Dairy Month Spotlight: The Dairy Wife with a Heart for Farm Safety

At the heart of dairy country in Virginia, FarmHER Katie Hammock wears many hats. As a registered nurse, farm safety educator, dairy wife, and mom, she balances a life of compassion and responsibility in both the farm and in the emergency room.

You might know her best as The Dairy Wife, her online persona where she shares the everyday beauty and reality of rural life along with safety tips for other farm families. Whether she’s talking about safe handling practices on the farm, highlighting dairy facts, or posting snapshots of life raising kids around cows, Katie brings authenticity and heart to every post.

Farm Wife, Farm Life

Katie didn’t grow up on a farm, but marrying into a multi-generational dairy family gave her a new appreciation for the food system—and the people behind it. From watching the dedication of her husband’s family to proudly sharing her powerful voice for both education and encouragement in agriculture.

“I quickly realized that this community is more than just cows and milk,” Katie shares. “It’s a way of life that shapes how we raise our families and the relationships we are able to foster.

Every Step Counts

Katie’s work as a nurse gives her a unique vantage point when it comes to on-farm safety. She brings her medical training to the fields, offering farm safety education and training that helps protect other farm families like her own.

“As an ER nurse, married to a dairy farmer, I’ve seen first hand the devastating outcomes of farm accidents,” she shares online. “I’m here to bridge the gap between the ER and agriculture by educating farmers and agriculture workers and providing them with real-world emergency preparedness, and making sure they have what they need when seconds matter.”

Katie’s ability to connect healthcare and agriculture makes her voice especially important in the broader conversation around wellness in rural communities. She’s even designed two different Farm Emergency Kits for farm families!

Follow Along With Katie’s Journey

Connect with Katie online at the links below:

• www.thedairywife.com
• @thedairywife on Instagram
• @Thedairywife on Facebook

Dairy Month is a time to pause and appreciate the hard work behind milk. It’s a chance to spotlight the families who work 365 days a year to keep the industry going. For me, it’s also about education. So many people are disconnected from where their food comes from and Dairy Month gives us a moment to share our story, advocate for our values, and celebrate the work we’re proud to do.

One of my favorite recipes is Dorito Chicken Casserole. It is delicious and even my two year old will eat an entire plate of this plus who doesn’t love chips in a casserole.

This is a tough one. I’m not a huge chili fan. However, if I am making it, it will definitely have beans in it!

9. Coffee, Tea, or Something else? (And how do you fix the perfect cup of that?)

I am a big coffee lover, but very rarely have the same cup of coffee twice. I love trying new local or small brewed coffee and typically have it with both cream and sugar.

10. What is your guilty pleasure? (It can be anything!)

I have a big sweet tooth, and I love enjoying a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup.

11. Who is a person you admire in your personal life?

My Aunt Kathy Woodmansee is someone I admire in my personal life. She is actually who I was named after, so we have held a special bond from the beginning. However, she also married a dairy farmer and was a registered nurse until her recent retirement. She is one of the most selfless people I know and I admire her ability to balance farm life and work while prioritizing her family and always being able and willing to step in to assist anyone in the community when a need arises.

12. What’s your favorite book (or) movie (or) record (or) podcast?

One of my favorite books that I have recently finished reading is “Where the Crawdads Sing.”

Being almost 20 weeks pregnant, my wardrobe is lacking these days, however I am loving maternity tank tops to help me attempt to stay cool during the Virginia summer.

15. Who is the first person you think to call when something good happens?

Despite living almost 12 hours apart, my Mom and I talk daily. She is often the first one I call with both exciting news and when I am in need of advice. I know that I can count on her to be honest with me, listen to me and celebrate good news with me!

18. If you won the lottery, what is the very first thing you’d buy with the winnings?

I think it would be fun to purchase my dream car, which currently is a Chevy Suburban.

20. What’s something at the top of your Bucket List?

My mom actually grew up on a very remote island in the Bahamas during the winter months called Crooked Island, and I would love to visit where she spent so much of her childhood and see where she grew up.

Everybody Eats

At the heart of every meal is a story—a tale of dedication, nurture, and the enduring spirit of those who tend the land. Everybody Eats is the place where the narratives of food and agriculture converge. In partnership with FarmHer, we meet courageous women who embody not just the power of nurturing but also the strength of leading in transforming our food systems. They are the unsung heroes, educators, and compassionate souls who have relentless commitment and extraordinary care embedded in cultivating our food. Feed your curiosity, nourish your understanding, and grow your appreciation for the stewards who make sure that Everybody Eats.

Nationwide, a leading provider of farm and ranch insurance, acknowledges that more than half of all farming operations in the United States have at least one female operator. These women constitute the fastest-growing segment of farmers and are known for their innovative approaches. Given the current challenging circumstances, it is critical to assess your insurance coverages and financial services to ensure comprehensive protection and stability for your farm or ranch operations. Find a Nationwide Agent.