Dawn Kielsmeier
Senior Sales Agronomist
Introducing Women in Ag
Dawn K. grew up on a small dairy farm in northwest Illinois where she was incredibly involved. She helped milk, feed cows & calves, assisted when the veterinarian was around, and helped with alfalfa harvests. She went to college at the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana to study Dairy Science. After graduation, Dawn came back to the Byron area to work at the local coop. She was hired to work as a sales agronomist and lead the agronomist team. After a few years, an opportunity arose where she was able to work on a Graduate degree from U of I while studying at Highland Community College. She graduated with her Masters in Agronomy after two years of study.
Throughout the years, Dawn has had a multitude of mentors that have helped her to push her limits and learn all she could. One of these mentors includes Larry, her first GM, who provided her with the opportunity of running a new sales agronomist program. This opportunity allowed Dawn to expand her knowledge and find her passion within the agronomy industry.
Dawn works as a Sales Agronomist at our Baileyville location. She explained how that role has changed over the years from first including sales and agronomy products to now including financials, technology, equipment, along with all of the basics that come with the position. Dawn enjoys the challenge that comes with the many hats and recognizes that it is impossible to be an expert in every aspect. A few years ago, she had the opportunity to stand on the Better Bean Series Panel for the Soybean Association. She greatly enjoyed being a part of this program as it allowed her to write monthly articles on current topics related to one of her greatest passions – soybeans!
Dawn’s advice for women entering the agriculture industry is to stay strong and stand up for yourself. She explains that young women in agriculture will have to work harder than their male counterparts and know more than them. She insists that these women love their jobs and take ownership & pride in what they are doing. Dawn believes that she has been able to pave the way for women coming behind her in agriculture. She has been able to open the door for women pursuing careers in agriculture through mentorship and internship programs.
Dawn’s life passions include her daughter, cooking Italian beef, fresh water fishing, and her vegetable garden. She sells sweet corn each summer at a stand on her property and later sells Christmas trees, wreaths, and holiday decor there as well. She dislikes when people beat around the bush and wishes people would tell her exactly what she needs to know about a situation. Dawn’s only regret is not taking a job opportunity that would have required her to relocate when she was younger. She describes herself as open, tough, and loveable. If Dawn could be anything in the world, she would like to be a fresh water fishing guide in Canada.
Dawn loves her career at PCE and feels that her employer provides equal & open opportunities. Her favorite part of her career is the family atmosphere and culture at each of the locations.
The #PCECommunity would like to thank Dawn for all of her hard work and for being such a positive and strong role model for young women in agriculture. You are appreciated!
