Cultivating Her Calling

The first time I held a newborn rabbit in my hands, I felt both awe and terror. Its tiny heartbeat rattled in my palm, and I realized that farming wasn’t just about planting seeds or harvesting crops, it was about life, responsibility and connection. My whole purpose seemed to snap into place.

You see, I didn’t grow up on a farm. My childhood was more about books, sports and pounding the small town sidewalks with my bike, rather than soil and livestock. A classic case of small town girl transplanted into the country, if you will.

But I was obsessively drawn to the rhythm of life that agriculture offered: watching a small seed sprout, tending animals in the stillness of a barn and feeling the seasons shift in ways city life never allowed. I started small, raising a few contraband chickens and rabbits in our backyard in town for 4H, growing and learning to preserve a small vegetable garden with my mom and the occasional hunting trips with my dad. Discovering Purpose

I quickly discovered the satisfaction, and ultimately obsession, of seeing something grow from my own hands, 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 problem-solving, 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 reward of seeing a thriving farm ecosystem that my children will eventually take over makes it profoundly satisfying.

Farming has also taught me lessons that shape how I approach life off the farm. I’ve learned patience, resilience and the value of community. I’ve discovered that not every crop will succeed, even those I swear I NEED in the garden, and not every day will go as planned, but every setback offers insight amongst the slightly organized chaos. Each seed planted, and every animal raised, reinforces the importance of care, commitment and balance.

These lessons, coupled with the tangible results of our work, make the daily grind meaningful. It has pushed me to lead local 4H groups, sit on boards for local clubs, join agricultural advocacy institutions, push for legislative changes and regularly seek continuing education. I constantly look forward to growing my role in the stewardship of agriculture and the way of life it provides.

Reflections and Anticipation

Looking back, I feel fortunate to have found a path that allows me to integrate my values, my skills and my vision into everyday life. I am proud to contribute to agriculture in a way that honors the land while providing wholesome food to our community.

My hope is that other women feel encouraged to enter the field, knowing that while challenges exist, there is space for leadership, innovation and impact. I also hope our farm demonstrates what regenerative practices can achieve, showing that agriculture can be productive, sustainable and deeply connected to the natural world while fostering a sense of community belonging.

At Saratoga Homestead, every harvest, every meat product, every seed planted and every handshake reflects my journey. A journey that began with childhood curiosity, grew through experience and continues with immense dedication to sustainable farming.

Agriculture has given me purpose, a sense of community and a profound appreciation for the complexities of the cycles of life. It’s demanding work, but it’s also deeply rewarding. And as I continue this work, I hope to inspire others, especially women, to take their place in a field that is vital, challenging and endlessly fulfilling.