’t bring us the happiness that farming did. Since we still lived on the farm I grew up on, we took the leap in 2020 and bought heifer calves and started our dairy journey. We were introduced to Maryland & Virginia by Gary Truckenmiller and when I met Rebecca Fultz, we instantly hit it off. I love that she appreciates my passion for my girls and she is always willing to help us find ways to continue to improve our operation.
What piece of advice would you give to women in the dairy industry?
Show yourself some grace. It gets hard when you must wear so many hats and I think as women we always feel we must do everything perfectly. It is ok to let things slide for a day or two to give yourself a break. You will be a better you for it.
How do you balance work and personal life in the demanding field of agriculture, and do you have any advice for other women facing similar challenges?
I read an article once that said you can never achieve balance. Because when focusing on one thing, something else must take a backseat. I think about this a lot. Some days, the cows take all my attention and that is ok. But on other days, it’s okay to focus on self-care like taking a walk outside. This balance looks different for everyone. Do what works for you and your family.
Can you recommend any books, films, or artworks that celebrate or explore women’s history and experiences?
I am a big fan of Bonnie Mohr’s artwork. She is from Minnesota and does a lot of dairy paintings. I love looking at her artwork because she truly captures farm life.
Karin Cavanaugh, Director of Foodservice & Co-Pack Sales
Share your journey and experience as a woman in agriculture, specifically with Maryland & Virginia. What inspired you to pursue a career in this field?
I started out after graduating college in public accounting and currently still hold my CPA license. I started as Controller with Hunter Farms in 1995. I did not necessarily pick agriculture but feel like it picked me. The milk industry is unique from other food manufacturing, particularly on how you might pay two different prices or more for the same milk. It just depends on what type of product you make with it (drinking milk – class I; ice cream – class II). During my career at Hunter Farms, I ventured over to the sales side from accounting. It was one of the best career moves that I made. I do still use a lot of “accounting knowledge” in my position as Director of Sales. In September of 2021, MDVA purchased the Hunter Farms plant now known as Maola High Point. With MDVA, I continued in my role as Director of Sales where my primary role is our customer relationships with Food Lion.
What piece of advice would you give to women in the dairy industry?
The dairy industry does appear at first glance to be a male dominated industry. However, it is transforming just like many other male dominated industries. My advice to women starting their careers in the dairy industry would be to follow their passion and instincts. Don’t let stereotypes define you. Look at me, I am a CPA who now holds the title of Director of Sales. Who would have thought that would happen?
How do you balance work and personal life in the demanding field of agriculture, and do you have any advice for other women facing similar challenges?
Always be authentic with yourself on what you want out of your career. Highlighting priorities both personal and professional has helped me focus on balancing my time. Knowing when to ask for help is not always a weakness and can help with time constraints. Having a good support network at home will also help when balancing all priorities.
Can you recommend any books, films, or artworks that celebrate or explore women’s history and experiences?
It is the year of BARBIE! I am very motivated by the inspiration that the BARBIE movie has given so many women of all ages, including my daughter and my mother-in-law.
Sallie Clark, Plant Controller (High Point)
Share your journey and experience as a woman in agriculture, specifically with Maryland & Virginia. What inspired you to pursue a career in this field?
I came to the world of dairy almost 29 years ago as an accountant fresh from a floodlight manufacturer. I figured “I know math. I know how to cost items. How hard can milk be?” Boy, was I surprised and continue to be years later. The world of dairy is unlike any “widget” I ever studied in school! My famous phrase to anyone new starting out is to say, “Did you know milk is a controlled substance?” Along with, “you know the cows never stop, right?” The main reason for staying at Maola High Point and in the dairy industry for as long as I have is the people. They are like family to me. Some I have even grown up with (or helped raise, depends on who you ask 😊)! Since joining the MDVA family 2 ½ years ago, I have acquired quite a few more family members! As any farmer would probably tell you, dairy is not for the faint of heart. But when you truly enjoy the people, you work with daily and the purpose behind the job, it makes it a whole lot more worthwhile.
What piece of advice would you give to women in the dairy industry?
Try and maintain a good work-life balance for your health, your sanity, and your family. Dairy is 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. Whether you are on a farm milking cows twice a day or running some portion of a dairy plant, the milk never stops flowing. There is always a problem to be solved. The whole process takes quick thinking, attention to detail, a strong constitution, and lots of patience. At times it is a struggle to keep a good work-life balance. Although what we do is crucial for the members and their families, it is also important to remember your own family and the care they need. And this includes yourself.
How do you balance work and personal life in the demanding field of agriculture, and do you have any advice for other women facing similar challenges?
It is quite difficult at times. Between the demands of dairy life, accounting life, and family life it can truly be a struggle. I just always try and remember the purpose behind the passion and that while I want to excel at my job, it is so very important to take time for me and my family. As they say on airplanes, you are no good to anyone if you do not put your oxygen on first!
Can you recommend any books, films, or artworks that celebrate or explore women’s history and experiences?
The very first speaker in my freshman year at Meredith was Jane Goodall. At the time I really had no idea who she was. But once I heard her speak, read her book, and studied more about her I found out what a remarkable woman she is. At a very young age she had a passion and did everything in her being to make her dreams come true. Jane Goodall has lived her whole life for that passion while at the same time empowering other women to live out their dreams no matter how crazy they may sound to others. She has been a champion for the chimpanzees and for environment and conservation efforts worldwide. Strong women are needed today just as they were in the 50’s and 60’s when she started her journey to try and make a difference in the world.
