Bridging Cultures Through Agriculture and Language

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In this episode of Coffee in the Barn, Katie Dotterer, a third-generation dairy farmer and language educator, joins Morgan Hart to discuss her unique journey from dairy farming to building cross-cultural understanding within the agricultural community. Katie shares how her experiences on the farm led her to identify and address the language and cultural gaps between English and Spanish speakers in agriculture. Now, she teaches Spanish for agricultural workers and English for non-native speakers, helping to create a more inclusive and effective workplace. 

Highlights from the Conversation: 

• Creating Language Bridges in Agriculture: Katie describes her mission to bridge the language gap between English-speaking managers and Spanish-speaking workers, enhancing teamwork and efficiency on farms. 
• Empowering Workers Through Language: Her courses not only teach language skills but also empower individuals to communicate and advocate for themselves, fostering a respectful and collaborative work environment. 
• Importance of Understanding Cultural Differences: Katie highlights how cultural awareness can lead to better relationships, mutual respect, and increased productivity across agricultural teams. 
• Language as a Tool for Respect and Inclusivity: By learning even a few phrases in another language, English speakers can show respect and appreciation, building camaraderie and stronger connections with Spanish-speaking colleagues. 
• Future of Multilingual Agriculture: Katie envisions a future where agricultural operations prioritize bilingual education to create cohesive, supportive teams. 

Tune in to hear Katie's inspiring story and discover how language learning can foster a more inclusive and collaborative agricultural community. 

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