Voices of Women in Ag Tech: Ambassador Profile on Hylon Kaufmann
Women in Ag Tech is a newly formed and crucial group that aims to provide women in agriculture technology with a platform to connect, engage, and build a community.
As part of our commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity in the agricultural technology sector, we bring you exclusive insights from our inspirational ambassadors and other women leading the way forward in ag tech.
We recognize the importance of hearing directly from women in our industry. Their expertise and unique insights offer a fresh and dynamic approach to tackling challenges and driving innovation in this rapidly evolving field. Join us as we delve into their stories and expertise empowering you with the knowledge and inspiration to shape the future of Ag Tech.
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In this Ambassador Profile, we feature Hylon Kaufmann.
Hylon Kaufmann
Who are you and what do you do in the ag tech industry?
Hylon Kaufmann: Personally, I am a mom, grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend. I am a history and genealogy buff. My German Shorthair Pointer, Gina, and I enjoy the outdoors and average three miles per day exploring the walking trails near my home. I enjoy good food, spirits, and all that goes along with cooking, preparing, and sharing the wonderful bounty we have for our enjoyment. I have loved my career of 40+ years working in and supporting the agriculture industry that I love.
I did not grow up on a farm or ranch. I was the “town kid” in my extended family. Like many people, I do have deep roots tied to farming and ranching. I did not see a career in agriculture as I stepped out to start a new journey; I was always science-oriented, so my original path was pointing to marine biology. However, as life will have it, I was led in a different direction.
My first job in agriculture was with Union Carbide Agricultural Products as a Sales Support Administrator (glorified secretary). Over the years, I have been blessed to have had the opportunities placed on my path that have led to where I am today in my role at Ranch Systems, Inc. I enjoy the opportunity to lead a team that provides the top telemetry equipment and data platform for remote monitoring and control to agriculture, water management, and other environmental-related industries.
Over the years, I have touched every sector of agriculture. As a result, I enjoy the opportunities such as participating on the Tech Hub LIVE Advisory Panel and supporting the Women in Ag Tech Initiative as a founding Ambassador. I am blessed to be where I can contribute to and support the continued evolution and success of the agriculture industry that I love.
How did you achieve the success that you have in the industry?
HK: Hard work, first and foremost. Secondly, I was graced to have some wonderful leaders and mentors that gave me opportunities that moved me into new challenges and experiences. Early in my career, modern computer technology was entering our world. I had a knack for organizing data that could be collected, analyzed, and compiled to generate insight and support actionable decisions. Computers were a new tool providing new options and opportunities.
I have never been shy to raise my hand, and I have a can-do attitude. As a result, I was given opportunities to help drive data-based initiatives regarding customer insights, regulatory reporting, market shares, etc. As my career moved forward and I left the crop protection sector, I had the pleasure of working for the leading agriculture market research and data insights companies. In those roles, I had the chance to not only learn, support, and participate in the American ag industry, but also the global ag industry. Today, I wrap that experience together to help not only my team at Ranch Systems, but also others both in and outside our industry as they look to participate, support or understand the agriculture production industry.
Could you share a pivotal moment in your career that helped you get to where you are today?
HK: My first computer! I was working for Rhone-Poulenc Ag Products at the time. It was after the merger with Union Carbide in the early 1990s. A shuffling of management resulted in a new District Manager for the Western District (CA/NV/AZ/HI). He came from the Midwest. After a very short time, he realized the complexity of 400+ crops, 12-month growing cycles, and the fact the district sold every product in the company’s portfolio was more than he could wrap together with the paper market analysis process we had.
He was a computer nut and an early adopter. We talked, and he told me he thought I could do what he needed/wanted if I had a computer. So, he went out and purchased a computer, suggested that DBase II was the program we needed to use, that I could go and take classes at the local adult school on company time, and that he wanted a program with the information of what had been sold, what crop it was used on, and the geographic use by county and reseller location by the time we had to do our annual review for the next year’s budgets (I had 5 months).
My journey began. That led to being a computer adoption trainer for the entire North American sales team as they were provided computers with CRM tasks. The data we generated specific to the Western District proved to be so valuable in support of regulatory and registration efforts that the program was expanded and adopted for the entire U.S. That led to my marketing, product development, regulatory, and registration support roles providing data for manufacturers, resellers, and new allied industries, which included the ag tech sector.
What advice would you give to other women trying to succeed in this field?
HK: Don’t be shy is my first piece of advice. When you are providing a solution, it goes a long way when it is evident that you understand the “reason for being” of what you are delivering. You could say this is advice for any endeavor to enter an industry, but agriculture is unique to other industries. The ag industry likes to kick the tires. They still like the idea of doing business on a handshake. Delivering what you commit to/promise matters.
Lastly, don’t fall into the “it’s a man’s world” trap. The agriculture industry has wonderful opportunities for women. I have enjoyed working with many women at all levels and sectors from the very beginning of my career. The common denominator in all is they stepped forward and volunteered for new challenges/problem solutions. Don’t be shy!
Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?
HK: Participating and contributing to the industry through mentoring and participating in industry associations and endeavors is a win-win. When you show up and put the effort into supporting the industry, regardless of whether it is tied to your job, or not, it is noticed. You are given the opportunity to get to know your customers as well as other industry members in a different role than their sales rep.
The agriculture industry is a network community. Being part of that community on a personal level is not only a benefit professionally, but it is also rewarding personally. Through my interactions in my career, I am rewarded with friends and colleagues all over the world.
Women in Ag Tech is a crucial initiative for advancing and advocating for women in the field and provides a platform to connect, engage, and build a community. The initiative prioritizes opportunities for women to engage both face-to-face and virtually by cultivating a collaborative community through access to mentorship programs, idea exchanges, and collaboration with professionals and organizations within our industry.
Join our Women in Ag Tech LinkedIn Community Group and attend our first in-person meeting at Tech Hub LIVE in Des Moines, Iowa on July 24th. Learn More and Register at TechHubLIVE.com.
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