01 May 2022 501der Women 2022: Dana Stewart elected first female president of White County’s Farm Bureau Board

By Judy Riley

Deep in the hill country of northern White County lies a typical purebred cattle farm with an atypical farmer. Dana Martin Stewart grew up one of three daughters of David and Rita Martin, with five generations before her working with cattle and often other agricultural crops, from strawberries to soybeans, hogs and chickens. Stewart and her sisters were treated the same as their male cousins, learning the value of hard work. They drove tractors, hauled hay, fixed fence, tended to cows and did whatever was needed on the family farm. According to Stewart, she and her sisters did not know they could or should be treated differently because they were girls. 

Farm life became Stewart’s declared way of life and she longed to raise her family similarly. But the road back to the farm took a few detours. Stewart and husband Joshua grew up in the little community of Step Rock, meeting at church when they both helped with a youth group. Stewart adds, “Church is the very best place to meet a husband. It helps our marriage because we have the same values for faith and family.” Joshua joined the National Guard right out of high school, partly because of his passion to help others, but with the added benefit of assistance for college.  They had been married one week before he learned of his deployment to Iraq. 

The couple “did college” in an untraditional way. Stewart completed a degree in Agriculture Communications and worked in member services for the American Gelbvieh Association. She later worked as Executive Director of the White County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Arkansas Community Foundation. Stewart credits the lessons she learned at the feet of her father and grandfathers with her success in the work place. While working as a draftsman for a construction company, Josh completed his architectural degree and started his own firm. According to Stewart, “Joshua has always been supportive of my dreams of farming and knew the value of raising our children on the farm. It was an easy choice to move back to the farm when the opportunity arose.”

Stewart’s involvement in agriculture stretches far beyond her work on the farm. She became involved in Farm Bureau, often only known for insurance.  Stewart says, “The core of Farm Bureau is grass roots policy development. Local farmers and ranchers come together to share their concerns to develop policy. Through that process, I’ve seen changes benefiting farmers and rural life. And part of advocating is sharing information about agriculture with those who may not understand the safety and nutritional value of food and fiber produced in the area.” Stewart quickly took on leadership roles with Farm Bureau, recently elected President of White County’s Board, a job never before held by a woman. When asked if that is difficult, Stewart adds, “Growing up, I’ve always been in a male-dominated industry, so I’ve never known anything different. I’m comfortable being a woman in agriculture because that’s who I am.”

According to Brian Haller, Staff Chair for the White County Cooperative Extension Service, “Dana is a rock star in agriculture. She is always taking advantage of the latest technology, latest information to increase the value of the livestock. She is quick to share what she knows with others. She has led the Farm Bureau Board with professionalism and grace. She is very well-respected among other farmers or she never would have been elected president of the Farm Bureau Board.”

Stewart’s advice to other young women who want to go into the agriculture is, “Follow your dreams. The face of agriculture is changing. Agriculture needs people of all different types and backgrounds. Not everyone will be a full-time farmer, but our industry needs the right people in all kinds of roles: food scientists, geneticists and teachers. In short, my advice for women is to work smarter, not harder. Don’t be afraid to ask questions; don’t be intimidated.”

The couple’s work ethic and desire to give back plays out in all aspects of their lives. She is a volunteer leader for the local 4-H Club where their children Jewel, 11 and Henry, 8 are heavily involved. Both kids are raising their own herd of cattle and goats, using money earned for future college expenses. Both parents volunteer in their church as well as Mission Machine, an outreach for the area’s homeless.

What does the future hold for the Stewart’s? Today, the farm operates as Martin Cattle Company. Together with her extended family, they continue to produce a quality product while enjoying what they know is a quality way of life for their family.