HI,I'M BETTY

There are few memories from my childhood that don't include chasing animals, riding in tractors, or getting dirt under my fingernails on my family's farm. My mom saved books I wrote as a child with crayons and construction paper, and in high school I read the announcements every morning over the intercom. I always knew I was an ag communicator.

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College solidified my path from passion to career, as I earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Missouri. At Mizzou, I was introduced to Dan Haynes, a wide-eyed cattleman from central Missouri. We married a month after graduation and I convinced him to plant roots in the land I loved so dearly - the central Illinois.

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In Illinois I pursued a master's degree from the University of Illinois Springfield. We frequently had freelance journalists speak to our classes who were alumni of my program. I thought freelancing seemed like the perfect fit for me, but I didn't know where to start.

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I was soon hired at the Illinois Beef Association, first as director of communications and later as editor of Illinois Beef magazine. My first child was born during my employment with IBA and changed my life in the very best way. It was the first tug on my heartstrings that full-time employment may not be the right fit for me. Once again I considered freelancing, but wasn't sure if I had enough connections to make it a career.  

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Following my first Ag Media Summit, Holly Spangler, Prairie Farmer editor, graciously hired me part-time as Prairie Farmer associate editor. It was a fantastic chapter in my career. I was able to learn from some of the best in the business, and receive several unexpected Ag Communicators Network awards.​​ 

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After a year and half of employment, I resigned from my position at Prairie Farmer. I had learned I was pregnant with my second child, wanted a more active role on our family farm, and needed more flexibility in my career. 

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In July 2024, Midwestern Lens was born. With a lot of passion and a little talent, I'm treading forward to pursue my dream of freelance writing and photography.

 

Do I sound like the right fit for your next project? Shoot me an email.