Connecting to My Purpose - Dairy Girl Network Inaugural Convention

Brenda Gilbertson - Founder of the Dairy Girl Network

One of my favorite song lyrics is "God bless the broken road that led me straight to you" and I truly believe that life is a journey and not a destination. We joke here at the farm about the likelihood of me ending up a dairy farmer. Truthfully, we joke about most of my life and how it is nothing like I had planned. Funny thing is, I couldn't love it any more than I do. The business woman I once was is a far cry from the crunchy mom I now am and even more removed from my position as cow mom. I turned in my high heels in exchange for some cowboy boots and dressing up now means throwing on a clean pair of jeans.

I'm often asked what a typical day looks like. Farming is about as boring as chasing toddlers. You
never (and I mean NEVER) know what is going to happen next. Yes, the cows always need milking, the babies always need feeding, and if you like cleaning, there's never a lack of dirty somethings in need of cleaning or repair. Each day comes with it's own unique challenges and you get the pleasure of staring life and death right in the face. If you do it right, you'll find reasons to smile, laugh, and sometimes cry. Though never boring, farming can be lonely. Social media has been a huge connector for me.

I can log into social media and chat with other farm women, chat with my friends (old and new) and I don't have to rely on the cows to listen attentively when I get chatty. I joined the online facebook group for the Dairy Girl Network and they provided a huge support during times I wasn't quite sure about things. I didn't necessarily share a lot, but reading other people's posts provided me with a sense of belonging, I was over the moon excited when I was chosen to join the Press Core for the Inaugural Convention of this inspirational group.

Tami Smith - Dairy Producer; Williamsburg PA

Over the next few days/weeks/months I am going to share bits and pieces of my experience the the convention and as a dairy girl. I think it's important because so many people have no idea what it's like to be a farmer. I know that until I fell in love with Mr Otto I had never stepped foot in a barn. It's amazing to know all the behind the scenes information about where our food comes from. I'm also hoping that readers will find it encouraging to see the faces behind that gallon of milk you see at the grocery store.

The Diary Girl Network has allowed me to connect my old world with my new world. These women have inspired me to do more in my own operation but also in my community, and they've helped me see that I am capable of achieving so much more than I thought possible. Once person CAN make a difference, but an entire network of strong, passionate women can make a change. I hope you are as excited as I am about learning more about dairy!

Love,
Crystal

May your paths be abundantly filled with lemons, sugar, sunshine, and purpose.

Huge thanks to the Dairy Girl Network Vision Sponsors and Sustaining Sponsors: 

Diamond V

Dairy Herd Management

Land O'Lakes Inc.

CRV

DeLaVal