My Experience

Professionally, my background is in risk management, financial analysis, and succession planning.  I have always worked in the agricultural industry directly with farmers helping them with their commodity marketing and finances. 

Kansas State University, Farm Financial Analyst (2014-Present, 2008-2010) 

I work with farm families to improve the financial management of their businesses. My role is to help producers better understand their financial position and evaluate opportunities and challenges. Sometimes that means working with a family and its lender through financial difficulties. Other times, it involves evaluating business expansion or planning for the next generation to join the operation. I have co-taught educational programs on farm finance, risk management, land leasing, and succession planning.

Loewen & Associates, Commodity Broker (2011-2015)

Helping farmers to execute their risk management plan to sell their commodities.

Cargill (1997-2007)

I began my career in Cargill's Grain Division in Washington state, where I learned grain elevator operations and logistics, including shipping wheat by barge on the Columbia River to export terminals in Portland. After transferring to Kansas, I purchased grain directly from farmers before moving into commodity brokerage and advisory services. After earning my Series 3 and Series 30 commodity brokerage licenses, I advised producers on grain marketing and risk management across a territory extending from Hamburg, Iowa, to Hutchinson, Kansas.

Farming

My husband and I live on a third-generation family farm, and farm with my mother-in-law and brother-in-law. My husband and I grow crops between Topeka and Lawrence. My professional experience has lent well to skills I am able to incorporate into our farm. I oversee crop marketing and make marketing and grain movement decisions throughout the year. I also manage the farm's finances, including preparing financial statements, working with our lender, and overseeing the business's financial management.

Education

Bachelor of Science, Agriculture Business,
Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado

  • Series 3 & 30 Licenses (Commodity Brokerage)

  • Kansas Agricultural and Rural Leadership, Class XIII

  • DuPont Young Leaders, Class 30

Other Skills and Qualifications

Women Grow the Farm, Executive Board & Chair

While serving as Chair of the Women Grow the Farm Conference, I helped update the organization's brand, redesign the conference format, and streamline the conference coordination process. Frontier Farm Credit was instrumental in launching the conference and continues to support it through financial contributions and volunteer leadership. I have served on the Planning and Partner Committees for 15 years and have presented educational sessions on farm finance and risk management.

Deer Creek Limestone Formation Community Trust, Trustee & Treasurer

Our family are charter members of this local community trust. I currently serve as Trustee and Treasurer.

American Soybean Association, Conservation Champion

I serve as a Conservation Champion for the American Soybean Association, providing producer perspectives on conservation practices and advising on policies that encourage adoption while recognizing the unique needs of individual farming operations.

Our farm was selected to receive the national recognition as the American Soybean Association Conservation Legacy Award in 2016.

Through the U.S. Soybean Export Council, I traveled to Beijing, China, to meet with agricultural leaders and discuss how American farmers produce soybeans. At the time, approximately 35% of U.S. soybean exports were shipped to China.

Through the United Soybean Board, I traveled to Panama and Ecuador with the United Soybean Board to better understand the movement of U.S. soybeans through the Panama Canal and to meet with Ecuadorian buyers. Ecuador has a significant aquaculture industry that relies on U.S. soybeans for feed.

Trinity Lutheran Church

I currently serve on the Audit and Nominating Committees. Over the years, I have also served on the Church Board and as Treasurer, and have been a member of the Financial, Personnel, and Altar Guild Committees, as well as a Sunday School teacher.

Grantville 4-H Club

Our family is actively involved in our local and county 4-H programs. I serve as a leader and county superintendent. Like many 4-H leaders, we volunteer throughout the year to support youth development and numerous educational activities.