From the time she took her first combine ride in a car seat, Mandy Danner of Curlew, Iowa, has had her roots planted in agriculture.
Mandy is a woman with drive, dedication and the desire to excel in all areas of her life. This former 4-H and FFA member is on brink of an industry change. She’s challenging the status quo and taking a stance in her role of a farmher, wife and soon-to-be mom.
Family values and common interests are what initially brought Mandy and her husband, Cole, together when they were students at Iowa State University and are the building blocks for their family. Mandy has taken her passion for agriculture and turned it into an irreplaceable role on the farm.
“Harvest is a busy time of year here,” says Mandy. “Not only do I feed the entire harvest crew a hot meal each and every day, but I’m also part of the crew myself.”
Mandy runs the grain cart, feeds livestock and checks pastures to alleviate some of the long days for her family. She values the opportunity to learn more each day and enjoys seeing yield results after a carefully planned and executed growing season. Mandy and Cole feel blessed to harvest alongside Mandy’s parents, brothers and her grandfather. Teamwork is key among all family. Teamwork is one of the values they want to instill in their children, and the couple is eagerly anticipating the arrive of their first child this February.
“Cole and I help each other accomplish every day chores and we do it as a team. He helps me inside with dishes and laundry, then I help him deliver baby calves, vaccinate cows and build fence.”
No two days are alike for the Danner’s as they stay busy with their crop production and cattle operation, with an emphasis on club calf production where they host Danner Show Stock Club Calf Sale every year in September.
“Cole and I find it priceless to farm with the ones you love,” says Mandy. We both believe in the future of agriculture and look forward to carrying on our farming traditions.”
Mandy shares this advice for other women who are interested in going into the agricultural industry.
“Do what you love and do it proudly! Women are just as capable of men in the agricultural industry so don’t let the status quo dull your fire.”
Find more inspiring #RootsinBoots stories below:
- Women in Ag: Tracing Amy Rohe’s #RootsinBoots
- Women in Ag: Tracing Kilah Hemesath’s #RootsinBoots
- Women in Ag: Tracing Jenna Braun’s #RootsinBoots
- Women in Ag: Tracing Ali Luety’s #RootsinBoots
- Women in Ag: Tracing Jessica Faust’s #RootsinBoots
- Women in Ag: Tracing Josie Burgett’s #RootsinBoots
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Without strong women to help shape and manage our company, Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds would be a very different company than it is today. We understand the key roles women play in everything from purchasing seed to marketing grain, from public relations and event planning to sales and customer service. That’s why we’re celebrating women who are doing what they love. From now through November, we’re showcasing women in agriculture by telling their #RootsinBoots stories. Follow along and be inspired by FarmHers across Iowa!
We’re looking for women, ages 18 to 108, who have a passion for agriculture and are willing to share their farm stories. Simply post photos of yourself on Instagram or Facebook using the hashtags #RootsinBoots #LathamSeeds and #FarmHer. Let your personality and work ethic show. We want to see what a “day in the life” of you is like!
Because each woman in agriculture is unique, everyone who submits a photo of herself either working in the field or working with livestock will be entered to win a $500 shopping spree at Western Edge LTD. There’s no limit to the number of entries, so increase your chances by posting across platforms via Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Go to https://www.lathamseeds.com/rootsinboots/ or click here for more information.