Karen didn’t always think she would end up in agriculture, even as she was surrounded by it growing up. Life experiences and encouragement from her father gave her the push to go into a successful career in nursing. Now, farming full-time, she draws upon the nursing skills she gained.

Jaclyn Wilson is co-owner of Wilson Flying Diamond Ranch/Flying Diamond Beef, located in the Nebraska Sandhills.

“This is the most amazing thing I’ve ever been part of. The energy in Victory Circle was electric,” says Abbie Herr, veteran milk presenter. “Everyone was so excited. This was Álex’s first Indy 500 win, and it was so cool to be part of that. You never really think about an IndyCar driver and a dairy farmer being in the same circle. It’s so hard to describe it. It’s been a whirlwind.”

Natalie Kovarik is the co-owner of Kovarik Cattle Co., a first-generation seedstock operation based in central Nebraska, and the co-host of the Discover Ag podcast.

Jackie Sanford, Heather Lifsey and Becky Heim found that balancing these roles with their responsibilities on the farm and careers required creativity, resilience and a willingness to lean on others. Their journeys reveal not only the struggles of caregiving but also the profound strength it takes to navigate this path.

The Progressive Publishing editorial team is happy to welcome Taryn Cox as the Progressive Cattle summer intern.

Organic Valley recently named Shawna Nelson as its new CEO. Progressive Dairy Editor Kimmi Devaney interviewed Nelson to learn about her background, vision for the cooperative and current state of the organic dairy sector.

Grit and resilience describe Shawn and Molly Brown, a mother-daughter duo raising Scottish Highland beef cattle at Forage Girls Farm in Wisconsin. While running a cattle ranch has its challenges, the Browns share the rewards ranch life has to offer.