Mar 23, 2023

Q&A with Karolyn Zurn, past president, American Agri-Women | Minnesota Agri-Women

To celebrate Women’s History Month, Great American Media Services, parent company to Vegetable Growers News, reached out to Karolyn Zurn, past president, American Agri-Women | Minnesota Agri-Women, and asked her to participate in a Q&A session. Our team thanks you for your insight and we celebrate your accomplishments in agriculture!

What inspired you to work in agriculture?

As a young woman I moved to Minnesota and married a farmer. I took to the culture of being a farmer immediately. I could not understand why I was referred to as a “farm wife” when I considered myself as a farmer. I drove a grain truck, operated tractors and our combines, which was my favorite job.

Did you have a mentor, if so who and how did that individual assist you along the way?

My Mentor was my husband, who had total faith in me and encouraged me to publicly work in agriculture, such as being a 4-H leader, youth rodeo and FFA parent.

As our children grew and decided to be a part of our farm operation my oldest son told me that between two of our five children and the other farm employees I should do “what I do best.” He wanted me to be an advocate for ag and save our farm.

What do you feel is your biggest accomplishment, or mark, on this industry?

I began to work actively for our county, state and nation by involving myself with commodity groups and other agriculture organizations. I was also elected one of the only women to serve as the chair of Northern Crops Institute. Here I am working with a trade team to let them know the reasons why soybeans are so important to feed the world.

Additionally, I was part of the original CommonGround movement and worked with the National Soybean Board and Corn Growers to have women in agriculture work with other women in agriculture to share their experiences.

I also was on the Minnesota State Board of Ag in the Classroom, and worked at the state level and county level for the Soybean growers and Corn growers.

Do you have any words of wisdom to share with other women in agriculture?

I would like to tell other women that our nations needs them to advocate, and strong farms are part of our national security. There is more to working in agriculture than in the field.