At our Ranching for Profit School and throughout our Executive Link program, we’ve seen how critical it is to have mothers and women involved in the leadership of a ranch.
Those who have participated in Executive Link understand the transformative value of having both spouses present at meetings. When only one partner (typically the husband) attends, we frequently see teams struggle to identify the true underlying issues facing their operation. Furthermore, implementing action plans becomes significantly more challenging without mutual understanding and commitment from both decision-makers.
Evolving Leadership in Agriculture
Historically, women have played crucial roles on ranches and farms. From managing finances to coordinating family needs, and of course stepping in wherever necessary. Today, we’re witnessing an encouraging shift as more women assume primary leadership positions in agricultural operations. Some of the most innovative and successful ranch managers I know are women who bring fresh perspectives to traditional challenges, balancing production goals with sustainability and family considerations.
A Rancher’s Reflection on Mother’s Leadership
With Mother’s Day approaching, I’d like to share a thoughtful reflection from Ryan Hemphill, a Colorado rancher and Executive Link member who shared this with our community last year.
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One of the most important concepts I learned from Ranching for Profit (RFP) was to ask the question: “What would it look like if:______?” You fill in the blank.
Through RFP school and the EL program, I have witnessed first-hand how valuable women are to agricultural operations. So, this week, in true RFP form, I asked the question:
What would it look like if “My mom was the boss of my farm instead of me?”
The self-reflection was a bit painful but inspiring, nonetheless. Here’s what it would look like for me:
– We would laugh more and cuss less – We would plant a lot more seeds and kill a lot fewer weeds – We would always do what’s right – even if it cost us – and have faith that it would work out how it’s supposed to – Sick/injured animals would always be our first priority – At least 8 hours of sleep every night – no exception – Flowers would be the first thing we plant each spring – We would always eat 3 healthy meals a day – We wouldn’t be so easily discouraged by our failures – We would spend more time listening to one another instead of giving/taking orders – Herbicide would not be necessary – only polywire, posts, and a few more cattle (maybe some goats too) – Our cows would always be on pasture – never in a muddy (or in our country a “dusty”) corral – We would always take time to celebrate our wins – We would always plant a garden – We wouldn’t try to control everything – we’d let God do his work and we’d follow as we’re supposed to – Our cows would only calve when the grass is green and there is no chance of snow – Our success would not be measured solely by how much money we make but by the quality of our relationships with one another and with nature.
Happy Mother’s Day!
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I appreciate Ryan’s reflection, as it captures something profound about the different management perspectives that women often bring to ranching operations.
As we celebrate Mother’s Day this year, let’s recognize and honor the invaluable contributions women make to our agriculture communities, whether they serve in supporting roles or as primary decision-makers. Their leadership, wisdom, and unique perspectives aren’t just beneficial, they’re essential to the future of building ranches that create healthy land, happy families, and profitable businesses.
