“Faces of NK Seeds” Mother’s Day Series, Part 3

“One of the best feelings in the world” — that’s how Val Oberbroeckling describes the opportunity she and her husband have had to raise their three children, Cooper (16), Alena (13) and Clara (8), on their Iowa row crop and cow/calf operation. She credits agriculture with helping to instill many important values and teach key life lessons.

“Growing up on a farm, they learned that nothing in life is free. They saw that success was earned through hard work, dedication and discipline,” she says. “They also learned about the circle of life and the importance of patience, which is vital to raising crops and animals. They’ve seen firsthand the pride that comes with seeing the fruits of our labor, whether it’s the birth of a calf or the harvest of a crop. There’s just no better place to raise children than on a farm.”

Val believes it’s not only farm moms who deserve more recognition than they receive. She thinks that farmers, in general, deserve a big thank-you for all they do to provide us with food while also supporting the U.S. economy. She says it’s a gratifying job, but a difficult one.

“I think it’s a lot to balance for young families in particular,” she says. “But whether you’re running a farm or working in agribusiness, success often boils down to time management, and it helps to have a good support system.”

Val feels blessed to have a husband and children who understand and support her hectic schedule supporting farmers as a sales representative for NK Seeds. “I have great people in my camp, including an amazing boss who understands the importance of juggling motherhood, farm and work,” she says. “When I started working in the ag industry 21 years ago, there were very few women. Today, it’s not uncommon for half of a meeting or event to be comprised of women, so that speaks volumes about where we’ve come as an industry.”

It’s a great start, and Val’s excited to see where the industry is headed. “As the mom of two daughters, I look forward to seeing women play an even larger role in agriculture in years to come,” she says.

Val says farming is a gratifying job, but a difficult one.

“This Mother’s Day, I give a shout-out to all the great farm moms and all the moms who work in agriculture. It’s a lot to balance, and you’re all doing great.”