Rebecca Blue’s Mission to Connect Women in South Dakota Agriculture
Rebecca Blue’s journey into agriculture wasn’t linear, but every step along the way prepared her for her mission: empowering women in South Dakota’s agriculture and conservation industries through storytelling, connection, and leadership development.
From her early experiences tending a sprawling family garden in Huron, South Dakota, to shaping agricultural policy in Washington, D.C., Rebecca’s path highlights the wide-ranging opportunities in agriculture. Today, through her podcast, The Best Job in South Dakota, and a groundbreaking statewide networking initiative, Rebecca is helping women find their voice, build networks, and claim their place in agriculture’s evolving future.
Image courtesy of Kristi Hine/South Dakota News Watch.
The Transformative Power of Storytelling
When Rebecca returned to South Dakota after years of shaping agricultural policy and consulting on international markets, she was struck by an unexpected realization. “I had built a career in agriculture, but I didn’t have a network in my home state,” she explains. That discovery sparked her journey to create opportunities for women in agriculture to connect, collaborate, and share their stories.
Rebecca launched The Best Job in South Dakota, a podcast dedicated to amplifying the voices of women in agriculture. “The power of storytelling is incredible,” Rebecca says. “Hearing someone’s journey can make you realize you’re not alone. It connects and inspires us.”
Through the podcast, Rebecca shares diverse stories from ranchers, educators, conservationists, and agricultural leaders. These stories uncover the challenges and triumphs faced by women in agriculture while celebrating their resilience and contributions.
“One guest shared how she hesitated to call herself a rancher because of societal expectations,” Rebecca recalls. “It took her pulling a calf in the middle of the night to finally claim that identity. Stories like these highlight the importance of lifting each other up and embracing our roles in agriculture.”
Image courtesy of Kristi Hine/South Dakota News Watch.
Creating Networks That Build Confidence
Inspired by her podcast’s success, Rebecca expanded her vision to include a larger platform for women in agriculture. With the support of a $1.1 million Conservation Collaboration Cooperative Agreement from the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Rebecca is leading a statewide networking initiative designed to connect, engage, and empower South Dakota women involved in all areas of agriculture.
The project’s first year focuses on research, including surveys and focus groups, to identify the unique needs of women in South Dakota’s agricultural community. “We’re asking women directly: What do you need? What will help you succeed?” Rebecca explains. “This project is built around their input—it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.”
Year two will see the launch of six regional hubs across the state, offering monthly events centered on networking, skill-building, and leadership development. “It’s not just about connecting women—it’s about equipping them with the tools to lead,” Rebecca emphasizes.
Image courtesy of Kristi Hine/South Dakota News Watch.
Supporting Women to Lead Together
A core component of Rebecca’s work is fostering confidence in women to take on leadership roles in agriculture and conservation. “So many women don’t recognize their potential until someone else points it out,” she says. “This initiative is about building a network that helps women see their own capabilities and gives them the support to thrive.”
Rebecca’s vision for the future is ambitious. “In five years, I want to see more women on boards, in leadership roles, and creating new opportunities for others,” she says. “But it’s about more than individual success—it’s about co-elevation. When we lift each other up, we strengthen agriculture for everyone.”
A Movement Rooted in Connection
Rebecca Blue’s journey—from her roots in Huron to her work on Capitol Hill to her leadership in South Dakota—demonstrates the transformative power of connection and collaboration. By amplifying women’s voices and fostering strong networks, Rebecca is shaping a future where women play a pivotal role in agriculture and conservation.
“This work isn’t about me,” Rebecca says. “It’s about the incredible women who are already making an impact and those who will lead agriculture’s future. Together, we’re creating something lasting and meaningful.”
For more information about Rebecca’s work and to participate in the survey shaping this initiative, visit her website.
