A recent episode of the 15 Minutes With a Farmer podcast features Asia Kalcevic, a fifth-generation farmer from eastern Colorado. Kalcevic discusses her journey as a young woman in agriculture, emphasizing her family farm's commitment to regenerative practices and cutting-edge technology. The podcast delves into how Kalcevic Farms leverages social media to promote sustainable farming and its brand identity. Additionally, Asia shares insights about overcoming challenges unique to women in agriculture and her aspirations for expanding the farm's influence through innovative marketing strategies.
The Heart of Eastern Colorado Farming: A Family’s Commitment to Sustainability
In the sprawling plains of eastern Colorado, where the horizon stretches endlessly, lies Kalcevic Farms—a multi-generational operation that has thrived for over a century. Spanning an impressive 165 miles east to west, this farm borders Denver International Airport on one side and cultivates corn, wheat, milo, and millet while raising cattle. At the helm of operations is Asia Kalcevic, who serves as the admin and operations associate. Her responsibilities encompass diverse tasks ranging from managing social media and marketing efforts to handling data entry, accounting, and payroll duties alongside her sister Tabor.
Among her favorite activities is operating the grain cart during wheat harvest—a role she cherishes deeply. Asia attributes much of her confidence in public speaking to her involvement with FFA (Future Farmers of America), where she honed her skills in extemporaneous and public speaking. This year, Kalcevic Farms is set to adopt new John Deere equipment, including advanced combines and See & Spray sprayers, which promise enhanced efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Working within a family business presents both opportunities and challenges. Asia highlights the importance of knowing each other's limits yet acknowledges the difficulty in saying no when familial bonds are at play. To maintain a healthy work-life balance, the family consciously separates professional discussions from personal gatherings post-work hours.
Empowering Women in Agriculture Through Storytelling
As someone navigating the complexities of being a young woman in agriculture, Asia reflects on the hurdles she faces daily. Recognition remains a significant challenge; often underestimated due to her age and gender, she finds networking more arduous compared to her male counterparts. However, perseverance pays off as conversations reveal her extensive knowledge and passion for sustainable farming practices.
From employing stripper headers and no-till methods to fostering earthworm populations, Kalcevic Farms prioritizes soil health and environmental stewardship. These practices not only preserve resources but also align with third-party programs offered by entities like NRCS and Nutrien, providing financial incentives for sustainability initiatives.
Looking ahead, Asia envisions expanding Kalcevic Farms' presence beyond traditional boundaries. By refining their branding elements—such as color schemes, fonts, and cohesive visual identities—she aims to create a unified image representing both their agricultural roots and forward-thinking approach. Through engaging storytelling via social platforms, Asia strives to educate consumers about the origins of their food while dispelling misconceptions about modern farmers.
From a journalistic perspective, Asia Kalcevic's story underscores the evolving landscape of contemporary agriculture. It highlights the necessity for adaptability, embracing technology, and leveraging digital tools to connect with broader audiences. Her dedication exemplifies how younger generations can successfully integrate tradition with innovation, paving the way for a resilient future in farming.