Who runs the beef world? Girls! - Andrea van Iterson headshots

When people picture the agriculture industry, particularly the beef industry, we generally visualize men in positions of power. From managers of businesses to owners of farms and ranches - the list goes on. Most people would argue, at least in the last handful of decades, that agriculture is and has always been a predominately male driven industry. While that isn't totally inaccurate, even in 2021, I'd like to introduce you to one of the badass women I get to work with in the BC beef industry.

Andrea and I have worked in tandem with each other over the last 4 years, as she's the Executive Director of the BC Association of Cattle Feeders as well as a member of the BC Cattlemen's Public Affairs & Education Committee, a current Cattlemen's Young Leader and the BC rep for the Young Cattlemen's Council. In addition to all those killer titles, she and her family run a feedlot (as these pictures depict!).

Andrea not only wears the many ball caps above (and I'm confident I'm missing a few...like 4-H leader), but she's also a mom to 3 boys and a wife. 

Andrea, like many women in agriculture, are flourishing in all aspects of what being a woman in ag looks like. We, like our male counter parts, wear all kinds of hats and tackle all kinds of jobs. Regardless if they're in the barnyard or at the board room table.

And just a gentle reminder to all those who didn't realize it until now - but technically girls run the beef world...just take a look at who you talk to when you call to buy cattle, who you sign a contract with, who advocates with government or who brings you a delicious meal on the tractor.

*make sure you play "Run the World (Girls)" by Beyonce as you read this! ;)