Idaho Farmer Saydee Longhurst Runs Cleo's Cuttings Since Age 14

Saydee Longhurst has operated a small business called Cleo's Cuttings since she was 14 years old. The enterprise began as an FFA Supervised Agricultural Experience project on her family farm in Idaho. Today, she sells small hay bales to local residents who keep animals. The revenue from the business helps her pay adult bills and previously funded her education.

Longhurst's family has farmed the same land for generations. Her parents established the current operation, and she serves as the eldest sibling. She has a younger brother who is also interested in agriculture. Longhurst stated that she feels a responsibility to continue the work her parents started. She aims to pass the farming legacy to future generations. The family primarily grows wheat and hay on their property.

Longhurst studied agricultural education and initially planned to teach in a classroom. She joined Market Day Report ahead of a featured episode on the FarmHER + RanchHER show. During the interview, she discussed how she uses social media to educate the public. She described online platforms as a classroom for showing the realities of production agriculture. Her goal is to help consumers put a face to the food they buy at grocery stores.

"To use social media as a classroom of sorts to show folks what it looks like to work in production agriculture has been really rewarding and something that I wasn't anticipating doing when I studied agricultural education," Longhurst said. She added that she hopes her online content connects with people and helps them understand where their food originates.

The family faced a difficult year when weather conditions caused them to lose their wheat crop. Longhurst said the event required the family to diversify their practices. She noted that producers must find ways to move forward when conditions are unfavorable. She recalled memorizing the FFA Creed during her participation in the Future Farmers of America program. The creed mentions knowing the joys and discomforts of agricultural life. Longhurst said she has experienced those elements daily.

"You never know what each day is going to bring. It's how you choose to react to it that really makes or breaks you as an agriculturalist," Longhurst said. She credited her father for helping her develop confidence. Her father treated her the same as other workers on the farm regardless of her gender. She also listed the family's agronomist as a mentor who supported her career path.

Longhurst encourages women pursuing careers in agriculture to recognize the value they bring. She suggested they approach opportunities with grit and determination. She believes everyone has a place in the industry, whether they work directly on a farm or in other roles. She continues to work alongside her family while sharing the realities of farming with a wider audience through her social media presence.

Her story illustrates the combination of family tradition and modern communication tools. She balances the daily work of the farm with educating consumers. The operation remains active in Idaho Falls. She continues to produce hay bales and manage the wheat crop. Her experience spans from high school projects to adult farm management. She remains involved in the local agricultural community.