Four women were honored at the West Virginia State Fair
By Diego Flammini, Farms.com
During the West Virginia State Fair, four women were honored and named the “Women in agriculture” for 2015.
“This program provides recognition for a very deserving group of people,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Walt Helmick. “I extend my congratulations to this year’s new members. They have all demonstrated a lifetime of dedication to agriculture in West Virginia.”
The women received the honor for their significant contributions to establishing, developing, advancing and improving West Virginia’s agriculture, forestry and specialty crops.
The honorees are:
Nicole Fansler
A 7th generation farmer, Fansler owns and operates a poultry and beef farm in Hardy County, is a licensed livestock dealer and weighmaster. She received her first cow from her grandfather when she was four years old and now has about 100 cows while also raising broiler chickens. Fansler said the agricultural industry should look to the future generations to succeed.
“The future of agriculture lies within the hands of our youth,” she said. “We need to teach and encourage the next generation of agricultural stewards.”
Sherrie Hutchinson
After receiving her B.S. in Botany from Marshall University and then a MS in Forestry (Protection) from Duke in May 1978, Hutchinson got a part-time job in the WVDA’s Plant Pest Control Division as a Lab Technician. She continued her work until she eventually became director of the Plant Industries Division. Hutchinson said her advice to women in agriculture is to be happy in the endeavours they pursue.
“My advice to the next generation of women in agriculture is to enjoy what you do as your career, be it in agriculture business or as a full- or part-time job on the farm,” she said. “There's no reason you can't make your living doing something you like!”
From left: Jennifer "Tootie" Jones, Margaret Woodworth and Nicole Fansler
Photo courtesy of West Virginia Department of Agriculture
Jennifer “Tootie” Hill Jones
Jones keeps busy as owner of Swift Level Farm and Swift Level Land and Cattle, as well as being a horse breeder. She contributes her time to various agricultural organizations including Greenbrier Valley Pasture Network and WVDA Rural Rehab Loan Committee. Jones said respecting nature and its unpredictability is a key factor in being successful.
"Women understand the rhythm and spontaneity of life,” said Jones. “They live that way due to teaching and caring for others. Love the land as deeply as those you love, respect nature for the force you cannot control, and learn to live in the rhythm. It will feed you, your families, and your communities in every way.”
Margaret W. Woodworth
Woodworth operates Flying W Farms with her family, a farm that raises and processes cows for direct sale. The cows don’t leave the farm until customers take them as beef products. Woodworth spends her time working with 4-H and FFA youth because these programs help students get a better understanding for agriculture. Woodworth said strong, female role models can help other women get through tough times.
“Agriculture might not be the most rewarding career in terms of financial soundness, but it is more fulfilling knowing you feed and clothe the world,” she says. “Look to strong women and follow their example. When I feel down and out, I think of how strong my mom is and draw strength from her.”
Congratulations to all the honorees.