Jodi Cast, owner of JJC Jerseys in Nebraska, is no stranger to advocating for dairy farmers. She owns JJC Jerseys in Beaver Crossing, Nebraska, milking around 160 cows with help from her six children. Since 2020, Jodi has opened her farm to thousands of students through Discover Dairy’s Adopt a Cow program, educating them about dairy farming, calf care, and the ways their favorite dairy products make it to their tables. In addition to Adopt a Cow, Jodi also represents Nebraska dairy farmers as the secretary and treasurer for Midwest Dairy’s Nebraska Division Board.
During the International Year of the Woman Farmer, Midwest Dairy recognizes and honors Jodi for her ongoing advocacy and leadership. Learn more about Jodi, her journey into dairy farming, and her advice for young women entering the agriculture industry.
What changes, opportunities, and perceptions have you seen for women in agriculture during your career?
Women have always played an important role in agriculture, and in the past, that role was typically supportive. Women were responsible for making parts runs, preparing meals, and being called for backup. Today, women are taking on the main role on the farm, serving as decision-makers and making day-to-day operational decisions that are important to the farm. This transition has been more easily accepted by some, but not all. Women need to continue asserting themselves as leaders on the farm and emphasizing that we have the voice, knowledge, and experience to make decisions.
How did your journey in dairy farming begin?
I grew up on a dairy farm and have milked pretty much my whole life, except for a few years of college and nannying.
What does it mean to be a woman farmer in today’s dairy industry?
I won’t say something cheesy, like it means the world to me. To me, it means I am doing my job and what I am meant to do. That understanding comes for different people at different times. I was a senior in high school when my parents sold the cows, and I swore I would never milk another cow. Fast forward 10 years down the road, and you come back into something and think, “This is what it is, this is what it’s all about.” Some people may have that knowledge and passion when they’re 18; others might get it back when they’re 30. Growing up on a dairy farm and now working on this dairy for 20-plus years, I have reached a point where I can put that knowledge and experience to good use as a leader not just on my farm, but in the industry, too.
What advice would you give to young women who are considering a career in dairy or agriculture?
It’s a tough industry to get into for women, so you’ve got to want to do it. And it’s got to be something that is in you that you really want to do because it’s hard right now to get into it. If you can follow in your family’s footsteps or a neighboring farm, it may be easier. You’ve also got to find the right people to support you. You can have all the drive you want in the world, but you still need the help of others, those who can support you mentally and financially, and also serve as mentors.
How do you balance responsibilities with family, your leadership roles, and community involvement?
I don’t know that there is such a thing as balance – you just do it. You make time for those things that are important to you, and you just do it. You find the time, you do the work, you do the fun stuff, and you do the family stuff. I don’t have my life balanced at all, but you find a way to get things done. I am very lucky to have my kids, who are older and who can help pick up the slack when I am away for leadership meetings with Midwest Dairy or Dairy Farmers of America (DFA). It goes back to surrounding yourself with the right team.
What lessons in farming do you carry into your personal life?
You’ve got to have a good attitude. You’ve got to be positive. There are many days when I’m like, “Oh my gosh, I don’t know if I can do this, if I can get up in the morning.” So, you’ve got to have a positive outlook that you’re going to get through it, even if it’s day to day. You’ve got to have hope and the drive to make it work.
I also couldn’t imagine a better way of life for my kids, and the values and things you learn on the farm can’t be taught or learned anywhere else. They’ve learned to work hard, lessons about life and death, and to never give up on things they want. I can’t imagine a better way for kids to grow up.
Favorite dairy product?
I could take the easy way out and say milk because you can make everything from milk – but my favorite is cheese because it’s just the best!