Spark: Career in Agribusiness

Marianne Smukowski, Safety Applications Coordinator at Wisconsin Center for Dairy Research, discusses her career in food science and the path she took from government to private industry to academia.

Assistant Vice President of Communications for the National Pork Board, Cunningham has truly found her sweet spot. And she’s still actively involved in the family livestock and grain farm where she grew up.

For the last 20 years, Jenny Stelmach has worked as a commodity broker and for the last two has served as vice president of American Agri-Women. She shares how she came to work in agriculture and dispenses career wisdom and advice.

Barcus discusses her career and current role at Agriculture Future of America, which builds bridges for young leaders to foster engagement and innovation in food and agriculture.

Second Vice President of Indiana Farm Bureau Isabella Chism immigrated to the U.S. from Austria with her parents when she was six years old. She expected to follow in her father’s footsteps and work at General Motors, but ended up marrying a farmer, which completely changed her career trajectory.

A fourth generation farmer near Parker, S.D., and former South Dakota Secretary of Agriculture, Bones discusses growing up on the family farm, his involvement in public service and offers great advice for learners of all ages.

President of Grossman Software Solutions Gail Miller was inspired to pursue science and math by her mother, who was a chemist in a time when few women went to college and even fewer became scientists. She shares the story of her career and discusses what she’s learned about leadership and success.

Dawn Caldwell grew up on a farm and has worked in agriculture for her entire career. She joined Aurora Cooperative, where she’s held three different positions, in 2000. Caldwell discusses learning experiences, life challenges, difficult decisions, opportunities for growth, balancing career and ...

As executive director of the North Dakota Soybean Growers Association, Johnson has combined her farm background with her education in marketing and communications to create a dynamic career path. She discusses her career experiences and offers advice for those entering the field.

As a rancher, grazing manager, author and mother, Liz Hughey leads a busy and fulfilling life. She and Sara Steever discuss how her career path evolved from serving as a backcountry guide and packer in the Rockies to her current occupation.