We Asked, Kate Stephens Answered.
- Montana Edit
- 3 hours ago
- 3 min read
Kate Stephens is a fourth-generation wheat farmer from Montana and the founder of Kate’s Ag, a platform dedicated to bridging the gap between farmers and consumers through storytelling, fashion, and education. Through her YouTube channel and social media, she advocates for family farmers by sharing authentic stories from rural America and highlighting how agriculture connects to both what we wear and what we eat. A senior at Cornell University studying International Agriculture and Communication with minors in Public Policy and Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems, Kate is passionate about preserving family farm legacies and inspiring a deeper understanding of where our food and clothing come from.
What’s one moment on the farm that made you think, “This is why I do what I do”?
Operating as a family farm makes me feel incredibly grateful every day. One moment that stands out was during harvest when I was combining a field my great-grandfather first worked in 1912 with plows and horses. Knowing that four generations later, I’m driving modern equipment across the same ground he once did by hand, really puts things in perspective. It’s a reminder that what we do isn’t just about growing crops, it’s about continuing a legacy, caring for the land, and honoring the hard work that built it all.
You’ve used your YouTube channel to educate people about farming, including how food and clothing originate. What misconception about agriculture do you most want to clear up?
The biggest misconception I want to clear up is that agriculture is dominated by big corporations. In reality, family farms are the backbone of American agriculture. My family, like so many others, takes deep pride in caring for the land, protecting our resources, and continuing a legacy that has been passed down for generations. Farmers aren’t just producing food and fiber, we’re stewards of the land and of the values that keep rural communities strong.
If you could take one non-farmer with you for a day on the farm, who would you pick and what job would you hand them first?
I’m always happy to take anyone out on the farm who wants to learn more about where their food comes from. I’d start them on the combine, which was my first job on the farm, and it’s still one of my favorites. There’s something about seeing the crop come in that really connects you to the land and the work it takes to feed people. I also think many people working in agricultural policy in D.C. could benefit from spending a day on a family farm. Understanding firsthand how farms operate and what challenges they face would make policy conversations a lot more grounded and effective.
When you’re designing fashion pieces, what Montana inspiration or farm detail do you find yourself going back to again and again?
I always find myself coming back to wheat, it’s been the livelihood of our farm since it was founded. There’s something timeless about the color, texture, and movement of wheat that reflects both Montana’s landscape and my family’s story. It represents hard work, growth, and connection to the land, which are all things I try to capture in every design.
What’s next for you? A dream project, collaboration, or expansion you’re excited about—whether in ag, fashion, content, or community?
I want to keep advocating for family farms and for young women in agriculture; it’s something that means a lot to me and has shaped who I am. Looking ahead, I’d love to expand my YouTube channel to feature more interviews and stories from farms across the country and beyond. Every family farm has its own legacy and lessons to share, and giving them a platform to tell those stories is one of my biggest goals.