By Andi Anderson
As National Women’s History Month unfolds, the Indiana Farm Bureau shines a spotlight on the remarkable achievements of Sam Schwoeppe, a prominent farmer hailing from Huntingburg. Recognized for her leadership and impact on agriculture, Schwoeppe's contributions extend beyond the fields, encompassing education, and outreach.
A member of the Indiana Farm Bureau and part of the Women’s Leadership Committee representing District 9, Schwoeppe serves as a district education and outreach coordinator. This role allows her to introduce agriculture to the next generation, emphasizing the vital role of female leaders in shaping the farming community's future.
Growing up on a dairy farm in Warrick County and later joining her husband's family dairy, Schwoeppe Dairy in Huntingburg, Sam Schwoeppe brings a wealth of experience as a fourth-generation dairy farmer. Her commitment to the industry is reflected in her ongoing efforts to promote agriculture.
Schwoeppe's journey includes pursuing higher education at Western Kentucky University after her sons took over the family dairy. Currently, she holds the position of director of business partnerships at Fresh Connect Central, an agrifood distributor operated by Gleaners, serving the Feeding America network. Her work focuses on ensuring access to fresh produce, protein, and dairy at affordable prices for food banks.
In addition to her role at the Indiana Farm Bureau, Schwoeppe is actively involved in various capacities. She serves on the INFB livestock and animal care policy advisory group and holds a position on the board of directors of Prairie Farms Dairy, Inc., where she serves as the treasurer.
Amidst her various roles, Schwoeppe addresses misconceptions about women in agriculture, advocating for the term "farmer" rather than "farm wife." She emphasizes the multifaceted responsibilities that women take on within farming families, from managing daily tasks to contributing significantly to the overall success of the farm.
As per the latest USDA Farm Census, around one-third of farmers in Indiana are women, with over 28,000 farms and 5.7 million acres of land influenced by their contributions. Schwoeppe's story exemplifies the diverse roles women play in agriculture, extending beyond farm work to education, agribusiness, and advocacy.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-pixdeluxe
Categories: Indiana, General