Women’s History Month – Being a woman in agriculture

Grace Angotti (far right) and the BHC Livestock Judging Team after winning the American Royal in Fall 2025.

Agriculture has always been a huge part of my life, so having the opportunity to turn that passion into a career is something I don’t take for granted.

Today, I am a faculty member at the Black Hawk College East Campus, where I teach a variety of agriculture courses and coach the BHC Livestock Judging Team.

Being able to work with students every day and help them find their place in the ag industry is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.

My BHC journey

My journey started right here at Black Hawk College. As a student, I was heavily involved and took advantage of every hands-on opportunity I could. I began my college career in the productions/business program which is geared for students to gain real world experience to join the work force after two years. However, BHE showed me the endless opportunities out there, all I had to do was go after anything I wanted.

Not long after starting my freshmen year I realized I needed to continue my education past an associate and began working on transfer courses. It wasn’t just about what I learned academically, it was about gaining confidence, learning how to lead, and figuring out how I wanted to make an impact in agriculture.

My memories

Some of my favorite memories come from being involved in livestock judging and the experiences that came with it. Those long days of practice, traveling to contests, and working as a team taught me so much more than just evaluating livestock – they taught me discipline, communication and how to push myself. The relationships I built during that time, both with teammates and coaches, are ones I still value today.

Black Hawk College played a major role in shaping my career. The support from faculty and the emphasis on real-world experience helped me realize that I wanted to come back and be part of that same environment for future students. Now, getting to stand on the other side of it – as an instructor and coach – is incredibly full circle.

My advice

If I could give one piece of advice to current students, it would be to get involved in everything you can. Step out of your comfort zone, ask questions, and take advantage of the opportunities in front of you. The connections you make and the experiences you gain will stick with you long after you leave campus.

Being a woman in agriculture means being confident in who you are and what you bring to the table. It means stepping into leadership roles, even when they feel uncomfortable, and continuing to grow in an industry that is always evolving.

Agriculture needs strong, passionate individuals, and I’m proud to be part of a community that supports and pushes each other to be better.