The American ‘cowgirl’ with central vision of education and mentorship in agriculture

Farming and ranching in the United States are often perceived through a lens of large-scale operations, technological advancements, and an ingrained work ethic. However, behind every successful farm lies a story of dedication, hard work, and passion. Jaclyn Wilson, a farmer and rancher from Nebraska, is one of the example, who is one out of two women farmers invited to the "International Year of Women Farmers Program" in Vietnam from August 12-13, 2024.

To promote the implementation of the UN resolution declaring 2026 as the "International Year of Women Farmers"—a global initiative led by a core group including the United States and Vietnam, and implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in cooperation with other UN agencies—the U.S. Mission to ASEAN and the USDA organize the event. Vietnam Agriculture Newspaper will provide media sponsorship, focusing on promoting dialogue about the challenges faced by women farmers in Southeast Asia.

Ahead of the event, Jaclyn Wilson shares her journey, shedding light on the challenges, strategies, and philosophies that have shaped her approach to agriculture with the Vietnam Agriculture Newspaper.

Balancing productivity maximization and environmental protection

Jaclyn shared that to prepare for her upcoming trip to Vietnam, she is hurriedly completing her farm tasks and delegating the operation of the fields, where thousands of cattle are grazed, to her team on a rotating basis.

Jaclyn Wilson's farm spans 7,000 hectares (approximately 15,000 acres) and primarily raises cattle for meat. Unlike highly mechanized grain farms, Jaclyn also employs traditional approaches to ensure her cattle can live "healthily" on vast, open grasslands.

"The management of such a vast operation is no small feat. I work closely with my father, who handles all other aspects so I can focus entirely on the cattle," Jaclyn said.

Not only that, but she also runs a direct-to-consumer beef business, providing high-quality beef from Nebraska to customers across the United States. She has a "streamlined" team of 2 other people who support both the beef business and the farm operations.

Efficiency is a cornerstone of Jaclyn's approach to farming. She has always been passionate about utilizing technology in beef cattle management, a focus that has helped her ranch thrive. Growing up on the ranch, Jaclyn was exposed to the cattle industry from a young age. However, it wasn't her first career choice. Initially, she pursued a degree in law, aiming to become a lobbyist for an agricultural entity. But life had other plans, and she found herself drawn back to the ranch, where she discovered a love for integrating technology with traditional farming practices.

Jaclyn's commitment to efficiency extends beyond her ranch. She believes that the U.S. agricultural industry, as a whole, excels in efficiency, particularly in raising crops and livestock on a large scale. This efficiency is not just about producing more; it's about doing so with less impact on the environment. For Jaclyn, the key lies in finding a balance between maintaining a sustainable operation and maximizing productivity.

One of the innovative approaches Jaclyn has adopted is using data to drive decision-making on her ranch. This data-driven approach allows her to optimize every aspect of her operation, from cattle management to environmental conservation. She is particularly focused on utilizing genetics and technology to improve the efficiency of beef production, ensuring that her ranch remains competitive and sustainable in the long run.

Jaclyn's focus on conservation is evident in how she manages her ranch. She prioritizes the health of the native grasslands, which are crucial for supporting the cattle and maintaining the ecological balance of the area. By carefully managing the grazing patterns and ensuring that the land is not overburdened, Jaclyn is able to maintain a healthy environment for her cattle and the surrounding wildlife.

In addition to her conservation efforts, Jaclyn is an advocate for sustainable farming practices on a larger scale. She is concerned about the overregulation of producers, particularly in the context of climate change. While she acknowledges the importance of addressing environmental issues, she warns against imposing too many standards on producers, as this could have financial implications and potentially drive them out of business. Instead, Jaclyn advocates for finding ways to increase efficiency in farming practices, allowing producers to meet environmental goals without sacrificing their livelihoods.

View from a female farmer in leadership

Jaclyn's journey in the agricultural industry has not been without its challenges. As a female farmer in a predominantly male-dominated industry, she has faced her share of obstacles. Early in her career, she often found herself as the only woman in the room during industry meetings. However, she has witnessed a positive shift in recent years, with more young women entering the agricultural field.

Jaclyn is passionate about mentoring the next generation of female farmers. She regularly hosts internships on her ranch, offering young women the opportunity to learn about the industry firsthand. Her goal is to build their confidence and equip them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in agriculture. Jaclyn believes that mentorship and support are crucial in helping young women overcome the challenges they may face in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

Moreover, Jaclyn is committed to fostering a sense of community within the agricultural sector. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration over competition, believing that the industry as a whole benefits when producers work together to share knowledge and support each other. This philosophy extends to her interactions with international farmers, where she is eager to learn from their experiences and bring those insights back to the U.S.

Environmental stewardship is another key aspect of Jaclyn's farming philosophy. She is deeply committed to conservation, wildlife protection, and climate resilience. These principles are not just buzzwords for Jaclyn; they are integral to how she operates her ranch. She believes that efficient farming practices are essential for minimizing the environmental impact of agriculture.

Education and mentorship are central to her vision for the future of agriculture. She is a strong believer in the power of internships and hands-on learning experiences. Jaclyn emphasizes the importance of learning from others in the industry, whether through formal education or practical experience on a farm.

Jaclyn's ranch offers students the opportunity to learn about the agricultural industry in a real-world setting. She encourages them to think critically about farming practices and to develop their own approaches based on what they learn. For Jaclyn, the goal is not just to teach students how to farm but to inspire them to innovate and find new ways to improve the industry.

Social media also plays a role in Jaclyn's educational efforts. She recognizes the value of online platforms for sharing knowledge and fostering discussions about agriculture. While social media can sometimes be a double-edged sword, Jaclyn believes that it provides a valuable space for farmers to connect, share ideas, and support each other.

Farmer Jaclyn Wilson has been managing Wilson Flying Diamond Ranch in Lakeside, Nebraska, since graduating from college in 2002. She runs the fifth-generation cattle and calf operation with her father, who was honored as the National Quality Beef Producer of the Year in 2023.

Jaclyn founded Flying Diamond Beef in 2019, pioneering the sale of NFT beef. She is actively involved in global community activities, having visited processing facilities across 6 continents and representing the U.S. beef industry in trade delegations. Jaclyn holds leadership roles in the Nebraska Cattlemen’s Association and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.

She was recognized as one of the 40 Under 40 influencers in agriculture by Farm Journal in 2016 and was honored by Nebraska in 2023 for her achievements in agriculture.