I grew up in the small Nebraska town of Red Cloud.  Although I was a town girl, I spent many hours at my Grandpa Jelinek’s farm as well as my uncle’s farm. I attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where I majored in elementary and special education.  I also have a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction.  I used the classroom as a way to educate today’s youth about agriculture. 

My husband, Donald, and I have a feedlot, and we grow corn and soybeans, as well.  We also grow rye as a cover crop that we utilize in our cattle feeding operation.  Don and I have five grown daughters, five sons-in-law and eight grandchildren.

When I am not helping Don on the farm, I keep busy with Nebraska Cattlemen, Dodge County Cattlemen, 4-H Council, FFA Alumni, Dodge County Fair Foundation, Fremont 4-H Expo Board and substitute teaching.  I recently retired from teaching after having spent 34 years in the classroom.  I also enjoy being involved in “Ag in the Classroom” as a pen pal.  It is so fun to answer the students’ questions about what life is like in the country.  I love sharing the story of our agricultural life and the safety of our food.