Christine Brøkner, senior manager, DLG Group, is featured in this installment of our series The Female Vision: Women in Feed.
Career path:
Can you share your journey into the feed industry? What inspired you to pursue a career in this field, and what challenges did you face along the way?
Our family farm has a history spanning more than 200 years, and from a young age, I knew I wanted a career connected to animals. A visit to the USA after high school played a pivotal role in shaping my educational path. The experience sparked a lot of reflection, and upon returning to Denmark, I was certain: I wanted to work with high-performing animals, bioactive ingredients, and nutrition.
At the University of Copenhagen, I earned a PhD in nutrition and was offered a career as a scientist. However, I found that life in research felt too removed from the practical, dynamic world I craved. I missed the energy and hands-on engagement of the commercial feed industry.
Today, I’ve found the ideal balance between science and operational work. I support our factories in producing high-quality feed products and collaborate with talented colleagues to develop innovative bioactive feed additives that make a tangible difference on farms and contribute to advancing sustainability.
Impact of gender:
In your experience, how has being a woman influenced your career in the feed industry? Have you encountered any gender-specific challenges or opportunities?
I’ve never given much thought to how being a woman has influenced my career in the feed industry. I believe the gender discussion is less important than one’s attitude and dedication to their work. Perhaps this perspective comes from working in Denmark, where the topic is often discussed. My focus has always been on contributing to the team, being diligent, and getting the job done. I believe that approach earns respect, regardless of gender.
The biggest challenge I’ve faced related to my gender didn’t come from the feed industry. I will never forget the judgment I received from a kindergarten teacher when I left our young children at home with their father while I traveled abroad for work. She didn’t hesitate to tell me that I was being irresponsible for leaving the children behind, and she implied that a father was not capable of being a single parent.
Today, I believe there’s a more balanced view, at least in Denmark. However, there is still room for improvement.
Mentorship and support
How important have mentorship and networking been in your career? Can you share any specific experiences where support from other women or mentors made a difference?
I never felt that my gender had an impact on my career. Perhaps this is because I had a female professor and mentor from the very beginning, who instilled in me and my fellow students—both men and women—that we all had equal opportunities to build our careers. She emphasized that success would come through hard work and dedication.
Industry changes
What changes have you observed in the feed industry regarding gender diversity and inclusion over the years? What more needs to be done to improve representation and equity?
The feed industry is still predominantly male, particularly in key positions and leadership roles. However, over the past few years, more women have been hired into the industry. This is, of course, a natural consequence of the fact that most students today are women, a shift from the nearly 50/50 gender split when I was a student. I don’t support affirmative action based solely on gender; I believe in hiring the best person for the job, even if they aren’t the obvious next in line. That said, I’m pleased that the company I work for has set strong ambitions and goals within the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) agenda.
Advice for future generations
What advice would you give to young women aspiring to enter the feed industry? Are there specific skills or experiences you believe are essential?
I wholeheartedly encourage women to join the feed industry, which has brought me so much joy and valuable experience. I’m proud to work in an industry that is constantly innovating, adapting to changing environments, consumer interests, and regulatory requirements, all while supplying clean, healthy, and sustainable food to the world. The industry is always evolving, so it’s challenging to recommend specific skills as new ones are continuously in demand. However, a strong foundation in basic nutrition and bioactive ingredients is essential.
Vision for the future
What is your vision for the role of women in the feed industry over the next decade? How can we work together to foster an environment that supports women’s growth and leadership?
I strive to set an example and inspire young women to pursue a career in the feed industry. I’m incredibly proud to work for a company that takes responsibility for fostering growth in individuals, regardless of gender, social background, age, ethnicity, or any other factor. I hope we continue to improve in how we meet people with respect and create an inclusive environment for all.
