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The Dairy Business Association and Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative now have three women in key leadership roles. In a traditionally male-dominated industry, these women are using their experiences and insights to move the dairy community forward.
Amy Penterman became DBA’s first female president in January, Heidi Fischer was elected as Edge’s first female board member last year and Jamie Witcpalek joined Edge’s board last month.
On a recent episode of the Dairy Stream podcast, the trio discussed the value of having women in leadership roles, challenges they have faced, how opportunities led to achievements, and effective communication.
Featured on Dairy Stream are:
Amy Penterman, Dutch Dairy (DBA president)
Mother of five, owner of Dutch Dairy with her husband, first female President of the Dairy Business Association, crop insurance agent, president of Thorp FFA Alumni and served on the section 7 representative for two years, school board memberclerk, vice president Thorp wrestling club, Junior Achievement volunteer teacher, 4H dairy leader.
Heidi Fischer, Fischer-Clark Dairy Farm (Edge board member – secretary)
Mother of two, owner of Fischer-Clark Dairy Farm with her husband, Jon, and his parents, first female Edge board member and currently serving as the secretary. Board member and secretary for the Partnership for Progressive Agriculture (PPA) of Marathon County. Project leader for her children’s 4-H club.
Jamie Witcpalek, Pagel’s Ponderosa Dairy (Edge board member)
Mother of three, owner of Pagel’s Ponderosa Dairy with her brothers, chairwoman for the Pagel Family Businesses, including a cheese store and production, Edge board member, Dairy Club member.
Cargill sponsored this episode.
Podcast breakdown:
- 2:51: Value of women in leadership roles in agriculture
- 5:43: Challenges and obstacles
- 6:51: Opportunities that led to achievements
- 15:01: Advice for others to get more involved
- 17:46: Managing motherhood with professional work
- 21:42: Effective communication methods
- 28:23: Outlook for women within agriculture
