You may not find “farm wife Uber driver” in the dictionary, but that’s what northwest Missouri-native Kyla Berry calls her role in agriculture. As a mother of four, a partner on the family farm, and a health and fitness coach, she wears many hats. But she wouldn’t want it any other way.
“Besides the kids keeping me busy and having my own side business, I run the grain cart during harvest, give rides — I’m better known here as the ‘farm wife Uber driver,’” says Kyla. “I deliver meals when I can, help with office things, and learn more of the ins and outs of farming to help make decisions.”
A family affair
Kyla met her husband, Alex, through high school FFA. Friends first, their relationship blossomed while in college, even though they attended different schools. After spending a few years long-distance, the couple married and settled on Alex’s family farm — an operation he shares with his father — near Maysville, Missouri. The couple raises corn and soybeans and runs a feeder cattle operation.
“Alex is a sixth-generation farmer, and this spring we are gearing up for his 14th growing season,” says Kyla. “We apply all our own chemicals and fertilizer and tackle harvest and spring planting as a family. We strive to take care of the land, be as efficient as possible, and continue to be open to change and new farming practices.”
Kyla and Alex also have some extra help around the farm from their four young children: 7-year-old twins Wiley and Quinn, 5-year-old Saige and 1-year-old Kylan. Their goal is to get the kids as involved as possible on the farm so they can someday carry on the family legacy.
“There are so many opportunities that we’re able to give to kids [on the farm], like riding in the tractor and the combine during harvest, having conversations, having them read to you in the cab,” says Kyla. “It’s so fun to watch my son’s excitement when he sees the combine. Even loading the cows out or holding the gate, they think it’s the best when they get to do the simple things.”
Learning the ropes
As a former teacher, Kyla certainly has the patience for the job and a drive to learn how everything works and why it works the way it does.
“I grew up on a dairy farm, so it was a different type of farming,” says Kyla. “There’s a learning curve coming from a dairy farm to more of a corn, soybean and row crop type farm. It’s a completely different thing, learning the different seasons and day-to-day activities.”
One lesson Kyla said she learned early on is what encouraged her to get more involved on the farm.
“The busy seasons are lonely seasons if I’m not involved,” says Kyla. “If I want to see my husband, I need to be involved. So, I started riding along with him, asking questions about the equipment. Learning the different equipment and why they use it is very interesting to me.”
Kyla’s also focusing on strategic planning for the operation — one of her favorite activities on the farm.
“I enjoy the planning season. I want to learn more about different varieties of seed … I’ve been asking questions and wondering why we’re planting what we’re planting and why we’re placing it on different fields.”
Advice for women in ag
Kyla also turns to other women in ag for inspiration in her career. Through a mixture of social media and by meeting other female operators in her community, Kyla has found a network of individuals with roles similar to hers.
“One of the hallmarks of living in rural America is that bit of isolation,” says Kyla. “ Social media, seeing other moms on the farm and meeting other women in ag has provided good support. You can lean into them and have that community. Social media can be a really cool thing to help you connect and do life with these women.”
While she admits she’s still learning the ropes on the farm, she has an amazing experience in the industry, and some great advice for women just starting out or considering a path in agriculture.
“Do it! Step outside your comfort zone,” she encouraged. “It’s scary to start something new — do those things. Ask all the questions; that’s how you learn. Find other ladies in the ag community to support you, whether in your family, your town or on social media. Having women in ag is an amazing thing. There are so many women out there who can support you and answer any questions you have.”
What’s next?
Kyla and Alex hope to continue the legacy of their multi-generational farm.
“The farm is always changing and growing,” says Kyla. “I will learn more and learn about the planning process, and we will involve the kids more on the farm. In five years, maybe we diversify the farm and change different things. We plan to just be open to change. Change can hit you all at once; you need to be open to it.”
Interested in learning more about Kyla and how she balances family and farm life? Tune in to our next episode of the Stine Seedcast on Tuesday, March 14, for her full interview.