Today we celebrate our friends, wives, mothers, sisters and all the strong women amongst us and before us. Although most of us will never understand what it was like to grow up in the days where women where fighting everyday for their rights and acclamations, we are now able to live in a world where many game changers are in fact women. International Women’s Day is for celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women all around the world. There are so many inspiring women among us in our daily lives and today we celebrate those powerful women of the livestock industry.
In our industry there are numerous women that are working hard on the daily and breaking barriers to set a solid path for the generation of women to follow – their confidence, power, and tenacity are commendable. We had the opportunity to sit down with a few of those admirable and hard-working women of our industry.
Terri Barber – Elanco Animal Health Territory Manager & Hereford Breeder
It is so important for young women to have a powerful and confident woman in their corner to look up to and take advice from. Terri Barber exemplifies this mold and is role model for many. She believes that it is best to be in alliance with people who share the same passion and see the same way that you do. “I can’t over emphasize the importance of networking at the earliest age possible, because the more people that you share a common vision with and can come together for these shared goals, the more powerful of an alliance and group you are,” states Terri. She trusts the notion that you have to have goals, or you will see no progress. Terri believes there isn’t a better way to reach your goals than to have a rock-solid support system – men or women. She urges young women to look outside of your comfort zone and don’t be afraid of growth. “Tossing fear out the window and embracing the change and inevitable dynamic of our industry is the best way to develop and grow,” says Terri. She has lived by this all of her life, which led her to get the opportunity to be in some pretty influential roles in her career path; being the first female Director for Livestock Marketing at the Texas Department of Agriculture was one of the most memorable, challenging, and rewarding ones. Being in a position previously dominated by men can come with some adversity. Terri’s mindset when put in such a position is to always make sure you see yourself as equal. “The adversity is not being defensive, as much as it is earning respect and earning to be in those positions with that, being capable of filling those roles,” says Terri. Your work, power and time are every bit as deserving (as that of men), you just have to be confident and always remember to step outside of your comfort zone.
Jeannie Yardley Griswold – Co-Owner of Griswold Cattle
Jeannie Yardley Griswold has always believed in the power of women. Growing up in a female dominated family, her father had instilled in her and all of her sisters that they can do anything and be anything that they wanted. Thus, growing up it never crossed her mind that she was never not on the same level as a man. “Being a woman is my competitive advantage,” states Jeannie. She believes that being a woman set her apart from all of the boys. She says that if you are willing to go out there and go after what you want, you don’t have to be intimidated by men. “There are a lot of characteristics about a woman that she can do a lot of things better than a man can, and she can take pride in the fact that she is female” Jeannie says. But she believes true successes in this industry come when you work together as a pair with your partner. You should never be afraid to find someone that celebrates the fact that you are a strong woman and can contribute to your strengths to aid in success for the both of you. She notes though, to never be afraid to have an opinion. “Opinionated people are almost always detail orientated people and being detailed orientated separates mediocrity from greatness.” Her advice to young women is that you can still compete with the boys and not have to be one of them. Take pride in being a lady. “Use your womanhood to set you apart from your counterparts,” says Jeannie. Your womanhood is valuable and something to truly be revered.
Amanda Schnoor – Renowned Livestock Judge
In the fast paced world, we live in, everyone is always trying to be the first one. The first one to the punch. The first one to raise their hand. The first one to speak up. Although, you won’t see this woman this category or directly in the spotlight, don’t think for a minute that she doesn’t deserve the big stage. Amanda Schnoor grew up in Chowchilla, CA in a household of sisters. But that didn’t stop her dad from putting her to work with manual labor on the ranch. “I didn’t have a choice,” Amanda says. “It was never a thought in my dad’s mind that I couldn’t do something because I’m a female and that was instilled in myself and my sisters.” Amanda has worn many hats during her journey to today. A student while also being in the showring, a teacher while coaching a judging team and recently, a mom. Amanda juggled these hats while climbing her way to the top as one of the most respected judges of the industry. As she talks about her rollercoaster of a journey, Amanda mentions, “it’s okay to get off the road and take a detour.” Often seen as intimidating, with her calm facial expression and confident posture, Amanda is always one of the first people to crack a smile. If you have ever had the privilege to watch her judge, you will notice how she always evaluates the situation and collects her thoughts before speaking. She encourages others to do the same. “I think too often, women are in a hurry to speak up first because guys won’t.” If you ask Amanda, what got her where she is today? She credits this to the people around her. “You are who you surround yourself with, surround yourself with good people.” As someone who just recently finished judging on the big stage in Fort Worth, she also believes that being genuine and true to your roots will get you far in this industry. In a world of social media where it is so easy to compare, Amanda says, “stick to your guns, keep your shoulders back and be proud.”
Deb Miller – Elite Livestock Fitter & Co-Operator of Vorthmann Limousin
A well-known cattle fitter and Limousin breeder, Deb Miller uses her undeniable talents of clipping and fitting to help operations and the youth reach their potential in the show ring. Deb has built herself to be one of the most elite female clipper/fitters in this male dominated industry. Being an elite in a “man’s world” can be challenging, but she has always wanted to be able to do everything herself, so Deb has worked hard and put the time in to be able to do just that and she’s never looked back. “Just go for it, no one can stop you from doing the things that you love,” says Deb. She recommends surrounding yourself with good people that you can learn from and look up to. Deb is truly a role model for the young women in our industry not because she is one of the best female fitters and breeders, but because she is one of the best fitters and breeders and she just so happens to also be a woman. Respect is earned, not given and Deb has truly earned the respect of her peers – men and women. She has been diligent to get to where she is at today and that’s in part because she believes in three simple things – “be humble and kind, work hard and go follow your dreams because you can do anything you set your mind to.”
Rachel Cutrer – Founder of Ranch House Designs, Inc. & BR Cutrer, Inc. Brahman Ranch
Rachel Cutrer has never believed in conforming to the mold of what society says you should be as a woman. Growing up, her early lesson in this started with showing cattle. “Showing, showmanship in particular, is one of the very few opportunities that men and women get the chance to compete against each other on the same level with the only thing being considered is your ability to get your animal shown.” Exhibiting livestock showed Rachel that as a girl, she could do anything and be capable of anything she set her mind to. Fast forward to 1999, and not for a single moment did it cross Rachel’s mind that she couldn’t start her very own company and thus, Ranch House Designs was born. Since then, Rachel has reached a feat of obtaining and helping clients exhibit their businesses in all 50 States. For young women who want to accomplish goals like Rachel and be a “Girl Boss”, she advices them to be yourself and confident in who you are. Women often feel the need to fit into a certain stereotype or live up to specific expectations. Rachel believes everyone has a unique talent and a unique trait that only they can provide to the world, and you need to be confident in sharing that with others. “Success is going to come naturally when you live confident and share your gift,” states Rachel. There is no better time than now to share the talents that you were given, especially in our industry. Rachel says, “we’ve never been in a better time for being involved in the Ag industry, because there are so many opportunities for women. From more traditional roles to completely breaking those barriers and doing whatever your heart desires. There is no limit to what a woman can to today in agriculture, or really any business.” Avenues are being made every single day for opportunities to be successful as a woman in agriculture.
Mary Ann Ward – Co-Operator of Ward Brothers Livestock
When you’re raised in the livestock industry, you learn at an early age that you are capable of anything that you set your mind to. The livestock industry is not necessarily a “man’s world” anymore. More and more women are taking on stronger more in-depth roles within their livestock operations because they were raised to think that they can do whatever a boy can and Mary Ann Ward is proof of that. She believes that there is no better time than now to be a woman in the agriculture industry. “I am so proud of how women are shining in our industry,” says Mary Ann. “They are on political platforms, judging our shows, fitting our livestock and still helping to keep our farms, ranches and homes running. I cannot think of a better role model than a woman in Ag.” The hundreds and hundreds of women that are shining in the livestock are doing so because they set goals, and then go above and beyond them. Mary Ann believes that everyone should chase their goals and then once you reach them, take time and enjoy the success but always stay humble and continue to grind towards the next one. “I am proud to be a woman in Ag, our camaraderie right now is strong,” says Mary Ann. Having other women on your team and bringing each other up is so important for our successes (as women). She believes that we have to stick together and stay positive because working through life is so much easier with a strong powerful band of women by your side.
Cindy Cagwin-Johnston – Owner of Cindy’s Livestock Photography & Sale Manager & Breed Publication Rep at Cagwin Cattle Services
The picture backdrop is a place for the strong-willed and outspoken. It’s a place that requires constant learning and a skilled person. Cindy Cagwin-Johnston has been one of the most influential women behind the camera at a backdrop in our industry for several years. Her vivacious personality draws people in and can make a sometimes stressful situation like the picture backdrop a breeze. She believes people skills can be a person’s greatest asset. “If you don’t have people skills with your words, the tone of your voice and your actions, then you don’t have anything,” she states. Cindy deems people skills are something that are earned and learned – for men and women alike. Once you have these, respect will follow suit. Cindy’s energetic nature combined with her people skills earns her admiration from fellow women and livestock enthusiasts. Cindy’s motto of “just be you” is what sets her apart and draws people in. “Be you. Always be you. Just find your style and go for it,” Cindy states. Her advice to young women is to think of how you would want someone to be and be that person. Be good, be respectful and most importantly be you.
Blayne Arthur – Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture
Blayne Arthur grew up on the notation that whatever goal that she set her mind to; she could achieve. So, when Blayne was sworn in as the Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture in January 2019 it was another goal that she could cross off of her list. While many women have made careers in agriculture, this particular position is pretty special, because Blayne is the first female to hold the title in the state of Oklahoma. She gives credit to all of the women who have helped pave the way before her to help her be able to achieve all that she has. How does she overcome the adversity of such male dominated sector though? She believes that if you work harder than the next person – male or female – and continually develop yourself in a personal and professional manner you will always be prepared. “Some days it can be very challenging. Even though it is 2021, there is no doubt that the Ag sector is still very much dominated by men, but I think we continue to see women who are breaking glass ceilings for all us that we are very excited about. If you do a good job, work hard, show up, and perform in a way that people can appreciate, you will earn their respect,” states Blayne. It is no doubt that Blayne is setting her own path for many young women who look up to her and wish to follow in her footsteps to become a strong and confident woman. Her advice to these young women is to never give up, no matter how many times you might fail – never give up. She also urges young ladies to surround themselves with people that want to see your successes and cheer you on along the way. “Look for women who want to leave that ladder down for you, so that you can climb it as well.” Blayne also notes, “there are some women that want to pull the ladder up with them, but there are even more women in the agriculture industry that want to celebrate other women’s successes and help young women to be successful as well.” Blayne believe that women bring a very valuable perspective to our industry and if they work hard and continue to push through barriers the opportunities will be limitless.
“Here’s to strong woman. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them.” – Unknown