Susan Anglin grew up a city girl. She married into a third-generation dairy farm, Triple A Farms in Bentonville, Arkansas. The confidence and knowledge Susan has today makes one think she’s been dairy farming her entire life. As Susan tells it, “I knew the pair of pliers and pocket knife [husband] Ryan gave me on my wedding day was no joke!”
Between a career as a licensed nurse and caring for calves on farm (and raising two children!), Susan’s been a lifelong volunteer for agriculture. Her positions have included both county and state Farm Bureau committees; she currently serves on the Benton County Farm Bureau board and as chair of Arkansas Farm Bureau’s dairy committee, an appointed position.
While Susan worked on grassroots policy that effected farmers, she became interested in serving in local government. “There’s so many changes that impact rural life on a daily basis when you become urbanized,” Susan says. Her passion for agriculture, plus her mother’s example as a public servant, influenced Susan’s decision to serve in local politics. Susan is in her fourth term, or seventh year, as a justice of the peace for Benton County Quorum Court. “We’re the purse strings of the county government,” she explains.
Recently Susan was invited to attend the Walmart Distribution Center opening in her district. The opportunity was both a civic duty and a neighborly visit. “You feel like you could reach out and touch that building,” Susan describes. The city limits come to the front steps of the Anglin’s milk barn, and they can see the building from their pasture. “I found that our farm and this facility have two things in common: we are open 24 hours a day and work seven days a week. Fortunately for their employees, the distribution center is closed on Christmas.”
It’s not only in the positions Susan holds where she advocates for agriculture. She has allowed health professionals, families with children, college students, Walmart and other business and community leaders to tour their farm. “I try to take every opportunity to talk with people and explain food safety.” Her interest and conversations extend online as well. In 2019, Susan reached her 10-year milestone with her blog, The Spotted Cow Review. “People appreciate life on the farm and to share some of the daily things. As long as we’re dairying, I’ll keep doing what I do,” she says.
Susan is a devoted wife, mom, grandmother and daughter which helps her connect with a variety of consumers. Her weekly blogging theme, “Dairy Farmer’s Thankful Thursday” gives insight to Susan’s devotion to dairy. “Every day is more precious. When you get older, you realize you’re very blessed no matter what circumstance. We’re blessed in so many ways.”
*Photos featured in this article were taken prior to March 2020 before mandatory mask/social distancing mandates were implemented.