I Love My Farm Life: Julie K. Eilers Clary
Julie K. Eilers Clary, farmer and ranch manager of Eilers Ranch LLC, sat down with HERLIFE Magazine recently to share her dedication to family and community.
HLM: How long have you lived here? What do you love most?
JC: I grew up in Linden, involved in 4-H, raising lambs for fair, driving tractors for a summer job, showing horses, playing volleyball and serving on church youth group. After graduating from St. Mary’s High School, I left the area to study at Fresno State and UCLA in order to pursue a career as a nurse anesthetist. After my father, Henry Eilers, passed away in 2015, I returned with my husband, Brian, to care for our family farm and provide our sons the opportunities I had as a child. Raising our boys in agriculture, enjoying cherished relationships and the joy of bringing a crop to harvest are what I love most about Linden.
HLM: How is your heart inspired to serve the community?
JC: Many young people today do not know where their food is grown, and I am inspired to teach them that the fruits of their labor can feed the world. Since returning to Linden, my husband and I have served as leaders of Linden-Peters 4-H teaching welding and cooking, hired young adults interested in agriculture onto our farm and hosted the first St. Mary’s FFA fundraiser at our barn.
HLM: What sparks joy for you?
JC: One of the most joyful times of year is harvest. I take pride in watching our walnuts and almonds grow and leave the ranch to feed people all over the world. For me personally, I take joy in watching our boys learn from my mother, from cooking and sewing to golf and pickleball. I’m so grateful for the relationship, inspiration and encouragement she provides in their lives!
HLM: Top three bucket list goals?
JC: Raising two healthy and happy sons, growing my knowledge of farming practices to continually improve our product, and raising awareness of women to explore careers in agriculture.
HLM: What accomplishment are you most proud of?
JC: Transitioning from my first career as a nurse anesthetist to successfully running our family business. This was a steep uphill learning curve that could not have been accomplished without a
lot of prayer, guidance from our mentor, Brent Barton, and perseverance. I was inspired by my grandmother, Henriette Eilers, who independently ran the farm for 35 years.
HLM: Can you describe a key event that had an impact on your life?
JC: In 2015, my father passed away and my mother and I underwent treatment for cancer at the same time. Although these were dark days, I discovered my family roots were at the center of what was truly important in my life. This led me to bid my anesthesia career farewell and focus my energy on our farm that my great-grandparents began when they immigrated from Germany in 1858.
HLM: How is your time spent outside work?
JC: Family is the center of my world and I enjoy spending time with my husband and our kids going to church activities, skiing and spending Sunday night dinners with my amazing mom. It’s also great to have the time to watch our boys shooting trap, playing sports, caring for their bees and preparing their hogs for the fair.
HLM: Do you have a favorite quote?
JC: “Every day is a gift of God. What you do with it is your gift to Him.” Henry Eilers Sr.
HLM: What are you currently reading?
JC: Almond Production Manual, and I Can’t Believe You Just Said That! Biblical Wisdom for Taming Your Child’s Tongue by Ginger Hubbard.
HLM: Favorite food or dessert?
JC: Anything chocolate, but walnuts and almonds make it even better!
