Lydia Hardie, 24 – Blair, Wisconsin

Lydia hails from Blair, Wisconsin, where she grew up on the 200 acre Hardie Family Farm with her twin sister, Claudia. Approximately one-third of their farm is permanent pasture and much of the remainder is planted with alfalfa for winter forage for their 30 registered cows of a variety of breeds. Currently she is helping the farm expand by putting up a new heifer shed and experimenting with new cropping systems and grazing methods.

When not farming, Lydia studies Dairy Genetics at the Department of Dairy Science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She wants to encourage others to know their farmer because it allows them to understand the growing process of food. Bringing an awareness of agricultural social issues and productivity, she encourages other farmers to become more sustainable through proper conservation practices and on-farm diversity.