We were lucky to catch up with Stephanie Nash recently and have shared our conversation below.
Stephanie, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
My father. He took over the dairy operation at a very young age because of my grandpas health. He has fought many years for our industry and continues to lead the way for the future of agriculture.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
My family and I are dairy farmers. We milk an hour outside of Nashville and offer Agri tourism. We bring the public on our farm to learn about our family and educate Tennessee about the dairy industry. We also have a store where we sell grilled cheese, ice cream and our artisan cheese.
My job is mainly overlooking the calf program and our tours. As every human understands, the first months of a babies life are crucial and I take pride in knowing I can give my calves a strong start to their life. I have loved the calves ever since I was a little girl and knew this is where I would focus most of my time. Along with tours we also offer 4 weeks of kids summer camp. The kids with milk cows, feed calves, learn about dairy and play games. I believe there is nothing better than farm life.
I am an Agriculture Advocate. I believe in truth and fighting for our food supply. My advocacy might look a little different than a western influencer or others educating the public.
I have a passion for informing the consumer on where our food comes from and regulations across the country that may impact our future. I take on hard topics that most do not want to tackle and I spread a message that can challenge those who are against us.
I am involved with many organizations that believe in the same mission and would like to change our world.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Never giving up. This sounds so simple but it’s true. Growing up I went through heartbreak, failures, disappointments and many companies saying no. That didn’t define who I am today. I am proud of the women I have become. Just remember not everyone is going to agree or like you in life but you can move yourself.
Continue to learn. Not only does my advocacy mean everything to me but it means a lot to farmers and ranchers that truth me with their information. I don’t only represent myself but I represent saving our family farmers and ranchers.
It’s not about me. I don’t receive many comments that I am just trying to get famous or I am in it for the money. Many people know who I am and I don’t try to hide that. I am a passionate person that wants to protect her generational farm and sometimes the truth isn’t easy. Most farmers in our country have hit their max on what they can handle and do not want to fight anymore. It’s not about me, it’s about our industry and how I can use my platform to save what we have left in our industry.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
Standing up for your reputation.
It sounds funny but it’s the truth. I am a proud of what I do everyday. but I don’t just buy into every company out there that comes my way for partnerships. Sometimes people can think I’m harsh or angry but that’s not it at all. I want people in my life that are part of the same initiative and that is to stand with my community. The people that feed the world and want to bridge the gap from farmer to consumer.
Contact Info:
- Website: Nashcheeseco.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/stephanienash_nofarmsnofood?igshid=MmIzYWVlNDQ5Yg==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephanienashmusic?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-nash-56a929b6
Image Credits
Lauren