Today’s American Agri-Women (“AAW”) spotlight interview is with Lisa Condon, a dairy women from Wisconsin.
1. Please explain your connection to the agriculture industry.
I married my husband, Bob, a dairy farmer in 1984 and we began to build a business together. I was raised in the country but not on a farm. We purchased the cattle (44 head) and machinery from his mother and father. Bob’s parents would not sell the farm to us because the farm was to be split among eight children. In 1989, we purchased our 300 acre farm 60 miles north of the home farm. We built our dairy to 350 milking cows, 400 acres owned land with an additional 500 acres rented.
2. How long have you been involved with AAW and in what capacity?
I have been a member of AAW for 10 years. I have been the secretary for the Wisconsin Women for Agriculture‘s Rock River Chapter for 8 years. Currently, I am in charge of the ice cream booth at the Dodge County Fair. Each year we net approximately $6000 which is used to fund various 4-H programs, a day camp at the Wisconsin State Fair for inner city children, and at least two $1000 scholarships awarded to youths going into the agriculture field. I started the scholarship program in 2006.
3. What other agriculture organizations do you support?
Dairy Business Association of Wisconsin, Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin, and Wisconsin Farm Bureau
4. Why do you think it is important for agriculture women to support AAW?
Women have a great strength and presence in agriculture. Women need to convey the message that we are committed to providing consumers a safe, nutritious and affordable supply of food. I have committed my life to it. AAW and other agriculture organizations give us an united voice.
5. What are the most important agriculture policy issues to you?
My biggest agriculture policy concern on the national, state and local level is price, price, price! We need to have a non-government controlled milk supply.
6. What was your highlight from the AAW-Syngenta “Leadership At It’s Best Conference?”
The highlight for me at the AAW-Syngenta conference was the session on “Speaking Out For Agriculture with Social Media” by Michele Payn-Knoper [from Cause Matters Corp.]. It is difficult to comprehend the vast amount of urban people we can reach through social media; however, social media can be [a powerful tool for] the agriculture industry to get our message out to consumers.
7. What would you like to tell urban consumers that have never been to a farm/ranch?
We manage every aspect of our farm in a responsible manner so that I can be proud of the legacy I leave – I have an obligation to my family, my community, and my animals. We would not be in business today if I didn’t provide my animals with a safe, healthy environment in which to live.
You can contact Lisa at cndnfam@sbcglobal.net or find her on Facebook here (I hear she loves Farmville!).