Syngenta to sponsor new television series 'FarmHer'

Syngenta recently said it is the presenting sponsor of a new television series, “FarmHer" on RFD-TV.

All episodes include 30-second #RootedinAg Spotlights, featuring many of the women affiliated with Syngenta — both customers and employees — whose agricultural roots are helping their industry and communities.

One of the women is Kelsey Vance, a Syngenta sales representative from O’Fallon, Illinois.

“We’re all working toward the same goal: to grow the best crop possible and feed an ever-growing population,” Vance said. “There are so many different roles in agriculture. We need to look beyond the stereotypical image of what a career in agriculture means for women.”

Vance credits her mentor, Teresa McNeal, for teaching her that females in a male-dominated industry are in a unique position to leave a lasting impression.

“It’s not just about diversity in hiring, but diversity of thought,” McNeal, U.S. head of customer marketing for seeds at Syngenta and one of the company’s diversity and inclusion champions, said. “One of my primary roles as a champion is to help identify ways to bring groups together to advance employee enthusiasm, professional development and community engagement."

Officials said the television program is a part of Syngenta's global diversity and inclusion policy effort.

“A diverse and inclusive workforce enables us to embrace unique perspectives and capabilities of our employees and, therefore, create business value for our customers in a challenging marketplace,” Ponsi Trivisvavet, president of Syngenta Seeds LLC, said.