MAGGIE HOLUB

Imagine recently graduating college and through tragedy having to suddenly take over the family business. Now imagine that the family business was farming 500 acres of corn and soybean fields.

This is what rural Nebraska farmer Maggie Holub was faced with. Her father fought a three-year battle with brain cancer, but his death meant 23-year-old Maggie had to take action despite grieving for the man who was her hero.

“My Dad was the coolest person on the planet. He started when he was itty bitty just like I was out here with him and he did a lot of cattle, hogs, row crop with his dad. You talk about working hard, he was the definition of it.”

It’s easy to see that Maggie is like her father, she refused to quit despite her young age and the fact that only 15% of farmers in America are run solely by women.

“I have a lot of grit, takes a lot of grit and a lot of guts to do this and that’s one thing I didn’t know until I started farming about myself.”

A remarkably strong woman, Maggie has overcome her father’s death and remains a positive force even with the demands of running a farm.

“What gets me excited? You’re out in nature. This is god’s creation. You get to enjoy all of it and take it all in. Even the hard work. You should feel blessed you have the opportunity to work, and I focus in on that even when it is challenging and hard because there are people that don’t get to take advantage of that.”

Farming in America today comes with many financial challenges from year to year and Maggie has faced the perils like many others. Because of this, she chose to take on even more work to insure she would never lose the farm. She has a second full time job with Farm Credit Services of America.

“I have the privilege of working with farmers and ranchers out of Sioux City and Norfolk Nebraska. I learn more from them then they do from me to be quite honest.”

Despite two full time jobs, Maggie seizes every moment of the day by also inspiring the people of her community by teaching fitness classes.

“Right now, we need to focus on our health and wellness even more and if I can help them with, that’s why I come every time. We have drifted away from our community. In my fitness classes it’s just one thing I try to promote. Get together with your neighbors, get together with your friends and family.”

Maggie Holub faced her darkest moments but endured investing in land and in dirt for her future.

“It’s really cool to say you can grow something and create your living off of it.”

A college graduate with two jobs and known as a force of nature in her community, Maggie could always leave the struggles of farm life and do something different.