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!   Subscribe to the Podcast: Subscribe to the Dairy Gal podcast on your favorite podcast platform for more insightful conversations with guests like Marilyn Hershey.