We are shining a spotlight on women working in the animal feed and pet food sectors in our series – The Female Vision: Women in Feed.
In the latest installment, we talk to Minnie Ward, a former consultant who recently joined Feedworks USA as a calf specialist.
Ward has been a nutritionist for Land O Lakes Feed, a calf and heifer specialist for Sci-Tech and Form-A-Feed, and a Midwest sales representative for Calf Star where she focused on selling calf feeding equipment. She has also served as a herdsperson on large dairies and owned a private calf consulting business. Ward currently owns and operates a custom calf raising facility with her husband and two daughters.
Career path
Can you share your journey into the feed industry? What inspired you to pursue a career in this field, and what challenges did you face?
My career path has been a journey of growth and discovery. From working on large dairies to sales in the feed industry, calf feeding equipment, and now technical calf support, I have found my true passion: calves. Over the past 30 years, I’ve faced challenges that have shaped me, enabling personal and professional growth every step of the way.
Impact of gender
In your experience, how has being a woman influenced your career in the feed industry? Have you encountered any gender-specific challenges or opportunities?
When I began my career in the dairy and agriculture industry, women’s involvement was limited – but that never deterred me. The predominantly male workforce did not intimidate me. In fact, my first boss in the feed industry was a woman and an excellent mentor. She trusted and challenged me, providing the perfect balance to help me grow. At the time, I was shy (hard to imagine now!), but her support helped me find my confidence. Once I hit my stride, I thrived on challenges, constantly pushing limits and delving deeper into calf research. Multiple opportunities have followed.
Mentorship and support
How important have mentorship and networking been in your career? Can you share any specific experiences where support from other women or mentors made a difference?
My first mentor was my father, whose love and patience taught me how to interact with cattle. Women have always had a presence in agriculture—our grandmothers worked tirelessly on the farm alongside their spouses—so the idea of women in agriculture is not new. After my father, my mentors were more friendship-based or work colleagues, most of whom were male. The one standout female mentor was my first boss, as I mentioned earlier. She was fantastic and taught me about the business side of the industry. While I didn’t always agree with certain aspects, I came to understand the ‘why’ and ‘how’ behind those decisions, which broadened my perspective.
Industry changes
What changes have you observed in the feed industry regarding gender diversity and inclusion over the years? What more needs to be done to improve representation and equity?
This question is a bit tricky for me because, in my experience, gender hasn’t been a significant barrier in this industry. I believe that if you’re a woman in agriculture and focus on doing your job with integrity and professionalism, you’ll find opportunities to succeed. People buy from people, and relationships matter more than gender.
Advice for future generations
What advice would you give to young women aspiring to enter the feed industry? Are there specific skills or experiences you believe are essential?
Be yourself and pursue your true passion—for me, that has always been calves. Don’t get caught up in chasing a ‘brand’ image. Instead, focus on challenging yourself and seeking out people who will help you grow. Embrace constructive criticism as an opportunity to learn and improve.
Vision for the future
What is your vision for the role of women in the feed industry over the next decade? How can we work together to foster an environment that supports women’s growth and leadership?
We need everyone—both men and women—in agriculture, but I feel men are being unintentionally excluded as the focus shifts.
There are now many farm women’s groups, which is great for fostering community. When I was younger, we had a Farm Women’s Retreat once a year, whereas now, thanks to social media, those farm and industry connections are available instantly.
Looking ahead, the next decade is exciting, especially with the rapid advancements in technology. Over the past 10 years, we’ve seen incredible growth in technology-driven agricultural products, and I can only imagine how far we’ll go in the next 10 years.
I’ve had the privilege of mentoring and coaching both men and women and have enjoyed helping them all succeed. My advice: stay forward focused and don’t feel like you need to know everything. Growth comes from curiosity and a willingness to learn.
This post was originally published on here
