Kaylene Ballesteros
Kaylene Ballesteros is a dedicated advocate for farmers and ranchers, advancing agriculture through a combination of corporate expertise and hands-on industry experience. Growing up on a small cow-calf and livestock operation in Williamsburg, Iowa, she developed an early appreciation for the challenges and rewards of farming. Guided by her parents—her father, a knowledgeable farmer, and her mother, a corporate marketing professional—Kaylene cultivated a strong foundation in both agriculture and marketing, instilling in her a belief in perseverance, self-confidence, and lifelong learning.
For over 15 years, Kaylene has contributed to John Deere’s mission of delivering innovative agricultural solutions. As GoToMarket Manager for Hay & Forage Products, she partners with engineering and product teams to ensure solutions meet customer needs while supporting dealers and operators to maximize equipment performance. Her professional focus spans product marketing, dealer training, product development, and technology integration, all informed by her lived experience in farming and ranching. Through her work, she demonstrates that success in agriculture leadership can harmoniously combine corporate careers with hands-on farming life.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Kaylene is deeply committed to mentorship and community engagement, sharing her knowledge and experiences with the next generation of industry leaders. She has participated in the Young Cattlemen’s Conference through the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and has spoken at major industry events such as CattleCon, representing women in agriculture and advocating for practical, customer-driven solutions. A mother of three, Kaylene also seeks to inspire her children and peers by showing that meaningful impact comes from both leadership and lived experience, building the future of agriculture one step at a time.
• University of Northern Iowa - M.A.
• National Cattlemen's Beef Association
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the strong influence and mentorship of my parents. My father instilled in me a belief in my capabilities, never limiting me by expectations, while my mother modeled leadership and entrepreneurial excellence through her career in marketing and business ownership. Growing up as the firstborn in a farming and ranching household, I was encouraged to take on responsibility without regard to gender, which shaped my confidence and reinforced the mindset that there are no limits to what I can achieve.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to know your worth and stay focused on moving forward. It’s easy to get caught up in challenging situations or dwell on the past, but looking back can hold you back. Maintain your momentum, trust your value, and remain committed to your goals—doing so will help you reach where you want to go.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest opportunities in the field right now is the growing influence of women in agriculture, which is reshaping leadership and innovation across the industry. At the same time, a key challenge remains ensuring equal opportunities and representation. There is also a continued need to demonstrate that careers in this space can successfully integrate corporate leadership with hands-on farming and ranching, expanding how the industry is perceived and accessed.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are advocacy for farmers and ranchers, a strong commitment to family, and a deep belief in teamwork. I also prioritize confidence, resilience, and equity, which guide how I lead, collaborate, and create meaningful impact.
Locations
John Deere
Indianola, IA 50125