Introduction:
- Host: Val Lavigne (Dairy Gal Val)
- Guest: Marilyn Hershey
Guest Background:
- Marilyn and her husband Dwayne operate a dairy farm in Southeast Pennsylvania, milking about 850-900 cows.
- Both Marilyn and Dwayne come from families with deep ties to farming, reflecting a multigenerational agricultural heritage.
- Dwayne's parents started the current farm in the mid-60s, with Marilyn and Dwayne eventually taking over the operation.
- Marilyn's father, still active at nearly 96 years old, remains involved in the farm's operations.
Challenges in Dairy Leadership:
- Marilyn discusses the challenges of being a woman in the traditionally male-dominated field of agriculture.
- Despite initially being the only woman among male colleagues, Marilyn felt respected and valued for her opinions.
- Over time, the composition of the National Dairy Board has become more balanced in terms of gender representation.
Balancing Responsibilities:
- Marilyn talks about balancing her farm responsibilities with her role as chair of Dairy Management Inc. (DMI).
- With support from her husband Dwayne and a dedicated team on the farm, Marilyn has been able to fulfill her leadership responsibilities effectively.
Memorable Achievements:
- Marilyn highlights her participation in international initiatives through DMI, such as engaging with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Rome.
- She emphasizes the importance of building relationships and advocating for American agriculture on a global scale.
The Future:
- Marilyn shares insights into the future of dairy and the role of checkoff programs.
- She discusses the increasing consumption of dairy products in the United States and the importance of ensuring access to nutritious dairy products in schools.
- Marilyn reflects on her tenure as Chair of DMI and her passion for promoting school milk programs.
- She provides advice for aspiring leaders in agriculture, emphasizing the importance of self-confidence and making a difference in any position.
- During the rapid-fire question round, Marilyn reveals her favorite Hershey's candy, her preference between being a morning person or a night owl, and her most interesting travel destination.
- The episode concludes with Marilyn's inspirational message, highlighting the significance of faith, relationships, and making others feel respected and heard.
Connect with Marilyn Hershey:
- LinkedIn: [Marilyn Hershey]
Stay tuned for the next episode of The Dairy Hour!
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- Subscribe to the Dairy Gal podcast on your favorite podcast platform for more insightful conversations with guests like Marilyn Hershey.
