5 Minutes with Dane County’s Stephanie Hoff

[Link]Tell us a little about yourself.
I was raised helping my parents and growing up on a small cow-calf beef operation. From growing up showing dairy and beef animals to now working as a farm broadcaster, agriculture has always been my passion. I enjoy telling the stories of farmers and others in the agriculture industry. That passion of mine has provided the opportunity to travel the Midwest covering ag and news stories. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2017 with a degree in Life Sciences Communication and Dairy Science. Before graduating, I interned with the Wisconsin Beef Council, Badger Ag Expo, and I served as the Farm Director at WAXX Radio in Eau Claire. While I currently work for the Midwest Farm Report, I also continue to help out on the family farm when I can.

What do you enjoy most about your career in agriculture? Why?
The agriculture industry is so unique in that farmers and agribusinesses are open to sharing their experiences. I have come across so many wonderful people throughout my career. It's rewarding to see how the industry has responded to the challenges of the day and continues to innovate. I'm always learning something new in my career and, oftentimes, I apply those lessons to the experiences of my own family.

What has success in your agriculture career that you are most proud of?
As a kid, I wanted to become a veterinarian. I have found comfort knowing that while my childhood goal did not come to fruition, my career has led to an equally impactful field - communicating the stories of those who feed and fuel the world. As an ag journalist, I recognize there is no shortage of stories to share.

What are some of the challenges in your agriculture career or industry? How do you handle them?
Misinformation and agriculture go hand in hand - and it takes a strong backbone to educate the public about what is fact and what is fiction. There's a lot of work being done across the industry to bridge the gap between those in agriculture and consumers. I think it starts by simply sharing what is happening in your own backyard. One example that I try to live by is telling a short story about something unique on my family's farm, such as what we feed our animals or why. I also try to make sure that I'm able to relate it to a consumer's life. In addition, accessibility can be a challenge. As a journalist, I use various tools, such as social media, to make sure agriculture stories are told in a way that everyone can access or find.

What is a Farm Bureau experience that you are most proud of and why?
In 2021, I graduated from the Leadership Institute. This program provided an opportunity for me to build on the skills that I use professionally, while also giving me the chance to connect with others in agriculture across the country. This was important because it taught me how to better represent Farm Bureau and agriculture as a whole.

What is something that not many Farm Bureau members would know about you? Explain.
I love hot sauce - not the kind that burns your taste buds to the ground, but the kind that enhances the flavors in your meal. I always try to keep a jar of salsa or a bottle of Cholula on hand.

Why did you decide to be part of Farm Bureau?
As a young farmer and professional in the ag industry, I believe that farmers and others in the industry need to continue to advocate for what they love. Farm Bureau provides countless opportunities for networking, learning, and growing your understanding of agriculture policy. It's also important to be a voice for the next generation of farmers.