• Home
  • About
  • Connect
  • Press/Media

The Pinke Post

  • Life in North Dakota
  • Recipes
  • Small Town Living
  • Women In Ag

Posted By Katie On November 11, 2013 26 Comments

Kansas Farm Girl To Washington D.C. Ag Communicator (with a Deployed Husband): Meet Julia Debes #WomenInAg

Filed Under: Uncategorized, Women In Ag Tagged With: 30 Days, family, Women in Ag 26 Comments

Julia Debes Family

“Biotechnology is not evil, nor scary, nor beholden to any one company. We as Americans are incredibly blessed to be able to choose what we eat, but that does not mean that one person’s choice is superior to another. Biotechnology is a scientific advancement that is precise, exact, tested and safe and is just one of the tools in the toolbox for helping farmers grow more and better crops with less impact on the environment. Don’t dismiss or diss it without doing your research. Whether or not you spend your dollars on the 70 percent of products on today’s supermarket shelves that include a biotech ingredient, don’t buy into misinformation or propaganda, google a scientist, a farmer or a regulator and get “the rest of the story.” -Julia Debes, Kansas Farm Girl working now in Washington D.C. as an agriculture communicator.

Julia Debes is originally from a Hoisington, KS farm which she and her husband hope to return to one day after her husband’s military service. But today they reside in Fairfax, VA. Julia’s husband, Joshua, is currently deployed in the Middle East as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force. Julia works as Assistant Director of Communications at U.S. Wheat Associates, the trade association representing 19 states of wheat farmers in more than 100 countries around the world in Washington D.C. 

Julia and Joshua have a new daughter, Emaline who is 10 months old and her current hobbies include crawling and blowing raspberries. Julia’s brother, Wayne Stoskopf works as a Legislative Assistant on Agriculture for Senator Pat Roberts, Kansas. Julia’s parents are Dean and Mary Anne Stoskopf and the operators of Stoskopf Farms in Hoisington, KS.Julia Debes, Washington D.C Woman and Mom  in Agriculture

I know Julia as a fellow agriculture communicator and we have met at ag industry events. I have a huge respect for her insight into and passion for agriculture. Just read what she shares about biotechnology. I literally want her on a big stage in front of millions to share that insight. I also have a deep appreciation for Julia as a mom, working to carry on with her life as her husband is deployed in the Middle East.

Today, I specifically asked Julia to share her story as a Woman in Agriculture today, on Veteran’s Day to honor all veterans and active military and families. 

Meet Julia Debes, in her own words. 

My husband is a captain in the United States Air Force and is currently deployed. This is his first deployment, and it’s shorter than most, so we’re excited that he’ll be home for Emaline’s first Christmas. I have a newfound respect for the women and men who keep their families going while their partner is away. It’s tough and, at times, I feel a little like a homesteader living out on the prairie. Except instead of wildfires and wolves, I have an amazing network of family and friends who have helped pitch in and keep me sane, Emaline happy, healthy and a million more things.Julia Debes, Washington D.C Woman and Mom  in Agriculture

My husband is over his seven-year mark for active duty, but since we were together in college while he was in ROTC at K-State (yep, married my high school sweetheart), it feels like a lot longer. The Air Force has been a good life for us, with stations in Destin, FL, then Dayton, OH and now the Washington, DC area. Josh even earned his master’s degree through the Air Force Institute of Technology in astronautical engineering – I joke that when we go home to the farm, he’ll be one that not only uses GPS, but also understands how the satellites actually work!

What is your role in agriculture today? Today, I work as the Assistant Director of Communications at U.S. Wheat Associates, the trade association representing 19 states of wheat farmers in more than 100 countries around the world. In my role, I work on our regular publications, including a bi-weekly newsletter, and manage our online presence, including social media and re-doing the website.

How has agriculture shaped your life? How hasn’t it? As a fifth generation farm daughter, growing up in agriculture was a legacy and a love for the land and the people who work it was simply intrinsic. I went to graduate school in Florida and ended up just about as far away from the farm as you can get – working a State House political campaign in Boca Raton, FL. It is great to be back working in agriculture, but I don’t know if I would appreciate it as much if I didn’t have the experience of being around those that know little about where their food comes from and even less about the people who produce it. Through our travels with the Air Force (7 years and counting!), we’ve encountered all types of people, but we’ve stayed true to the Kansas farm kids we are. We also have our end game in mind always – moving home after Josh’s Air Force career is over and taking over the family farm.Julia Debes, Washington D.C Woman and Mom  in Agriculture

What excites you about your community? Washington, DC, is a big city, but when it comes to agriculture (and being a K-State alumni), it’s actually a very small community. We have a regular meeting of those of us working in agricultural communications and I even ran a half marathon two years ago with a group of girls all working for commodities – “The Commodity Classics” – working for wheat, beef, sugar beets and turkey.

When was the last time you tried something for the first time? With a 10 month old, it seems like everything is new for the first time! We are currently working on finger foods…so I’m experimenting with foods like acorn squash that I wouldn’t necessarily have tried myself, but it’s on her list – so in the oven it goes!

What do you do to encourage others? Who/what serves as a source of encouragement for you? DC can be a very demanding place, which can make it seem very difficult as well. I try to maintain my positive attitude and share my “sunshine and rainbows” with others, although some days it is a struggle! I’m lucky to be married to a husband who is incredibly supportive. Even though he is deployed to the Middle East right now, he still amazes me every day with how wonderful and encouraging he is.

Which children’s book best describes your childhood/life? Anne of Green Gables! My imagination ran wild at home, and I definitely took after Anne in creating a story and a name for every place. For example, the culvert in the pasture was referred to as “The Gorge.” My nose was in a book when it wasn’t chasing kittens and I took full advantage of the beautiful Kansas scenery around me.SONY DSCJulia Debes, Washington D.C Woman and Mom  in Agriculture

What is your favorite home-cooked meal?  My husband’s home-made pizza – crust and all! Yum!

If you had the opportunity to get a message across to a large group of people, what would your message be? Biotechnology is not evil, nor scary, nor beholden to any one company. We as Americans are incredibly blessed to be able to choose what we eat, but that does not mean that one person’s choice is superior to another. Biotechnology is a scientific advancement that is precise, exact, tested and safe and is just one of the tools in the toolbox for helping farmers grow more and better crops with less impact on the environment. Don’t dismiss or diss it without doing your research. Whether or not you spend your dollars on the 70 percent of products on today’s supermarket shelves that include a biotech ingredient, don’t buy into misinformation or propaganda, google a scientist, a farmer or a regulator and get “the rest of the story.”

What makes you smile? A happy giggle. A good run with a friend. My brother swinging his niece around at a K-State watch party (K-State victory included…). All of the small things in life that add up to a wonderful, happy existence. 

Stay connected with Julia on her personal Twitter account, her blog, Professional Twitter: uswheatassoc; and Professional Facebook: uswheat.

On this Veteran’s Day, I want to thank and honor millions of Americans who have served our country, families who have sacrificed and for our active military like U.S. Air Force Captain Joshua Debes. A special thank you to Julia Debes for bravely carrying on with her life as a mom and career woman in agriculture in Washington D.C. and for her willingness to share her story today. 

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Visit my mom’s GriggsDakota blog today for our personal family Veteran’s Day tribute. 

30 Days of Women In Ag

Subscribe by email to receive an update and a promise of no spam on this 30 Days of Women in Agriculture series. The response to this has been tremendously positive and I am going to continue it past November as an ongoing weekly series. 

Earlier features this month include:

November 10: Veterinary Technician, Farmer, Rancher & Mom: Meet North Dakota’s Amanda Bader 

November 9: An Immigrant for #WomenInAg: Meet Olga Reuvekamp, South Dakota Dairy Farmer

November 8: Texan Melissa Laurent, Long-Eared Humpy Calves Make Her Smile

November 7: Alicia Pedemonti, New Hampshire Pig Farmer & Working Mom

November 6: Crystal Blin, Agriculture Led Her From Alberta to Iowa

November 5: Dr. Rachel Endecott, Beef Researcher & 3rd Generation Montana Rancher

November 4: Jill Benson, 4th generation California Egg Farmer

November 3: Katie Heger, North Dakota Farmer, Teacher and Mother of 5

November 2: Kelly Rivard: Illinois Country Nights, Missouri City Lights

November 1: Introducing 30 Days of Women in Agriculture

For a listing of all the 30 Days Bloggers my friend Holly Spangler rounded up, visit here. 

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Print
Previous Post: « Veterinary Technician, Farmer, Rancher & Mom: Meet North Dakota’s Amanda Bader #WomenInAg
Next Post: Sonja’s Old-Fashioned Delicacies Holiday Baking $40 Giveaway (TWO winners!) »

Reader Interactions

Trackbacks

  1. Not a farm girl to Virginia FFA State Officer to Iowa Ag Education: Meet Katie Lukens #WomenInAg says:
    November 12, 2013 at 3:47 pm

    […] November 11: Julia Debes, Kansas Farm Girl To Washington D.C. Ag Communicator (with a Deployed Husband) […]

    Reply
  2. Dr. Janeal Yancey is Mom At the Meat Counter in Arkansas #WomenInAg says:
    November 13, 2013 at 9:07 am

    […] November 11: Julia Debes, Kansas Farm Girl To Washington D.C. Ag Communicator (with a Deployed Husband) […]

    Reply
  3. The Force Behind 30 Days, An Illinois Farmer, Writer, Wife & Mom: Meet Holly Spangler #WomenInAg says:
    November 18, 2013 at 10:13 am

    […] November 11: Julia Debes, Kansas Farm Girl To Washington D.C. Ag Communicator (with a Deployed Husband) […]

    Reply
  4. Young Farmer & Auburn University Senior: Meet Alabama’s Anna Leigh Peek #WomenInAg says:
    November 20, 2013 at 4:40 pm

    […] November 11: Julia Debes, Kansas Farm Girl To Washington D.C. Ag Communicator (with a Deployed Husband) […]

    Reply
  5. Dr. Beth Carlson says:
    November 20, 2013 at 10:14 pm

    […] Lukens, Not a farm girl to Virginia FFA State Officer to Iowa Ag Education November 11: Julia Debes, Kansas Farm Girl To Washington D.C. Ag Communicator (with a Deployed Husband) November 10: Veterinary Technician, Farmer, Rancher & Mom: Meet North Dakota’s […]

    Reply
  6. Building Connections For a Next Generation: Meet Illinois Farmer Mary Mackinson Faber says:
    November 21, 2013 at 10:44 pm

    […] November 11: Julia Debes, Kansas Farm Girl To Washington D.C. Ag Communicator (with a Deployed Husband) […]

    Reply
  7. Where Does Your Turkey Come From? Meet Minnesota’s Lara Durben #WomenInAg says:
    November 23, 2013 at 9:55 pm

    […] November 11: Julia Debes, Kansas Farm Girl To Washington D.C. Ag Communicator (with a Deployed Husband)  […]

    Reply
  8. Bolding Sharing Her Voice As A Modern Hog Farmer: Meet Missouri’s Chris Chinn #WomenInAg says:
    November 24, 2013 at 8:54 pm

    […] November 11: Julia Debes, Kansas Farm Girl To Washington D.C. Ag Communicator (with a Deployed Husband)  […]

    Reply
  9. Oregon Grass Seed Farmer with Wedding Bells Ringing: Meet Marie Bowers #WomenInAg says:
    February 25, 2015 at 6:38 am

    […] November 11: Julia Debes, Kansas Farm Girl To Washington D.C. Ag Communicator (with a Deployed Husband) […]

    Reply
  10. Iowa says:
    September 13, 2018 at 11:36 pm

    iowa

    Kansas Farm Girl To Washington D.C. Ag Communicator (with a Deployed Husband): Meet Julia Debes #WomenInAg – The Pinke Post

    Reply
  11. new jersey says:
    September 19, 2018 at 9:07 am

    new jersey

    Kansas Farm Girl To Washington D.C. Ag Communicator (with a Deployed Husband): Meet Julia Debes #WomenInAg – The Pinke Post

    Reply
  12. Georgia says:
    September 22, 2018 at 9:17 am

    georgia

    Kansas Farm Girl To Washington D.C. Ag Communicator (with a Deployed Husband): Meet Julia Debes #WomenInAg – The Pinke Post

    Reply
  13. tucson says:
    September 22, 2018 at 6:31 pm

    tucson it’s where my story begins

    Kansas Farm Girl To Washington D.C. Ag Communicator (with a Deployed Husband): Meet Julia Debes #WomenInAg – The Pinke Post

    Reply
  14. Phoenix says:
    September 23, 2018 at 12:27 pm

    phoenix

    Kansas Farm Girl To Washington D.C. Ag Communicator (with a Deployed Husband): Meet Julia Debes #WomenInAg – The Pinke Post

    Reply
  15. Pi Pie says:
    September 23, 2018 at 3:42 pm

    Pi Full Number

    Kansas Farm Girl To Washington D.C. Ag Communicator (with a Deployed Husband): Meet Julia Debes #WomenInAg – The Pinke Post

    Reply
  16. order photo canvas says:
    September 24, 2018 at 10:49 am

    coffee mug sets sale

    Kansas Farm Girl To Washington D.C. Ag Communicator (with a Deployed Husband): Meet Julia Debes #WomenInAg – The Pinke Post

    Reply
  17. kentucky says:
    October 1, 2018 at 2:03 am

    kentucky roots

    Kansas Farm Girl To Washington D.C. Ag Communicator (with a Deployed Husband): Meet Julia Debes #WomenInAg – The Pinke Post

    Reply
  18. Boston says:
    October 1, 2018 at 8:13 am

    boston

    Kansas Farm Girl To Washington D.C. Ag Communicator (with a Deployed Husband): Meet Julia Debes #WomenInAg – The Pinke Post

    Reply
  19. Vermont says:
    October 2, 2018 at 7:15 pm

    vermont

    Kansas Farm Girl To Washington D.C. Ag Communicator (with a Deployed Husband): Meet Julia Debes #WomenInAg – The Pinke Post

    Reply
  20. maroon vest top says:
    October 3, 2018 at 7:30 pm

    design baju t shirt

    Kansas Farm Girl To Washington D.C. Ag Communicator (with a Deployed Husband): Meet Julia Debes #WomenInAg – The Pinke Post

    Reply
  21. Connecticut says:
    October 7, 2018 at 3:15 am

    connecticut

    Kansas Farm Girl To Washington D.C. Ag Communicator (with a Deployed Husband): Meet Julia Debes #WomenInAg – The Pinke Post

    Reply
  22. Utah says:
    October 19, 2018 at 11:26 am

    utah

    Kansas Farm Girl To Washington D.C. Ag Communicator (with a Deployed Husband): Meet Julia Debes #WomenInAg – The Pinke Post

    Reply
  23. Mississippi says:
    November 4, 2018 at 10:04 pm

    mississippi

    Kansas Farm Girl To Washington D.C. Ag Communicator (with a Deployed Husband): Meet Julia Debes #WomenInAg – The Pinke Post

    Reply
  24. south carolina says:
    November 9, 2018 at 7:22 pm

    south carolina

    Kansas Farm Girl To Washington D.C. Ag Communicator (with a Deployed Husband): Meet Julia Debes #WomenInAg – The Pinke Post

    Reply
  25. Oregon says:
    November 22, 2018 at 2:56 pm

    oregon

    Kansas Farm Girl To Washington D.C. Ag Communicator (with a Deployed Husband): Meet Julia Debes #WomenInAg – The Pinke Post

    Reply
  26. Illinois says:
    January 24, 2019 at 9:26 am

    montana

    Kansas Farm Girl To Washington D.C. Ag Communicator (with a Deployed Husband): Meet Julia Debes #WomenInAg – The Pinke Post

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Welcome to the Prairie…

I am a mom of three kids and a wife to Nathan. Together we live on the North Dakota prairie, 97 miles from a Starbuck's. I share about family, food, farming and the prairie that I love. I used to commute 98 miles one-way to work but it required too much coffee. So now I am home, consulting, speaking, writing and primarily, juggling family life.
See more of our life on the prairie... Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Twitter

Stay in Touch…

Get the news from the prairie delivered directly to your inbox when it's hot off the press!

from my kitchen. . .

4 F’s of Why I Blog

Hunk of Meat Monday: Bacon Potato Skins, Pioneer Woman Style

Hunk of Meat Monday: Hurried Mom’s Hotdish

farm life

Favorite Farm Girls

  • Beyer Beware
  • GOODEness Gracious
  • The Wife of a Dairyman
  • Fresh from the Farm

Griggs Dakota

Visit our 5th generation family farm...

Latest Recipes

How To Make Snowman Sundaes

Real Farmwives & Friends: My Favorite Christmas Entertaining Recipes

Rhubarb Sauce Recipe

More Posts from this Category

Life on the Prairie…

More Posts from this Category

Women in Agriculture

Ladies Night on a North Dakota farm

Sarah Nasello’s Party on the Prairie Giveaway

Debbie Lyons-Blythe of Kids, Cows and Grass & The Need For Organ Donors

More Posts from this Category

Footer

Archives

Categories

Meta

  • Log in
  • Entries RSS
  • Comments RSS
  • WordPress.org

Copyright © 2023 ·Captivating Theme ·Custom Designed by Design Chicky· Log in

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.