Rachel Arneson, a fifthgeneration farmer from Halstad, MN, didn’t plan on returning to the family farm. However, when her father had some health issues in 2011, Rachel stepped in to help, which ultimately led her to her permanent move to the farm. Today, she manages a 4,000-acre operation, growing soybeans, wheat, corn, and sugar beets.
With a deep connection to her family’s history and a determination to preserve that legacy, Rachel is forging her own path in a maledominated industry, while inspiring the next generation of women in agriculture.
A Lifelong Connection to the Farm
Rachel always had roots in farming, with a childhood on the farm and five generations behind her, but she wasn’t always involved in the day-to-day operations. Growing up, her parents prioritized education, so Rachel spent much of her time studying rather than working in the fields. Coming from the family operation, Rachel envisioned her future role with the farm as more of a landlord than a full-time operator. After earning her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in studies far from the agriculture industry, Rachel worked briefly in her area of study— anthropology. She worked for a nonprofit organization where she served as the director of operations in the U.S., overseeing a boarding school in Kenya. She did her master’s thesis research in Kenya, focusing on modes of peace among the Pokot tribe, which was part of her work in cultural anthropology, and traveled various times to the area. However, when her father needed help due to a health crisis, she returned to the farm, unaware of the lifelong commitment to come.
She came back to help with the winter bookkeeping while her father was recovering, stuck around for spring work, and eventually, realized this was where she wanted to be. So, she sat her parent’s down and told them she was coming back to the farm.
“I do remember when I decided, my dad turned to my mom and said, ‘Well, if anybody can do it, Rachel can,'” Rachel said. “That was very positive and encouraging, and the reason he said it was because there were some doubts… he knows so intimately how hard farming is. So having that vote of confidence from him, has really been a source of encouragement, and something that I have reflected on when I’m stressed.”
Despite the inevitable learning curve, Rachel took charge of the farm work. Over time, her connection to the land became undeniable. She found meaning in her work as she discovered more and more about her family’s longstanding history with the farm and region.
“I farm the first quarter of land that my great-great-grandfather homesteaded back in 1886,” Rachel said. “I’m very proud of my family’s heritage and farming, and I have the skill set to manage it.”
Down to one of the exact plots of land that her ancestor originally farmed, Rachel takes pride in being a part of the land’s history.
A Farmer’s Role
As a female farmer in a predominantly male industry, Rachel intimately understands the feeling of being the only woman in the room. Despite this, she has never let it deter her. Instead, she uses these moments to build connections with other women in agriculture.
“In the specialty crop of sugar beets, I would go to a meeting and it would be just me, the only woman,” Rachel said. “It’s been very difficult to find a carbon copy of myself in these spaces.”
She was often met with confusion or disbelief when she explained that she was the owner and operator of her farm. And if she did find another woman in the fray, whether it be in a part time farming position or even a corporate role, she was grateful and latched on. This sense of community, paired with her pride in her family’s legacy pushes her to take on this challenge. However, there are times when the weight of that responsibility feels heavy
“It’s a heavy weight to be a fifthgeneration farmer because I know that I wouldn’t be here if it hadn’t been for all the people who came before me, but then also, it’s such a legacy—I don’t want to be the one to screw it up.”
Agriculture and Innovation
Farming is full of challenges, and Rachel faces them headon. Whether it’s tackling the processes of sugar beet harvests or navigating machinery and technical issues, she approaches each problem with determination and creativity. This problem-solving mindset is essential in today’s agricultural landscape, where innovation and adaptability are key to success.
“There’s so many problems that come up with farming that you have to just solve them. The fact that my brother is stronger than I am, doesn’t affect my ability to do the work, I just have to tackle it,” she said.
Rachel’s determination is not only practical but strategic. She understands that modern farming requires constant innovation, whether it’s using new technologies or rethinking traditional processes.
A Woman in Agriculture
Rachel’s experience as a woman in agriculture comes with both challenges and rewards. She’s often had to prove herself in ways others haven’t. At times, she’s been met with skepticism, but she’s found that the best way to handle it is with confidence and a little bit of wit.
“When I first started attending succession planning meetings with my dad, it was with large groups, and one gentleman at one of the very first meetings I attended turned to me—and by the way, my dad is 36 years older than I am, and he looks like he’s like, probably 50 years older than I am—he asked if I was his wife. I was pretty polite about it, but then the next question out of his mouth was, ‘So no brothers then?’ It takes a lot just to keep poised,” Rachel said. “I was very polite, but I’ve developed, I’d say, an appropriate backbone in responding with wit.”
Despite these occasional awkward moments, Rachel has developed resiliency from this and learned ways to navigate the industry. More importantly, she’s found ways to connect with other women in agriculture in order to form bonds that provide mutual support and encouragement—community.
“Whenever there is an opportunity to work with a woman in an agricultural capacity, I do that,” Rachel said. “For example, our local seed salesman at the time… he had been my dad’s seed salesman and agronomist for years, and then this woman came on and I would still talk to both of them, but I would just gravitate towards her because it was so exciting to have her. They’re all capable. They all have the same information. But it means so much when you can relate on an unspoken level about life and other challenges and it strengthens those business relationships when you have more in common elsewhere.”
Rachel’s advocacy extends beyond her own experience. She is passionate about paving the way for future generations of women in agriculture.
“I’ve stepped into an advocacy role, where I’ve been going to the state capital, and then, more recently, one trip to DC with a group in order to speak with legislators,” Rachel said. “I’m also having to educate my fellow farmers. And it’s not all about women in agriculture, it’s agriculture in general. My colleagues, who have the same job titles as I do, I’m trying to expand their minds a little bit and make sure that their daughters have an equal place one day on their farm if they want to pursue that.”
You can find updates on Rachel’s farm on Facebook by searching Arneson Farms.
