The daily pressures of dairy farming can be overwhelming, and Shandell Stewart highlights the importance of having a community to lean on. She explains that being able to leave the farm for just a few hours a month to connect with other women is essential for her mental well-being. This sense of belonging is crucial, especially for those who, like Stewart, may feel they don’t have the same background as their peers.

Organizer Reagan Bluel, a University of Missouri Extension dairy specialist, emphasizes that the program’s success is not due to a formal structure but to the women themselves. She describes the network as an organic community where participants provide “a network of love and understanding that only other women in dairy could possibly comprehend.” This peer-to-peer support system helps female farmers overcome shared challenges and reduces the isolation that can come with living in a small community.

The group also serves as an important resource for professional development. While the primary focus is on social support, learning naturally happens as women share their experiences and ask questions. Participants discuss a wide range of topics, including feeding practices and production, allowing them to gain new ideas and best management practices. This dual focus on social and educational support makes the program a powerful tool for building a more resilient agribusiness community.