Adda F. Howie

Adda F. Howie (1852–1936) was an American agriculturalist known for her achievements in the field of dairy farming, including her innovative methods of caring for livestock, which emphasized cleanliness and nurturing.

She was once purported to be "recognized universally as the most successful woman farmer in America" and was the first woman to serve on the Wisconsin State Board of Agriculture.

Early life Howie was born Addie Johnston in 1852 and grew up on Sunny Peak Farm in Elm Grove, Wisconsin. As an adult, she moved to Milwaukee, where she met and married David W.C. Howie, an American Civil War veteran, coal merchant, and member of a prominent Milwaukee family.

In 1890, Howie published the children's book Modern Fairy Lore.

Career in dairy farming In 1897, Howie inherited Sunny Peak Farm, where she had grown up, prompting her to return to Elm Grove with her family and take up farming. Though she was now wealthy, Howie reportedly used only profits earned from the farm to finance farm renovations and expansions.

Critics of Howie dismissed her philosophy as eccentric and overly feminine, while proponents pointed to the health and yield of her herds as proof of the soundness of her methods. At one point, Howie reportedly had that largest herd of Jersey cows in Wisconsin.

In 1916, Howie sold much of her herd and left her farm in the care of her son.

Death Howie died in Milwaukee in 1936.

In popular culture In 2021, Lucky Cow Coffee and Gelato in Darlington, Wisconsin announced a gelato flavor inspired by Howie. The flavor was titled "Lady Howie."