“My passion is for the beginning farmer! If I can help them avoid the mistakes I made when I started, I count that as success. Seeing their passion and walking with them while they grow their dream, makes my heart burst with pride in each and every one of their farms.”
Mariel was born and raised in the dairy farmland of Wisconsin. She married into the Army family and enjoyed an adventurous 22 years serving as Army spouse and FRG (Family Readiness Group) leader.
During that time Mariel earned her bachelor’s degree in human resources management and master’s in business management and marketing. Her family started a local farm raising beef, pork, and eggs, and provided agritourism classes, giving Mariel hands-on knowledge of agriculture and a deep appreciation for beginning farmers.
Her passion is for beginning farmers/ranchers and growing the sustainability of agriculture.
When Mariel isn’t working the farm she enjoys time with her eight children, traveling, and reading. The Army life has provided each of her children a unique perspective on life, and Mariel enjoys how every dream and sense of adventure they have is so different. It keeps her energized.
Travel and reading, time away to decompress and recharge is important to her. She loves people-watching at airports, eating at new places, and reading a variety of genres. Having time to sleep in a hotel bed, stretch out without children, and enjoy quiet is extremely valuable to maintaining her high-energy work and family life.
