How I got started as a female in Cattle Ranching

In today’s world, there are more and more women becoming independent and finding their niche, and many have chosen farming and ranching.

Growing up in the 60’s and 70’s, I was raised in a quaint, white, two-story farmhouse, with a big red barn, that sat in the middle of an 80-acre farm. Not that we owned, but my folks rented from one of the largest area Farmers in our small, rural town in Lower Michigan. My Daddy worked for the farmer and so he had many homes on the different small farm plots around the county that he rented.

Growing up, we had many animals that we raised, some for pets, and some for food (which my little brother and I had no idea at the time). My first love was for horses. I was (and still am) a huge horse fanatic! I lived and breathed HORSES!

We also raised cows, pigs and chickens for meat and eggs that fed our family, along with growing a garden. As a little girl, I only remembered it all as FUN! As an adult now, even though I love doing it, it is all definitely a lot more work than I remember.

My best friend growing up was the daughter of the farmer that we rented from. Her and I were joined at the hip from the time we were introduced until my family relocated to Tennessee in 1981. We were both heavily involved in 4-H and raised our calves to show and sell at the County Fair every year. We also, of course, showed our horses in every class we could possibly be eligible for. Chickens and rabbits were also on the list of show animals.

It was during this time, of my wonderful childhood, that I had developed a burning ambition…….to be a Farmer. Someone who raised all kinds of animals and helped to feed America!

Fast forward to 2006, I met a wonderful man (my hubby), who had the same ambitions and dreams that I did. We wanted to have a plot of land and raise Cattle and some horses. We bought our land and established Yewdale Valley Ranch in 2008. In 2009, we bought our first two heifers of 3-months old, and have slowly built our current herd to approximately 20 Momma cows and 2 Bulls! We raise mostly Commercial Angus Beef cattle.

My husband John and I both have full-time jobs off the Ranch that keep us busy. His takes him out of town through the week, so I have learned a lot about “adapt and overcome” (which is a motto I also use in my full-time job that I will talk about on another post). He is the head of our large projects (and we have a list), and does a lot of “honey-do’s” for me. I basically keep everything running as smoothly as possible, and handle the administration end of the business. When we are ready to tackle a new project, we discuss what we want to accomplish, make a plan, and then attempt to carry it out. We make a good team!

So, that’s a quick version of how I got started as a Cattlewoman. There is a lot more information I’d like to share with ya’ll as time goes on. I’ll let you in on what’s happening at Yewdale Valley Ranch, as well as give some pointers and tips on maybe realizing your dream of being a Rancher or Farmer!

Come by and join me next time, and we will talk more about Hooves! Stay safe and be blessed!