We recently connected with Amber Irons and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Amber, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
Being a woman in AG and especially a 1st generation rancher, I was very intimidated coming into this industry. I knew what I wanted to accomplish and I knew the quality of product I wanted to put out there for customers and consumers. I was determined to make my brand unique and completely me. Even if it meant not looking like your typical “old time cattle rancher”. I was lucky to have some role-models to look up to when I started this endeavor but I knew I had to be true to myself and stick with what qualities mattered to me and what I wanted for my operation.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I grew up in a small community in Northern New Mexico. Our family hunted every fall, and I was lucky enough to take part in providing food for my family. I always knew it was special and I was taught every animal harvested meant something to our family. The meat provided was prepared by my mom who would make the best red chile enchiladas, the best post roasts and meat loaf. I would always feel so proud sitting at the dinner table knowing I provided for my family.
After graduating high school, I attended college and graduated with a degree in Veterinary Technology and was granted the opportunity to work at a mixed animal practice right outside of my hometown. I was a Veterinary Technician there for 5 years while being an active animal welfare advocate in our community where eventually I became part of an amazing non-profit group, Animal Welfare Coalition of North Eastern New Mexico. As a tech, I took every opportunity presented to learn more about cows. Yes, COWS. Whether it meant traveling 8 hours to attend an Artificial Insemination and Fetus Detection class or learning along side the Veterinarian I worked for. Bovine medicine was always so interesting to me but not once during that time did I ever think I would be doing what I am doing now.
It wasn’t until just about a year ago, my boyfriend and I made some life changes and moved away from our home town and went and worked on a larger scale registered cattle operation in the middle of nowhere. We packed up our belongings, dogs, horses and our own cows and moved far from our families and far from everything we had ever known. I was able to get first hand experience on what it was like living on a ranch and tending to cows EVERY SINGLE DAY. We lived, breathed, eat, and slept cows. During this time I was exposed to what this industry entails. I knew I wanted to be different and emphasize my animal welfare beliefs but still find a spot for myself in the cattle industry. It started when I was sharing some of the beef we were provided form the ranch we worked on with some family members. Everyone enjoyed it just as much as we did. We had all the resources and the opportunity for me to sell our ranch raised beef locally. It was a hit and literally took off!
Today, we are living on our own ranch raising our own herd of cattle on property that has been in my boyfriends family for 6 generations. I currently sell our Hereford Beef at local Farmers Markets and to families across New Mexico. As of today. I have provided over 150 different families with our beef. I am proud of my small business and knowing our cattle are healthy, happy, and never have to endure unnecessary stressors. Animal welfare practices shouldn’t stop at our companion animals but even our food production animals deserve the same humane treatment and respect. I look forward to growing as a producer, learning ways to improve my beef, and sharing what makes my operation unique with others.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
There were many qualities and skills that were most impactful in my journey, but a lot had to do with my role and beliefs in animal welfare. I also think my background and knowledge as a Veterinary Technician helped me excel because I knew what it took to make cattle healthy. From proper husbandry to vaccine protocols.
My advice to people who are early in their journey would be to shoot for the stars even when you think you can’t achieve something. And be open to learning and trying new things. I would have never imagined I’d be doing what I’m doing right now and here I am. Anything is possible!
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
Meeting new people at the Farmers Market has been one of my favorite parts about my business. I have grown as an individual an really made myself and my business vulnerable. Sharing my beef with families and talking about cows has been awesome. You never know what questions people might have and sharing information from what I know and have learned really makes each interaction unique.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ambersbeefboutique.my.canva.site/herefordbeef#page-5
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambersbeefboutique/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Ambers-Beef-Boutique/61554942276979/?mibextid=qWsEUC
Image Credits
M. Nak Photography
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