By Liz Hamm, CommonGround Nebraska Coordinator
As the new Program Coordinator for CommonGround Nebraska, I’m thrilled to help amplify the voices of women in agriculture across our state. I grew up as the fifth generation on our family farm just outside of Stromsburg, where we grow soybeans, corn and raise cattle. Agriculture has always been a huge part of who I am.
Most of my professional career has been in Extension/4-H Youth Development and community engagement roles, both in Nebraska and North Carolina. I have always been a proud “agvocate,” passionate about helping others understand where their food comes from.
In 2022, my husband, Zach, and I moved back to my hometown, and earlier this year, welcomed our first child, Eloise. Zach also grew up on a farm in North Carolina and currently works in the agricultural field. We’re excited to raise our kids with the same values we learned as farm kids: hard work, stewardship and responsibility.
CommonGround is a grassroots movement that connects women who grow food with the people who buy it. Through honest conversations and storytelling, we bridge the gap between producers and consumers, especially when it comes to how food is grown, raised and cared for. Our Nebraska volunteers are farm women with diverse experiences and shared passions. They want to connect, listen and engage in meaningful dialogue about agriculture.
What excites me most about CommonGround is the people behind it. In a world where misinformation spreads quickly and food decisions can feel overwhelming; we’re a trusted source for real-life perspectives. Whether it's through speaking events, social media or casual conversations in grocery store aisles, our volunteers are making a difference across the state every day.
Looking ahead, my vision is to support these women with meaningful training, strong community and creative ways to share their stories. I also hope to grow our network of volunteers. The more voices we have at the table, the stronger our message becomes.
If you’re passionate about building trust in agriculture and want to share your farm story, now is a great time to get involved. You don’t need a background in public speaking, just a willingness to connect with consumers and share your story.
Together, we can cultivate curiosity, foster understanding and sow seeds of trust across Nebraska.
If you’re a woman engaged in farming or ranching in Nebraska and want to volunteer, you can register at www.commongroundnebraska.com. Join us on Facebook or Instagram, where our volunteers consistently share their stories and kitchen creations.
|
|
|
