Celebrating Women of Farming
Celebrating Women of Farming
International Women’s Day is an annual global celebration bringing awareness to women’s rights and equality. This day is set aside to observe and recognize the achievements of women around the world which includes our very important women of agriculture. The senior management team at Alstede Farms has worked hard to cultivate a leadership team (and… Read More »
International Women’s Day is an annual global celebration bringing awareness to women’s rights and equality. This day is set aside to observe and recognize the achievements of women around the world which includes our very important women of agriculture. The senior management team at Alstede Farms has worked hard to cultivate a leadership team (and future leadership team) comprised of thoughtful, smart, and enterprising women farmers. International Women’s Day provides an opportunity to recognize their contributions toward growing healthy food, providing nutritious meals, and educating those who visit. These women include Mary Thompson-Alstede, Trish Cirelli, Rebekah A. Alstede, and Sarah J. Alstede. These women each play important roles in the future of agriculture including working in farm food production, CSA food distribution, animal welfare, and educational tours.
Mary Thompson- Alstede, wife of Farmer Kurt W. Alstede, has farming in her genes, as her maternal grandmother farmed fruit and vegetables at Parks Farm, one mile down the road from Alstede Farms. Mary recalls being surrounded by farm life and was influenced by the rural charm and hard-working ethic established by the agricultural way of life. Mary is instrumental on the farm working as the special projects manager, including, overseeing many aspects of farm operations, human resources & personnel, along with office management. Mary loves working alongside her entire family including her daughter, Sarah Lynn, and her father, Buddy, both can be seen on school tours, at breakfasts and brunches, and at other special events on the farm.
Trish Cirelli has been working on the farm since she was in high school and has cultivated a flourishing career over her fourteen-year tenure. Trish has gained farm insights and knowledge working in nearly every capacity on the farm including farm production, customer service, retail, and so much more. Trish received a recent promotion for her hard work and industry growth and is now Assistant Retail Operations Manager along with being in charge of Tailgates, Produce, and CSA distribution. Two days are never alike working on the farm and Trish thrives on helping the team solve everyday challenges earning her nickname “the fixer”.
Rebekah Alstede is an integral part of the farm’s future along with the help of her sister, Sarah, while they both follow in their father’s footsteps. Both women aim to continue growing healthy fruits and vegetables while enhancing areas of the business with their education, knowledge of technology, and instincts obtained through second-generation farming.
Rebekah is currently studying agribusiness and sustainable agriculture systems at Delaware Valley University with an anticipated graduation this year with her class of 2023. Rebekah was inspired by watching her dad, Kurt W. Alstede, a first-generation farmer and founder of Alstede Farms, who has always been a part of the farm throughout her lifetime. Growing up on the farm was one of her favorite experiences and she has known for a long time that she wanted to continue to be a part of agriculture and her family’s farming future. The more she has gotten involved in the industry as Collegiate Farm Bureau President, through additional studies, along with farm tours across the nation, she has fallen in love with the industry even more so. Rebekah works on the farm, when not attending college classes, learning all aspects of farming. She has spent time this Winter working in farm production and you can find her completely at home on a tractor.
Sarah J. Alstede is the youngest of the two daughters and has always had an affinity for horses, farm livestock, and growing healthy fruits and vegetables. Sarah is currently a student at Centenary University for equine studies and plans to graduate with an associate’s degree in 2024. Sarah grew up working on the farm and in the business of growing food and feeding people. Sarah is the Co-Supervisor of our farm admission team ensuring that our guests enjoy a wonderful experience while on her families farm. Sarah also works with Trish and our veterinary team ensuring that all of our farm livestock are well cared for, and happy & healthy. Sarah can be found on horseback (winning blue ribbons at local horse exhibitions) when not attending school, or working on the farm.
March is also National Agricultural Month , March 21st National Ag day, and the perfect time to highlight the importance of the people who put food on your table. Farmers are proud stewards of the land entrusted to them consistently ensuring the health and safety of plants, animals, and people in the process. Growing food and feeding people strengthens the local economy through keeping money in the area and by providing jobs for those in the neighborhood. Thank you for your support of Farmers!
