Keynote speaker Laura Daniels of Cobb, Wis. wrapped up the Midwest Women in Agriculture Conference last Thursday in Plymouth.
Setting goals and choosing to be thankful were just two of the highlights of her message to more than 75 women.
A mother, wife, farmer, dairy consultant and agriculture advocate, Laura serves as general manager on her family's 300-cow Jersey farm. She also does consulting on team building and employee motivation. She is the founder of Dairy Girl Network, a networking group for dairy women across the United States.
Her presentation, "Using Baler Twine and Barn Lime to Live a Life with Purpose," focused on tips and tricks to help get the very most out of our purpose-driven and important lives.
Laura encouraged attendees to find what represents each of them and expressed that sometimes that thing or person is our spouse, children, farm or career. She also included that writing down goals is key to success.
"For farm families, I have found that writing down key characteristics and goals for their farms has helped them find harmony and balance," said Laura. "it's important for every person that has a foot in the farm family business to be on the same page, whether it's how you care for your animals, farm the ground or care for your employees."
As women in agriculture, we have pressures that come at us every day and from every angle. Laura encouraged attendees to tackle what they can.
"I think it is easy to lose track and say, 'I can't get it all done, I'm just quitting today,'" said Laura. "Women start to compare themselves and I think that is very dangerous. That is something we need to stop doing."
As she displayed photos of how baler twine has been used on her farm to help keep something together for a temporary amount of time, she used the analogy of baler twine being like goals and values; they keep everything tied together.
"Knowing your values keeps you tied to your purpose," said Laura. "They will be instrumental to your success."
For most women, men have also been very influential in their lives. Whether it be their father, grandfather, uncle, boss, co-worker, husband, etc., Laura encourages women to thank the men in their lives who have had a significant impact to where they are today.
"I think at these women's conferences it is easy for us to start complaining about men," Laura said. "I also think that it is important for us to stop doing that and start thanking them for helping us."
Another point she made was for women to answer two questions. Why do you do it ? Why are you involved in agriculture?
For her, the answer is simple. She chose to be a farmer because she wants to raise her children the way she was raised and give them the best life possible.
She encouraged attendees to start a thankfulness journal and to start asking their children what the best part of their day was. Starting to be thankful for your life and family and finding your purpose helps keep you tied to what matters most.
"When you know your values, they can help you stay tied to your purpose. Dreams become goals, goals become plans and plans become reality," said Laura. "Surround yourself with things and people who help you stay focused."