Kerry Hoffschneider grew up on a small family farm in York County, Nebraska – USA. Her grandmother’s garden and the surrounding pasture and shelter-belt of trees were her favorite places. She loved the outdoors, reading, writing, and exploring the countryside on her bicycle.
After graduating from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, Kerry pursued a career as a reporter for one of the nation’s smallest daily newspapers. This role allowed her to interview thousands of farmers and ranchers and to start understanding the massive changes occurring across the agricultural landscape. She then worked for a non-profit doing public relations and marketing work, which exposed her to the societal stressors affecting rural America.
Determined to make a difference, Kerry took a position with a global seed company where she experienced both the challenges and opportunities that exist for agriculture in the modern era. It was during this period that she realized the need to envision a business that could independently help solve complex problems for rural USA.
What were your initial years of growing up like? Tell us about your life before starting your entrepreneurial journey.
I grew up on a small family farm in York County, Nebraska – USA. I was inspired by my grandmother’s garden and our pasture and shelter-belt of trees was my home away from home. I loved the outdoors, reading, writing, and journeying through the countryside on my bicycle.
After graduating from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, I pursued a career as a reporter for one of the nation’s smallest daily newspapers. This gave me a chance to interview thousands of farmers and ranchers and to begin understanding the massive changes occurring across the nation’s agricultural landscape.
I then worked for a non-profit doing public relations and marketing work. We served thousands of family members facing emotional and behavioral disorders that stemmed from a variety of issues. I began to see the societal stressors that were also beginning to transform rural America.
Bound and determined to change agriculture for the better, I took a position with a global seed company where I experienced both the challenges and opportunities that exist for agriculture in the modern era. It was during this period that I knew I must envision a business that could independently help solve complex problems for the rural USA I loved so much.
What was that idea or motivation that made you start your business/initiative? What motivated you within to say YES, go for it?
It’s simple: we must save our soil and water resources. We can do so with practices that Balance Nature & Profitability.
Tell us something about your initiative or current role. What is it about, and what impact are you trying to make?
I am the co-founder of the Graze Master Group. We are changing the way farmers, ranchers, and all people think about how to save our soil and water all while building healthier communities.
What achievements or accomplishments would you like to mention?
If we can get farmers and ranchers to change just 10 percent of their agricultural practices in a way that is more in-tune with nature, we will see a vast improvement in the health of our soil, water, and rural communities.
What change would you like to see in the world if given an opportunity?
Through the protection and renewal of our natural resources in a responsible fashion, we can transform our society for the better literally from the soil up. By connecting to the soil, we are connecting with each other. We are all children of the soil. It’s the tie that binds us all. With that soil and water connection we all have, we can begin to see our shared humanity.
What are your thoughts about women leadership today?
Women are leaders. We have solutions. Engage with us and we will change the world for the better. Women hold a unique capacity to inspire peace in a divided world.
What would you want to say to our young leaders/audience reading this?
You are so valuable. You give me great hope. We need your energy, intellect, and action to solve the world’s greatest problems. Help us answer the question, “How will we save our precious soil and water resources?”
