A former U.S. State Department employee has shared her journey from the world of diplomacy to a life in agriculture, highlighting her disillusionment with foreign policy and the military–industrial complex. After years of working in Washington, D.C., she decided to leave the political arena and return to her roots in Wyoming, where she found fulfillment in farming and ranching.
During her time at the State Department, she experienced firsthand the disconnect between policymakers and the American public. She observed a culture that often dismissed the values of everyday Americans, leading her to feel like just another cog in a vast machine. Despite the initial thrill of working in diplomacy, she grew weary of the cynicism that permeated the foreign policy establishment. Colleagues often expressed doubts about the effectiveness of their policies, but financial incentives kept them aligned with the status quo.
Her departure from the State Department was driven by a desire for a more meaningful life. She sought a path that focused on creation rather than destruction, which led her to agriculture. In farming, she discovered a straightforward reality: the success of crops and livestock is clear and unambiguous. This new life demanded her attention and humility, rewarding her with a sense of purpose.
Farming, she argues, is not a retreat from responsibility but a profound form of service. It involves feeding people, caring for animals, and nurturing the land for future generations. Unlike the political world, where decisions are often abstract and disconnected, agriculture is rooted in tangible work that matters.
Her shift to agriculture coincided with a broader questioning of U.S. foreign policy, particularly during Donald Trump’s campaign in 2016. She appreciated Trump’s willingness to challenge the long-standing bipartisan approach to foreign affairs, which she felt often ignored the voices of rural Americans. While his presidency did not dismantle the military-industrial complex, it did create an opportunity for reflection on what true service means.
Now, she finds joy in building a life that integrates work and family. Her daughter is actively involved in the farm, learning valuable lessons about food production and responsibility. This family-oriented lifestyle stands in stark contrast to the demands of a career in Washington, which often prioritizes ambition over home life.
She believes that local farming is a form of cultural preservation, standing against the trend of centralization and standardization in food production. Small farms represent independence and community, where people work together for mutual benefit.
In her view, serving the country today means feeding its people and caring for the land, rather than advancing abstract political agendas. She feels a renewed sense of patriotism in her work, which connects her deeply to the land and community around her.
Ultimately, she argues that the revival of the American spirit will come from local efforts, strong families, and a commitment to the land. Her journey from the Beltway to the backcountry reflects a search for belonging and purpose in a world that often feels disconnected.