Agricultural Business Managment B.S. ‘X20
Certificate in Sustainability
Co-Owner of Gutzman Agronomy
How does your degree support your career?
I can’t think of a course I took in my ABM degree that I don’t use in our farm and business. My husband and I crop farm, run a cow-calf beef herd, and have chickens. In October 2024, we started our own business, Gutzman Agronomy LLC – a Channel seed dealership. Marketing, accounting, economics, data analytics, commodity markets, and many more courses have equipped me in being confident and successful in our business.
What drove you to your field?
I have enjoyed all the internships and positions I worked in prior to starting Gutzman Agronomy but knew when I became a mom, my priorities would be different. Being able to stay home was something my husband and I desired for our family. I returned to work after our first was born but transitioned to staying home on the farm after our second was born in February 2024. My flexibility aided in the transition of my husband and I being fully self-employed. When the opportunity presented itself for us to start our own seed dealership, we felt fully equipped with our education and career backgrounds. We don’t have consistent childcare for our girls, family helps for meetings and bigger events, so I do majority of my work during nap time and after bedtime. I wouldn’t trade being fully present with my kids AND being involved in our businesses – it’s my dream life!
What insight do you have for prospective ABM students?
ABM was a unique and special major and community I will always be grateful for. The diversity in courses, integrity of professors, and knowledge of advisors was unmatched. It married small-town agriculture with big-city business, giving me the perfect launching pad into the workforce. I was able to find a job before graduating and felt fully prepared. If i had the chance to do it all over again, I would without a doubt choose UW-Madison and ABM again.