The Dairy Hour Podcast

Leading With Passion! With Marilyn Hershey

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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!

     

    Subscribe to the Podcast:

    • Subscribe to the Dairy Gal podcast on your favorite podcast platform for more insightful conversations with guests like Marilyn Hershey.
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    The Dairy Hour PodcastBy Dairy Gal Val
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