By Tadd Nicholson

I won’t leave you in suspense. Women belong anywhere and everywhere in agriculture. No exceptions.  

But there’s no denying the reality: that agriculture still feels like a male dominated industry. Writing this isn’t about being politically correct, it’s about seeking out incredible women with important perspectives who should be at the table and making sure their voices are heard. The potential that can go to waste because someone doesn’t feel welcomed or valued is something I don’t accept.  

I remember when the first female joined our board. She was brought to my attention by former board member Monte Berg when he heard we needed a farmer from Shelby County to fill a board seat. He mentioned the Mann family and that either Dave or Patty would be great. That piqued my interest. No offense to Dave, but I wanted to talk to Patty.  

She was strong, smart, hardworking, and determined — all things we need in a board member. By some stroke of luck, no other organizations had asked her to be involved yet. The rest of the board accepted her immediately and brought her into the fold. After only a few years, they elected her as President of the Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association. To this day Patty is one of our rock stars. She’s gone on to be involved at the national level with the U.S. Grains Council and the National Corn Growers Association.  

After Patty came on, the Ohio agricultural community saw that Ohio Corn & Wheat is a place where women can be heard, valued, and respected as agricultural professionals. And when people noticed that, more excellent women stepped forward.  

We got to meet Gail Lierer, who became a board Chair. Rachel Vonderhaar, who became Chair. Kelly Harsh, who became Chair. Stephanie Bowsher, who is a current Chair. And now we’ve brought in Karyn Forman and Liz Funderburgh, both of whom are incredible leaders. If I were a betting man, I’d put money on seeing those two excel in leadership.  

Part of what makes Ohio Corn & Wheat somewhere women have a solid place is our commitment to showing, not just telling. It’s not often a farm organization can say that they have taken a meeting recess so a mother can nurse her newborn? Or that their staff is primarily made up of women? What about an organization that offered free childcare at an event so that every adult in the family can be a part of an important conversation without someone, usually a female, staying back to watch the kids? And who can say they have done all those things? I think you get the point.  

Of course there are organizations in Ohio agriculture devoted exclusively to women, like Ohio Agri-Women and Women Leading in Ohio Agri-Business, which are fantastic and necessary. But when we look at the whole of agricultural organizations, Ohio Corn & Wheat stands out as a place where women have a strong voice and can lead.  

I have two daughters, a son, and now I have a granddaughter and a grandson. I noticed something while raising my kids with my wife that seems to hold true in adulthood as well. Young girls have untapped potential that they often don’t see. Opportunities, mentorship and encouragement can help pull it out of them. But they must prove their ability to themselves before showing their abilities to others. Of course there are exceptions, but that’s my observation.  

My daughters are incredible professionals, wives, mothers, sisters, and people. I can’t be prouder of them. And the thought that their gender would prevent them from having an opportunity is insane to me. I raised them not to accept a restriction like that. At Ohio Corn & Wheat, I don’t let someone’s gender get in the way of their potential. Whether that’s hiring the staff or seeking out a new board member. I look for talent, not gender.  

I’m sure there are young female farmers out there who want to get involved but hold back because their family is growing, and they feel like there isn’t an organization who can accommodate their unique needs. Or women who are intimidated to be walking into a room of primarily men. If that’s the case, Ohio agriculture is missing out on your leadership. If you want to know where you can serve your industry, call me. Ohio Corn & Wheat has a place for you.  

During a recent board meeting one of our board members said it best. Kelly Harsh said, “The ladies’ room is getting a little crowded. It’s a great thing to see.”