Dawn Refsell
Dawn is the Field Science Leader for the Western Cornbelt for Corteva Agriscience. Her team focuses on trait development and crop protection from discovery research through commercial support across the Midwest and Plains regions of the United States.
Why do you love your job?
Why do you love your job?I love helping people and asking questions. My role allows me the opportunity to work in the space of innovation, discovery, and implementation of tools that can enhance crop production and protect the crops we grow. If we can develop products that allow farmers to be more productive and profitable, then it will likely make a difference in their livelihood and the sustainability of their operation for generations to come. I am personally vested in this concept as my family continues to operate our 5th generation farm and my nieces want to continue our farming legacy.
How did you get here?
I was raised on a grain and livestock farm in Northwest Iowa and was active in 4-H (an American youth organization). My parents taught me the importance of education when I was young, it was something no one could take away from you. I had a few bumps along the way, but these bumps also gave way to opportunities that I would have never expected. No regrets, a lot of resilience, and surrounding myself with people who believed in me got me here.
What is your advice for young women wanting to contribute to sustainable food and farming?
I’d encourage you to use your voice to share. I found it important to connect with other women to hear their perspectives and experiences. Do not shy away from learning about all the pieces such as the mechanics, economics, and social influences that play a role in the food supply.
How does agriculture need to change to be fit for the future?
We must be willing to accept change and evolve our production practices. Consumers continue to become more affluent in many areas of the world as income and access to technology increase. The consumer will want to know more about their food and how it was produced. The consumer’s quest for knowledge will continue to influence the decision-making process at the grocery store, ultimately affecting the supply chain, which includes the processors and the farmers. We need to be aware of evolving consumer needs but also balance the known fact that there are still people that are starving. We are in a strategic position as both the producers and consumers of food, so it’s vital we share our own stories as food connects us all.
What’s one challenge you face as a woman in agriculture and what do you think needs to be done to overcome this?
It’s our nature to want perfection and balance in so many aspects of our lives. However, accepting mistakes, not knowing an answer, and only being able to give 80% effort is part of the learning process. Do not let these things define you, let the steps you took to overcome or remedy the situation be your story. Your effort is what you make of it. We need to encourage the next generation of women to be brave, fearless, and resilient. Do not let others define who you are or your worth.
Dawn is just one of many inspirational women working in agriculture. Visit our Female #FoodHeroes page to hear from other women working to improve plant science and nutrition.