In our series The Female Vision: Women in Feed, we shine a spotlight on trailblazing women making an impact in the animal feed and pet food sectors.
This week, we feature Michaela Braun, senior liquid systems and sales specialist at Novus North America.
At just 28 years old, Braun is one of the youngest team members in the region. Her expertise spans feed manufacturing and feed mill operations, and she plays a key role in supporting Novus’ liquid methionine business.
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?
My journey into the feed industry is a little unconventional. I didn’t grow up on a farm, but I was involved in Future Farmers of America (FFA) in high school. Through FFA, I learned about the feed program at Kansas State University. A friend of mine who was in the program encouraged me to apply for a job at the University’s feed mill, and I ended up loving it. Working there, I enjoyed seeing how everything fit together, and it sparked my passion for the industry. Sometimes, I feel like the feed industry chose me rather than the other way around.
One challenge I faced was not having an agricultural background, which occasionally put me a step behind early in my career. However, this also gave me a fresh perspective. Since I wasn’t rooted in traditional ways of doing things, I could approach challenges with a different mindset. What initially felt like a disadvantage has become a strength, allowing me to offer unique insights and solutions.
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?
The demographics in feed mills are changing.
I’ve noticed more women getting involved in the feed industry, though it’s still predominantly male. The work can be physically demanding and messy, but that hasn’t deterred me. Sometimes, I do encounter assumptions, but I don’t take them personally - it’s just part of the dynamic. Honestly, the people in this industry are what drew me to it in the first place.
Half the time, people misread my name as ‘Michael’ instead of Michaela, so they’re occasionally surprised when I walk through the door. If someone has an issue with me being a woman, that’s beyond my control. What I can control is how I respond to those assumptions. I see it as an opportunity to prove them wrong and demonstrate that I absolutely deserve to be there.
At the end of the day, we’re all working toward the same goals. Most of the people I’ve encountered in this field are kind, generous, and collaborative. It’s a team effort, and that’s what makes this industry so rewarding.
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 first learned about The Flock, a women-led networking group from the NOVUS North America Poultry Team, during my interview with NOVUS, and it immediately appealed to me. It was one of the reasons I wanted to join the company. After being hired, I had the opportunity to attend the Women in Swine Event (WISE) retreat alongside my colleagues and our customers. The room was filled with women at various stages of their careers, all connecting on both personal and professional levels. As a young professional, having access to that kind of environment is invaluable.
It’s empowering to see groups like The Flock and WISE not only exist but thrive and grow. Their growth means even more opportunities for me to connect with and learn from women of all ages in a meaningful, intimate setting.
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?
I’ve been working professionally for four years since graduating, and in the beginning, I was naïve. You don’t always know the right answers or how to handle every situation when you’re just starting out. That’s why groups like The Flock and WISE are so important. They provide women from diverse backgrounds and organizations with a space to speak openly, share knowledge, and exchange experiences. This is incredibly empowering, especially in an industry that remains predominantly male.
Women often undervalue their worth and hesitate to disrupt the status quo. Hearing how other women advocate for themselves - and witnessing colleagues advocate for one another - creates a powerful ripple effect. It helps me understand where I can step in and support other women, whether they’re new to the industry or seasoned professionals.
Ultimately, it’s about women supporting women. That’s what will create lasting change and help us all succeed together.
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 don’t believe there’s a specific set of agricultural skills or experiences you need to succeed in this industry - I’m living proof of that. The most important thing is to be confident in what you know. Everyone starts somewhere, and it’s okay to ask questions or seek help along the way. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is not to take yourself out of opportunities just because you don’t think you’re the perfect fit. For example, I originally applied for a sales position because this role was listed as an engineering position. I was interested but didn’t apply since I’m not an engineer. Through the interview process, though, we discovered I was a great fit for the job - and here I am today.
Don’t second-guess yourself just because you’re young or a woman. If you believe you have the right to be there, show them why you belong. Confidence and determination go a long way.
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?
This is an industry that’s evolving and beginning to recognize the unique qualities women bring, which can greatly benefit an organization. As I mentioned, people should pursue careers even if they don’t feel 100% perfect for the role - and the same applies to management. Leaders should consider candidates who may not check every box but are eager, bold, and capable of bringing fresh energy. Looking beyond traditional criteria can lead to powerful and lasting results.
