This year, we're celebrating International Women's Day by highlighting leading women in the agriculture industry. I recently caught up with Lori Reese, Director of Commercial Sustainability Programs at Pivot Bio, Inc. who has a rich background in agriculture and a passion for sustainable practices. She filled me in on how her career in agriculture evolved, and shared some great observations and advice for the younger generation of women coming into the industry:
Q: What is your role and how did you get to where you are today?
Lori: "I am currently Director, Commercial Sustainability Programs for Pivot Bio, Inc. I have been in agriculture my entire life. Originally raised on a family farm in central Ohio, I later went on to study Agronomy at the Ohio State University. My career path has been unconventional; I became a seed-selling associate after being out of the workplace for 15 years. I started my own crop consulting business which my husband operates today. Because of the crop consulting, I was offered the opportunity to manage consultants in Ohio and Michigan for Corteva. Since then, I have been with Pivot Bio for 3 years."
Q: What main challenges did you face in your career, and how did you overcome them?
Lori: "The main challenge I have faced is building my reputation for being knowledgeable in crop management. It has taken time and working alongside growers to demonstrate my ability to bring value to their operations at an agronomic and financial level."
Q: What motivates you?
Lori: "I am motivated by the opportunity to be a part of a larger goal. Microbial Nitrogen fertilizer delivered to row crops will change agriculture. The environmental benefits will allow for preservation of air and water quality which benefits all of us on the planet."
Q: What advice would you give to the younger generation of women in agriculture?
Lori: "Find great people to work with. The relationships you build in your work will determine your ability to manage through the difficult situations."
Q: Who inspires you?
Lori: "I am fortunate to be part of a great team at Pivot Bio. I am inspired by the vision and their commitment to change Nitrogen fertilizer in crop management. My mom and grandmothers are my ultimate female ag role models. They made many personal sacrifices to keep the farming way of life in my family."
Q: What do you hope to see for the future of women in agriculture?
Lori: "Continued opportunities in leadership of the agricultural industry. I am seeing firsthand farm operations including their daughters in the day-to-day tasks. It is exciting to watch them become the leaders and experts of their farms."
Q: How do you celebrate success?
Lori: "By sharing the success with the ones who made it possible. Recognizing all contributors on a project. For me personally, it is sharing the news of the accomplishment with my family. Especially my husband and sons."
Q: If you could pick any movie or TV character to be your career sidekick, who would it be?
Lori: "Dorothy and her magic ruby slippers. We could make so many field visits every day!"
It was an absolute pleasure to catch up with Lori to get to know more about her career background and her observations for the next generation of women in agriculture. Sustainability is top of mind for many young people, and I think a career path like Lori’s serves as a great example of agriculture offering fulfilling and enticing opportunities that contribute to a more sustainable future. I hope to see more young professional women entering the industry and more opportunities for women to take on leadership positions. This International Women's Day, join us in celebrating the achievements and contributions of leading women like Lori, who are making a significant impact and are driving positive change.
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