Women Belong in Agriculture
By Shannon Hauf, PhD, Senior Vice President and Head of Seed Production Innovation, Crop Science Division
I grew up on a corn, soy, and livestock farm in Southern Minnesota. As a child on the farm, I followed my mom closely as she farmed alongside my dad. She taught me that women not only belong in agriculture, but that they need to step up and be leaders in agriculture.
My mother was patient with us kids, more than we deserved. Most of the time on the farm as a child was before biotech traits and precision agriculture tools like autosteer that bring efficiencies in our farming operation today. Some of my jobs on the farm were far from fun, but they were filled with life lessons. It is those lessons I apply in my current role as leader, mentor and advocate at Bayer Crop Science, and it is those lessons that continue to propel me though my leadership journey and to the recent recognition as St. Louis Business Journal’s Most Influential Business Women, Class of 2020.
The recognition is the reminder that the pursuit of excellence in business and leadership is worth never, ever giving in or giving up, there’s too much to lose. The line to tell you ‘no’ is much longer than the line to tell you ‘yes.’ It is this resilience I take into driving initiatives that are important to me, including the road to gender equity in the workplace, teaching the next generation the importance of agriculture and sciences; ensuring those in need have access to food, clothes, and a safe place; and helping youth break the cycle of poverty. I’ve worked hard and led fiercely, no doubt; but it doesn’t go without saying, I’ve been given so much, and been in the right place at the right time many times. I’ve rarely let an opportunity pass me by.
To me, leadership and influence is the ability to help others achieve. It’s the ability to create a vision and have others follow. It’s giving those confidence there are possibilities for better outcomes. It is simply getting things done because people want to rather than have to. My role in our organization is to make sure we have an environment where everyone can bring their best self to work. And when they can do that, we will drive innovation and achieve great outcomes for our business.
I’m exactly where I want to be, at the crossroads of innovation and the farm. It is the job of our team to deliver the best, highest quality seeds to farmers around the world. And to do that while reducing costs and environmental footprint in our Product Supply organizations. It’s a big job for our organization, but one we are committed to deliver.
When not at work, I can be found on our farm outside of St. Louis with my husband, Darrin and our two children, Carter and Ella. The farm is always a source of energy, but this summer was unique given the challenges of COVID. My children are involved with 4-H, a youth organization focused on agriculture and leadership. Like me, my children will grow up picking sweet corn and showing sheep. This summer I was not travelling for work and able to be with them every step of the way. The fun and memories from this summer will last forever, one of our COVID silver linings.
I feel lucky to be in a spot where I have been able to grow my career and grow my family. I want to grow my career and be present for my children. It’s not a tradeoff, it’s finding ways to do both and making it work for our family. Success looks different for all of us, and the road to achieve it is bumpy. It’s the way you handle those bumps that will make a difference for you and others.
