The Evolution of North Dakota Women in Ag
In this episode of The Backstory, Sabrina Halvorson speaks with southeast North Dakota farmer and rancher Pam Gulleson about growing up on a dairy farm, building a multi-generational operation, and the challenges farm families have faced across decades of change.
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Gulleson reflects on starting out during the farm crisis of the 1980s, balancing off-farm jobs to keep the operation going, and raising a family while continuing to farm and ranch in Sargent County.
"We call it the character-building years. A lot of anxiety, really difficult decisions that we had to make to help keep things moving, and we did it."
— Pam Gulleson
The conversation explores a significant shift in the landscape of North Dakota agriculture, where the expectation of a son taking over the farm has evolved into a broader conversation about family succession. Gulleson describes how her daughters-in-law are now fully engaged in every aspect of the business, from managing feedlots and calving to planting and harvesting. This evolution highlights a modern era where young women have the same opportunities as men to lead and innovate within the industry.
Gulleson, who also serves on the NDNC Board of Directors, discusses how these experiences led her to serve 16 years in the state legislature and her current role as chair of the State Board of Agricultural Research and Education.
Read the full article on women in North Dakota agriculture.
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