Tennessee poultry producer Cynthia Capers hasn’t always been a FarmHER. She started her career as a trauma nurse. When we visited her farm earlier this year, it was clear her medical experience plays a significant role in managing her flock’s health and well-being—even if she never imagined she would one day apply those skills to raising birds.
“I’m not as squeamish about like getting blood from them, or you know, or giving shots,” Cynthia explained, tending to an injured duck. “I never thought that I’d be using it for ‘feathered people,’ but here I am.”
Her background as a nurse shines through as she calmly and skillfully administers care. Her love for her flock is palpable.
Bringing Diversity to the Table
Cynthia’s passion for raising poultry is more than a vocation; it is a way of life and a commitment to breaking barriers, particularly as a Black woman excelling in an industry where she stands out. Farmers and ranchers only make up 2 percent of the American population. Of that tiny subset, an even smaller fraction of farmers—1.2 percent—are Black.
“I like to have the diversity in my flock,” Cynthia said. “I believe in diversity and people and everything.”
Diversity is a feature of Cynthia’s personal philosophy that extends her flock. Her coop is also a place of diversity where dozens of heritage breeds coexist in harmony. Understanding the complexities of each breed is what makes Cynthia so successful.
“It was really interesting she’s been a champion breeder,” Kirbe said at the end of the day of shooting. “She really believes in the different breeds of birds and how they coexist together in the pen, so that was fun to learn about.”
Her champion Polish hens, with their unique “hairdos,” add personality to the flock and exemplify how each breed has unique strengths and challenges. While some birds might be better raised for their meat, others might be more prolific egg producers, while others lay fewer eggs but have a long, productive lifespan.
Flying in the Face of Fear
Despite the agricultural lifestyle’s many challenges, Cynthia remains undeterred, driven by her passion and fear. She chooses to move forward because of it rather than despite it.
“You can do whatever it is you want to do, but everything that you do—that you want to do—has its consequences. So are you going to move through them?” Cynthia said to Kirbe. “I’m moved by fear. Where people say they’re afraid, they don’t do things. I’m like, ‘Because I’m afraid I am doing that.’ I’m going to do it. “
It’s no secret that FarmHER Host Kirbe Schnoor has been scared of chickens (and most types of poultry) since a harrowing childhood experience with them. With Cynthia’s help, Kirbe found the strength to overcome her fears.
“Although I did not conquer my fear of birds, I faced my fears and went into the pen, and there was one specifically that I thought was cute—the Polish one,” Kirbe shared after filming. “[Cynthia] said this place allows her to be who she is, and that’s something I can resonate with. I really enjoy this lifestyle. Although I don’t enjoy the chickens like she does, I enjoyed learning more about Cynthia and why she does what she does.”
Through her journey, Cynthia teaches us that farming extends beyond the work and requires resilience, adaptability, and an unstoppable love for what you do. Her story is an inspiring reminder that passion can lead us down unexpected paths—and that fear doesn’t have to hold us back.
Tune in to FarmHER on Tuesdays at 9:00 PM Eastern on RFD-TV to learn more about Cynthia and other incredible women in agriculture. You can also catch encore airings on Fridays at 9:30 PM and Sundays at 10 PM ET, or watch any episode anytime with your RFD-TV Now subscription.
