By Jennifer Dorsett
Field Editor

When Phyllis Cutshall walked into the Lamb County Farm Bureau office on a September morning in 1965, she wasn’t sure what to expect.

“I thought I’d last three weeks if I was lucky,” she said, recalling her first day on the job with a wry laugh.

But she made it one month, and then another, and now 55 years have passed, almost in the blink of an eye.

It began when her Sunday school teacher, Jack Wattenbarger, who worked at the county Farm Bureau office, asked Cutshall if she wanted to come work for him.

“He asked if I wanted to come to work at Farm Bureau and I said, ‘Sure, what’s that?’” she said. “I’ve worked for several managers since then, and it’s been the experience of a lifetime.”

Farmers, ranchers and other area residents have come and gone throughout the years, but Cutshall said each member is special.

“I know all the farmers around, and I’ve met a lot of good people here. They’re just extra nice to work for, and we have a good time,” Cutshall said. “What makes this organization great is we’re so interested in the people. All of our employees really try to go above and beyond and help our members.”

Her favorite part of her job has been talking with members and getting to learn more about who they are and what they do.

“I love knowing more about our members’ lives and just getting to know them and being part of their community,” she said.

And being part of Farm Bureau has given her a great sense of pride.

“I truly do love the organization because it’s such an upbeat, honest organization. We genuinely try to help others through our work. I’ve met so many other employees that I loved, and we’ve had great times together,” Cutshall said. “I’ve seen a lot of people come and go. We’ve moved to a new building. I drive by the old one, and it brings back some really good memories because Farm Bureau is all about the people. We’re all one big team, and we all just get along so great.”

Cutshall’s journey with the organization is drawing near the end, but it’s been a wonderful ride, she reflected.

“I’m thinking of retiring pretty soon, but I’m grateful for all these years,” she said. “I love Farm Bureau, especially the people. I’m thankful for my experience here.”