208 | A ‘Fitting’ Business for Erica Rijneveld
International Women in Dairy: Erica Rijneveld, Livestock Show Equipment, Netherlands
We are celebrating International Women's Day and Women's History Month by sharing stories from women around the world who are making a difference in the dairy business, and today’s guest is a one-woman powerhouse who has paved her own path with hard work, perseverance and a commitment to excellence as a European-based livestock show supplies business, not to mention clipping and fitting with some of the best show strings in the world.
Erica Rijenveld reflects on ordering her first case of Orvus in her 20s and growing Livestock Show Equipment over the past two decades to what is now a successful online store with more than 450 different products for both farmers and fitters.
And she’s also made it her mission to teach and encourage the next generation of dairy enthusiasts through the acclaimed Young Breeders School - a Belgium-based experience for young people from around the world who want to learn and grow their network, their skills and their love for competition through dairy cattle fitting and showing.
00:00 Introduction and Background
00:28 Starting the Business
02:30 Current Business Operations
03:50 Team and Business Scale
06:34 Youth Involvement and Mentorship
18:39 Challenges and Adaptations
24:19 Reflections and Future Goals
37:58 Advice for Young Women in Dairy
44:26 Closing Thoughts and Final Question
Livestock Show Equipment:
https://www.showequip.com/
Follow the Young Breeders School here:
https://www.facebook.com/YoungBreedersSchool
