Pioneers who inspire: Women in livestock
What’s it like to navigate a career in a field long dominated by men? We asked three women whose work for Boehringer Ingelheim’s livestock business takes them to cattle feed lots, pig barns, and poultry hatcheries. Here’s what they said—in their own words.
CATTLE
"There is no such thing as 'women's work' or 'a man's job'—just determination and hard work."
Leslie Meyring
Associate Director, National Accounts, Cattle
What's a typical day on the job like for you?
I manage the team that takes care of confined cattle-feeding operations throughout the U.S. Like most jobs in agriculture, I am not sure if we ever have typical days. My favorite days are when I can be at a feedyard visiting with customers and providing solutions that improve the health of their animals and the profitability of their business.
What's it like to work in a livestock industry long dominated by men?
Women have always played a critical role in the livestock industry. Many of the people I work with grew up farming or ranching and are accustomed to women in the business, whether it's cooking for a cowboy crew, driving a tractor, moving cattle on horseback or taking care of the financials. I grew up the daughter of a veterinarian with three sisters, and we were always expected to jump in and get the job done, no consideration for being a boy or girl. I am now the wife of a rancher and it is once again the same. We all contribute to accomplish our goals, and there is no such thing as “women’s work” or “a man’s job”—just determination and hard work.
Have you seen changes in gender representation during your career?
I have always felt tremendous support from both men and women throughout my career. When I started my career in the animal health industry 22 years ago, I was very often the only woman in the room at meetings. I am so grateful now to see that many young women have joined our team.
What role models, mentors, or inspirational figures have you encountered?
My father is a veterinarian involved in the cattle industry, and my mother is a great role model who has always worked to support the business. She has done everything from assisting at the vet clinic to running a cattle trucking business. She has never been intimidated to take on any task, even if it was generally considered “a man’s job.” She did all of that while also being an incredible mother, friend and encourager to many. She truly represents strength, beauty, grace, and determination.
What advice would you give women considering a career in the livestock industry?
Women bring a unique and valuable perspective to the industry, and this is an industry that recognizes that value and supports women in their roles. Never be afraid to communicate your ideas and to try new methods.
SWINE
"The women who came before us were talented, intelligent and fantastic leaders who paved the way."
Kaylee Hillinger
Associate Marketing Manager, Integrated Health Management, Swine
What's a typical day on the job like for you?
I love that every day is different. With several projects going on, I may be fielding questions about our new digital products with pig farmers, swine system supervisors, and customer leaders, all while working closely with our sales team and other industry partners. I also work with my team to drive strategy and direction for new digital tools, spending time at our Duluth office and out in the field supporting customers.
What's it like to work in a livestock industry long dominated by men?
I believe agriculture is full of respectful individuals. For the most part, I've received the same respect as men in this male-dominated industry. Early in my career, I thought that because I was a woman, I had to prove myself, my knowledge, and my abilities. With a little time, experience, and supportive people around me, I realized this wasn't the case. The more I respected and believed in myself, the less necessary the “prove myself” mentality was.
Have you seen changes in gender representation during your career?
Women have always had a substantial impact in agriculture. Perhaps we're a little more visible today than in the past because the women who came before us were talented, intelligent, and fantastic leaders who paved the way. While we’re more present today within the industry, there are still strides to be taken to close the gap with women in leadership.
What role models, mentors, or inspirational figures have you encountered?
Two come to mind. Recently, a former manager shared an interview with Beth Ford, the CEO of Land O'Lakes. Beth is an incredible trailblazer for diversity and inclusion, and the first openly gay female CEO of a Fortune 500 company. My other inspiration is that former manager, Amanda McAvoy. She always empowered and encouraged the next generation of women in agriculture. She never apologized for asking hard questions or speaking her truth. Her mentorship made me a better professional, colleague, and advocate for women in our industry.
What advice would you give women considering a career in the livestock industry?
To all the women considering livestock agriculture, do it. Find strong female role models and support systems within your communities or organizations.
POULTRY
"Early in my career, I was often the only female in a meeting room. Today, I see more women in management roles and in meetings. The numbers are still low, but it is nice to see it growing."
Chris Fritts
Head of Global Vaccination Technologies and Services, Poultry
What's a typical day on the job like for you?
I lead a team that develops innovative poultry vaccination equipment and provides marketing and customer support, so I get to experience new challenges regularly. I spend a lot of time traveling around the world working with customers and colleagues—my family laughs when I say a local trip is anywhere in the U.S. I also work on research trials to test our equipment, develop new technology, give presentations, and, of course, challenge my team to provide best-in-class equipment and service.
What's it like to work in a livestock industry long dominated by men?
It's nice that there are no long lines in the women’s bathroom. In all seriousness, though, it is a challenge. I feel I have to work harder to earn and gain respect from all my colleagues and prove I was not hired to fill a role because of my gender. Globally, I see more challenges for women in the industry in many countries I've visited, although I've been fortunate to be treated with respect. Sometimes special circumstances have to be made for me—for example, in some biosecurity facilities where there are no women's showers because no women work in the hatchery.
Have you seen changes in gender representation during your career?
Of course. Over the years, more women have entered the livestock industry and specifically the poultry sector. My very first job interview out of college I went before a panel of about 18 men and no women. Early in my career, I was often the only female in a meeting room. Today, I see more women in management roles and in meetings. The numbers are still low, but it is nice to see it growing. As I travel around the world, it's also interesting to see how the trend is changing or not changing in different areas.
What role models, mentors, or inspirational figures have you encountered?
I have two women mentors who are also good friends. As a student, I worked in the laboratory of Dr. Gisela Erf, who later was co-advisor on my master’s in nutritional immunology. She took a farm kid like me and taught me about working in a research lab, having patience, and the importance of respect from your peers. Dr. Susan Watkins is another mentor who not only supported me during college but also helped me network once I graduated. She introduced me to leaders in poultry to help me grow and learn more about this wonderful industry.
What advice would you give women considering a career in the livestock industry?
There are numerous opportunities in livestock agriculture and specifically poultry. Not many people realize how large this industry truly is. Careers range from business and marketing to research, engineering, production, food science, and many other areas The hardest part is juggling work/life balance—but I think that's true for any career in any industry.