Leading With Passion! With Marilyn Hershey

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!

 

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