Nicole Walsh
Grain Accountant
Confidence is Key
Nicole W. grew up on a hobby farm just outside of Freeport, IL. They had many kinds of animals around the farm, and Nicole enjoyed caring for each and every one. She was also part of the Upland Hunting Club which specialized in conservation practices for hunting lands. Nicole found herself quite busy at home helping with her parents’ businesses. They bred & raised hunting dogs and later purchased a bar & restaurant where they added in a gun shop. Nicole helped at the restaurant by waiting tables and tending bar and would often spend hours working at the gun shop.
Nicole started hunting with her dad when she was 3 years old. Her earliest memory of hunting consists of shooting squirrels & chipmunks out of the front door of her childhood home. Nicole and her dad practiced hunting & shooting a lot, and he eventually offered her an opportunity to join him on a Safari trip in South Africa. At the age of 11, Nicole knew she needed to prove to herself and her father that she was good enough to participate in the trip. She practiced countless hours, got ahead on her jr. high school work, and packed her bags for an African Safari. Now a few years into her adult career, Nicole knows that that safari taught her a sense of confidence that she is carrying with her throughout her life.
Nicole graduated from Freeport High School and then attended Highland Community College for 2 years, where she earned her Associate of Science degree. Afterward, she attended the University of Wisconsin-Platteville where she majored in Agricultural Business with a minor in Soil & Crop Sciences. Nicole graduated with her Bachelor of Science degree in 2016, and then began her career with PCE. She has always had an appreciation for education and knew that she did not wish to stop learning after graduation. Nicole soon decided to pursue her Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) certificate, which she has since received! Completing this certification has been a personal goal for Nicole and it provides her with a larger sense of credibility when speaking to producers. This certification also pushes Nicole to stay up to date with the agronomy world as she currently works in accounting. In order to uphold her certification, Nicole must complete a number of continuing education credits each year. PCE loves to see their employees participate in lifelong learning opportunities.
As a young woman in agriculture, Nicole encourages younger women in agriculture to put in the hard work in order to prove themselves. She also encourages women to stay positive and to look up to strong peer role models. Nicole believes that by setting an encouraging example for women, the industry will grow & develop in a confident manner.
Nicole is known at PCE as the positivity finder, one with great integrity, and a teammate with incredible character. She lives with no regrets, and, in her dream life, would own a large ranch out west and be a rancher. Nicole loves hunting, trapping, gardening, caring for animals, and the number of opportunities for young women in agriculture at PCE.
The #PCECommunity would like to thank Nicole for all her hard work and for being such a positive and strong role model for young women in agriculture. You are appreciated!
