Courtney Gerace nurtures land, cattle and five children in Melville, a lifestyle she never knew she wanted until marrying her husband, Nicholas.
But now Gerace, who was named Louisiana’s top young woman farmer during the annual Louisiana Farm Bureau Convention in New Orleans, can’t image doing anything else.
“This lifestyle teaches humility, responsibility and accountability,” Gerace said in an interview with USA Today Network.
The Geraces’ Melville farm in St. Landry Parish produces sugarcane, cattle and, most importantly, the couple raises their five children ages 4 through 12.
“I’m driven by agriculture and the passion that comes with living this lifestyle and the opportunity to share it with my husband and children,” said Gerace, 34. “It gives me and my family the chance to be part of something bigger than ourselves.”
Gerace didn’t grow up on a farm, but she said her heart must have always belonged to the lifestyle even if she didn’t know it.
“I had no idea the lasting lessons I’d derive from livestock judging, public speaking, and showing horses,” Gerace said. “Then I married my husband. He has farmed his whole life, and I know why. No matter how you arrive at it, if farming is in you. It’s in you.
“I’m proud to be a woman in agriculture and supportive to my husband.”
Gerace plays a hands-on role in nearly every aspect of their operation — from feeding livestock and processing calves to baling hay and hauling equipment. She also manages much of the paperwork, decision-making and daily logistics for the farm, all while homeschooling their children.
“My contributions are centered on doing what is necessary to be the best resource to my husband as his coworker and partner in life,” Gerace said. “Farming takes dedication in the field, out of the field and on Capitol Hill. Between the crops, the cows and our five kids, there is constant growth.”
The Louisiana Farm Bureau contributed to this report.
Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1.
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