Thelma Heidel-Baker on Caring for the Land

As part of our special "Women Caring for the Land" series, we're talking today with Thelma Heidel-Baker of Bossie Cow Farm in Wisconsin. Thelma shares how she detoured from an academic career in entomology—she’s actually a bug doctor with her Ph.D.—to return to her family farm to re-craft a livelihood for her young family. Thelma’s passion for conservation shines as she gives us practical advice on setting up conservation strategies, noting that land stewardship is a journey. She encourages us to follow what naturally fascinates us...which, in her case, is insects. Thelma Heidel-Baker and her husband, Ricky Baker, run Bossie Cow Farm, a small, diversified organic dairy farm amidst the rolling hills of southeastern Wisconsin. Using managed rotational grazing to take care of the land and feed their livestock, Thelma and Ricky also sell organic farm products such as beef, eggs, chicken, and pork direct to local customers.