VALENTINE, Neb. — When people think of agriculture in Nebraska, cattle and corn often come to mind. But a growing number of producers are finding success far beyond traditional commodities.

That shift was on display this week in Valentine during the Beyond Cattle and Corn Alternative Agriculture Conference, hosted by Mid-Plains Community College. The event brought together farmers and entrepreneurs working in lavender, bison, flowers, wine and agritourism to share how diversified operations can create new opportunities in rural Nebraska.

One of the speakers was Stephanie Anderson, owner of Our Lavender Company near Big Springs. Anderson told attendees that agriculture was never part of her plan.

“I, as a farmer’s daughter, wanted absolutely nothing to do with agriculture,” Anderson said.

That changed after Anderson moved back to Nebraska, started a family and experienced severe postpartum depression.

“Growing a garden saved my life,” she said. “My mother-in-law said, ‘You should read this Reader’s Digest article.’ It was all about a lavender farm. I thought, ‘I can grow a tomato. Can I grow a lavender plant?’ Really, the darkest season of my life launched into this growing journey that I never dreamed.”

Anderson founded Our Lavender Company in 2019, but early challenges nearly ended the business.

“The worst thing that can happen when you’re planting a perennial field or orchard is that everything dies,” she said. “That happened our first year. Everything died.”

The business faced another test in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted daily life and markets. Instead of slowing demand, Anderson said interest in calming, small-batch lavender products surged.

“Lavender is calming,” she said. “We were making products with lavender, so the demand for small-batch lavender goods for Mother’s Day gifts was a launching point that we never could have designed or planned.”

Today, Anderson’s farm draws about 5,000 visitors each summer and sells products nationwide, both in stores and online.

Jennifer Edson, Valentine campus administrator for Mid-Plains Community College, said the conference was designed to open people’s eyes to alternative agriculture.

“I think it can be beneficial for anyone in our area who’s trying to think about what they could use a little bit of their land for to support themselves when markets are up and down,” Edson said.

In addition to Anderson, presenters included owners of Sandy Acres Farm,  Golden Prairie Bison, and Niobrara Valley Vineyards. Many have incorporated agritourism into their operations, bringing visitors directly onto their land.

“They have people come and camp on their properties or come and visit,” Edson said. “They add to the richness of the state.”

For Anderson, the business represents more than just a new agricultural model.

“Really, the greatest thing we’re doing together as a family came out of the worst season in my life,” she said. “And it’s been such a blessing.”