Kelly Peebles
Operations Manager
Hometown: McCrory, AR
Briefly describe your role:
I married a farmer, but always worked a full-time job outside of the farm until July of 2017. At that time, I joined Shawn full time on the farm to help. I currently take care of accounts payable & receivable, human resources, payroll, organic certification, global gap food safety certification and food safety plans, h2a labor, and most importantly parts runner/getter! I am also known as the “slip girl”. During sweet potato planting, I drive daily to pick up the slips and haul to the field. During harvest of sweet potatoes, I am the plant manager. I inventory each bin of sweet potatoes that arrive at our warehouse from the field. From time to time, I also help Shawn with marketing and sales.
Q: Is what you’re doing now what you always pictured you would do?
A: No, I would have never guessed I would work in agriculture!
Q: What do you see as the greatest challenges for women in your chosen industry? What are the greatest opportunities?
A: Farming is hard work that is very time consuming. During busy seasons on the farm, it is difficult to juggle being an involved mom, while still being needed for such long hours on the farm. The doubt you receive from others is also a hurdle myself and I’m sure other women in agriculture experience as well.
The greatest opportunity is to be a part of a successful, growing farming operation that I contribute to. I also feel it is important to show that women are just as capable and can provide an entirely different vision and set of skills to bring to agriculture.
Q: Who has inspired you in your life/career?
A: In my life, I would say my grandfather. He was a wonderful, loving, Christian man that worked his entire life at a successful business that he started.
Q: What advice would you give to an aspiring professional?
A: Be devoted, have a passion for it, and do not give up!
Q: What’s been your secret to success?
A: Dedication, research, being organized, and working as a team with Shawn!
