Livia Doyle is a born and raised farm girl who has carried on her family’s legacy in agriculture. She is a proud educator and brings her agricultural knowledge to the classroom to enlighten her students and fellow teachers. Livia uses many skills to better the lives of those around her. She is a shining example of an agricultural advocate and teacher.
Agriculture has always been a part of Livia’s life. She grew up feeding calves, riding in the tractor and cleaning calf pens on her family’s 400-acre dairy farm. As she got older, her farm responsibilities grew with her. She started helping with the daily milkings and fieldwork. Now, Livia, her husband and three young boys run their own farm in Mineral Point. They grow corn, beans, alfalfa and raise about 60 head of beef cattle.
From a very young age, Livia knew she wanted to be a teacher.
“I was drawn to teaching and helping others learn and grow,” said Livia. “I knew I wanted to become a teacher and work closely with children.”
She is entering her 14th year of teaching this year and feels very blessed to have fourth graders as her students. Throughout the school year, Livia brings her students many agricultural experiences. They explore the dairy industry by making butter and ice cream, participate in an adopt a cow program and work in the school garden. She also brings the students to local farms for field trips and invites Farm Bureau members into the classroom to share their agriculture experience.
“It was my love for teaching and desire to inspire others that drew me into the classroom, but my enthusiasm and passion for agriculture will always remain at the forefront of my life,” Livia said.
Livia shares that the students listen attentively and always ask an abundance of questions. Watching her students learn and grow inspires Livia to continue teaching agriculture’s story.
“My students are tomorrow’s future and I want to help guide and teach them as best I know how so that they are able to make positive decisions and actions in the future of agriculture,” she said.
Livia’s parents have always been active Farm Bureau members. Her father served on the county Farm Bureau board most of her life and was heavily involved in the Young Farmer and Agriculturists Program.
“It was my parent’s involvement in Farm Bureau that pushed me into this organization. I knew, without a doubt, that Farm Bureau would be a part of my life too,” Livia remarks.
Some of her favorite Farm Bureau memories have been attending the 100th Annual Farm Bureau Convention in New Orleans and taking part in the Washington, D.C. fly in to speak with state senators and representatives. Livia also had the honor of attending the National Ag in the Classroom Conference in Portland, Maine to receive the National Excellence in Teaching About Agriculture Award.
Livia’s education efforts have made a strong impact on the Farm Bureau family. In 2022 she was nominated for Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s inaugural 35 Under 35 Award and was named the winner of the Sustainable Future category. Her dedication to her students did not go unnoticed and she was well-rewarded at the Annual Meeting.
“At the end of the day, my goals are simple: I want to connect my students to where their food comes from. I want to teach my students that agriculture is a strong and powerful industry,” Livia said.
Livia is a strong and inspiring Farm Bureau member whose dedication has taken her far in the agricultural industry. She is a role model, mentor and educator for not only her students, but to members within the organization.
When asked why she’s Farm Bureau proud, Livia quotes, “I enjoy being in an organization where its members share the same passions and interests as I do. Collectively, our voices and actions are powerful. The hard work we do in Farm Bureau will benefit Wisconsin farmers and the agriculture industry for generations to come.”
Watch TJ’s application video to learn more about his efforts in Sustainable Service.
Heidi Strey is Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Communications Intern. She is currently attending the University of Wisconsin River Falls and is involved in her family’s beef farm near Osseo.
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