Women in the dairy industry from across the country are connecting through a Wisconsin-based nonprofit, Dairy Girl Network.
Wisconsin farmers highlight network for women in the dairy industry
Women in the dairy industry from across the country are connecting through a Wisconsin-based nonprofit, Dairy Girl’s Network.

Women in dairy often share similar experiences, according to Wisconsin farmer Laura Daniels. But she says many farmers don’t connect on those shared experiences.

“There was a true need for an organization that could help bring these dairy women together from across the nation because their interests are unique, their job is unique,” said Daniels.

A sometimes isolating industry, Daniels wanted to create a support system for the small, but growing number of women in farming. She then established Dairy Girl Network.

“It’s great because it’s very dovetailed to the interests of farm women, dairy farm women, baby calf care, care of the beautiful cows, herd management,” she said. “But then we’re also talking about empowering them to use their voice and to show up in policy discussion. We’re asking them to consider taking on leadership roles in their community.”

Research Program Manager at the UW-Madison Dairy Cattle Center Melanie Eck became a member when the organization was started 10 years ago.

“Just the fact that you can reach out and 90% of the time there’s somebody that’s been in that situation or is going through that situation,” Eck said. “It’s just the dairy farming is hard. Like any farming you have you have your good days, you have your bad days. And just to have people there throughout the whole thing to be supportive of you, that’s irreplaceable.”

Daniels says her long-term goal is to grow the number of women in the field and inspire those already involved.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSGsqj5tL-c

“I know this is wishful thinking, but I truly believe that the difference we can make for women in agriculture really can start here in Wisconsin and we have an important role in that. And I’m excited to be a part of it.”

The network has grown to over 4,000 women, according to Daniels. For more information on how to become a member, visit https://dairygirlnetwork.com/.

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