Marissa Hake was featured in our Summer 2023 issue of Trailblazher Magazine. Below you will find some extra questions we asked her that have never before been shared with you! We hope you enjoy getting to know Marissa a bit more.

Dr. Marissa Hake is a graduate of Michigan State University where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine and a Masters in Public Health. Hake lives in NW Ohio with her full-time farming husband Travis and their two sons McCoy and Hayes. Hake is passionate about communicating with consumers about modern agriculture through her personal social media accounts – @calfvet on Facebook and @calfvet_ on Instagram. Her full time job is working for Fairlife (the milk brand!) as the Director of Animal Welfare and Sustainable Farming for Fairlife. Additionally, she has a beef cow herd of British White Cattle.  She spends her days balancing being a farmer’s wife, boy mom, veterinarian and beef producer! 

What has been the most challenging aspect of your business? 

Being brave enough to learn new things. Growing your business enough to be able to handoff some responsibilities that allows you to do what you do best! Trusting the growth process.

What famous person would you most like to have dinner with and why?

Dolly Parton – I think she’s faced many of the challenges that rural women have faced – sexism, poverty, judgement, ect. She’s also built an empire, stayed true to herself and developed countless philanthropic organizations. Also, sometimes I start my speaking events with her song “dumb blonde” to really set the mood!

What advice would you give your younger self? 

To my younger self I would say, “it’s not a competition”. I grew up hyper-competitive. Showing horses, trying to get into vet school, ect. my favorite quote my first year of vet school was this “you are all cream, you’re all at the top… it’s time to collaborate”

Who has inspired you most in your life? 

Oh man, I’ve had SO many inspirations in my life but I would have to say my Grandpa Bernard. He was this kind, quiet, faithful old dairy farmer. He had the patience of a saint and work ethic of a mule. I learned so many life lessons from him and he was always a rock for me.

Photography by Tiffanie Terry of Terry Farms Photography

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