International Year of the Woman Farmer

For more than 170 years, Colvin Ranch has been part of Washington's agricultural history. We are the oldest cattle ranch in Washington still run by decendants of the original founder. I'm grateful to have the opportunity to represent the fifth generation of Colvins to grow up at the ranch, and to be the first woman to officially own the family business. 

Of course, generations of Colvin women have always been essential partners in preserving the ranch, the land, and our family legacy. No one can do this work alone. Family members and spouses are vital to helping ensure the success of family farms not just here in Washington, but across the country. Working in partnership with my husband Eric and my family at the ranch has been some of the most rewarding work I've done in my career. 

But there is something that is particularly meaningful about being able to have a room of one's own - or in this case a wide open prairie - and the opportunity to grow, create, and achieve your dreams. 

As my daughters have gotten older, they'e been able to see every side of the ranch. Not just the daily chores, but the meetings, conservation projects, customer relationships, and community partnerships. They've gotten to see that agriculture is about so much more than raising cattle. They've seen firsthand the impact our work has had on the land and on the people we serve, and I hope that helps them understand why this work matters. 

I'm standing on the shoulders of generations of strong Colvin women who helped preserve this ranch. I'm proud to be part of that legacy, continuing their work, and helping make this corner of the world a little better for the next generation.

See below for more information about Washington Women in Agriculture in this series from the Washington State Department of Agriculture.