Linda Krajewski was described by her daughter, Tara, as “a woman whose manicure is not done by a salon, but colored with dirt and oil.
Linda discussed her passion to educate consumers about agriculture while sharing her excitement for an industry she has been in her entire life.
From Tara’s nomination:
“When I think about women in agriculture, I have to think of my mother. Her knowledge of the many facets of the farm and ranch is far reaching, as is her work ethic. You may catch her making breakfast with homegrown product in the morning, followed by doing cattle and pig chores, and then completing the many back breaking farm tasks alongside my father.
Her manicure is not done by a salon but colored with dirt and oil. One finger is often black and blue from her efforts. You won’t catch her in heels, but in muck boots covered in layers from different corners of the four generation operation. Her hair and complexion have been tinted by the sun and curled by the wind. You won’t find her in designer clothes but afterbirth-covered coveralls and grease-stained gloves. She’s beautiful.
She redefines the image of a woman, like many others in her position. Nothing has made her happier than to raise her four children, and all still involved actively with the operation. She has never been phased by fulfilling the responsibilities in and out of the home. Tirelessly she overcomes the challenges of being a wife and mother on top of the unique challenges of running a farm.
I call her for everything because she knows how to do everything. She can vaccinate a baby goat, AI a heifer, make an amazing roast, lance an abscess, castrate a bull, fix a u-joint, change a pivot tire or gear box, bottle feed a deserted kitten, build and repair fence, drive combine, and save a baby calf from the elements. Her love for her family and all animals is evident and that truly defines her. She puts all needs above her own and that takes grit and courage.
And yet, she has more tools in her toolbox. She is the farm bookkeeper, errand runner, grandmother to five, appointment maker, final say enforcer, and the glue that holds everyone together.
I would say she is tough as nails, but a nail would bend under the pressure she gracefully manages everyday. She has the face and soul of only the strongest woman I know.”
