Where the story starts
Are we still shaking hands?
Hi, I’m Abby!
If I close my eyes, I can still feel the rhythmic sway of my grandma’s green metal porch swing. It was the centerpiece of our world. But you had to be careful—for the love of God, you didn’t dare sit on that swing in the dead of a July afternoon unless you wanted to lose a layer of skin.
In the evenings, when the air finally cooled, that swing was a time machine surrounded by fireflies.
It was there that I listened to stories of how my grandparents grew up with nothing, walking those uphill miles to school. I learned how they built a life from scratch, raising boys on the farm while maintaining full time jobs. And it was from that swing that I would watch my grandpa drive each slow, perfect pass through the alfalfa field.
I remember the spike of pure childhood excitement watching the baler drop those squares, knowing that fresh, sweet hay was coming home to my crazy-ass paint mare, Annie.
I was one of the lucky ones. I didn’t choose this life; I was born into it. The cattle, the horses, the dust, the diesel—it was just the air we breathed. I didn't know any different, and I didn't know how rare it was.
Growing up on the farm gives you glory, and then it immediately reminds you exactly who you are.
I’m not sure where that green metal swing ended up. But I like to think my grandma has it waiting for me on her porch in heaven. I picture her up there right now, swinging alongside my cousin Brandon, proud that another generation is keeping the roots alive.
That green swing shaped the person I am today.
It was the place I came “home” to. The place I learned about the hardships of the past and how to hope for the future. Ultimately, it was the exact place where I learned to love the agriculture industry.
But here is the thing about agriculture: you don’t have to melt on a hot metal porch swing to understand that feeling.
Whether you were born into a multi-generational farm family, or you are just now discovering a passion for where your food comes from, everyone has their own "green swing."
It’s that specific place where your fondest memories live. It’s the pickup tailgate at dusk, the local farmers market on a crisp Saturday morning, the county fair bleachers, or the quiet of a barn before dawn.
It’s the place where the noise of the world fades out, and your deep respect for the land and the people who work it sneaks in.
Through these blog posts, my intention is to elevate the brands that farmers, ranchers, and ag organizations care so much about.
Your brand isn't just a logo; it’s your livelihood, your legacy, and the place where your family’s stories are told. I’m here to give you the creative tools to protect that legacy and share it with a world that needs to see it.
As so with that, it’s so nice to meet you! I’m glad you are here.
As I continue to write here, my hope is to give you some design pointers, spread some cheer, and share with you my passion for agriculture and creative design. I want to help you tell the story of your green swing—and help the rest of the world learn to love this industry just like we do.
Until next time…
Keep planting seeds of purpose, cultivating meaningful connections, and sharing hopeful stories.
And if you're ready to elevate your brand's story, we're here to help.
From our fields to yours - Abby <3
Abby is an agriculture marketing expert based in the Midwest with over a decade of experience. She is the founder of Rainbow Valley Designs, a boutique marketing agency specializing in elevating the brands that feed the world. From custom logo design to comprehensive food and beverage branding, Abby delivers strategic visual storytelling that connects farm-to-table businesses with their ideal audience.
Ready to elevate your brand? Let’s get started!