Women in Agriculture Spotlight Series: Gracyne Backus

As we begin our Women in Agriculture Spotlight Series, the Nevada Farm Bureau is proud to recognize women whose dedication, leadership, and passion have helped shape agriculture across our state.

Our first spotlight honors Gracyne Backus, White Pine County Farm Bureau Women’s Chair, whose lifetime of faith, perseverance, and commitment to agriculture has left a lasting impact on Nevada.

When asked what she believes is the greatest challenge facing western agriculture today, Gracyne doesn’t hesitate.

“Water,” she says. “Not enough of it, maintaining what we have, and conservation.”

It’s a challenge she knows firsthand.

Born in 1941 and raised in Happy, Texas, Gracyne grew up farming milo, corn, wheat, and cotton alongside her family. At just nine years old, her father lost his hand in a farming accident. When people questioned how he would continue operating the farm, he confidently replied that Gracyne would become his right hand and she did.

At the age of 26, Gracyne and part of her family moved to Lages Junction, about 60 miles north of Ely, Nevada. Water or the lack of it was the driving force behind the move. Through opportunities provided by the Desert Land Entry Act, the family drilled wells and transformed dry desert ground into productive farmland.

Despite the challenges, Gracyne says she immediately felt at home.

“I think God was calling me there.”

She and her husband also established a Baptist mission in Curry, Nevada, where they raised their family. Their children attended a one-room schoolhouse in Curry, and until about 1975, the valley had no electrical service. The family relied on a diesel generator while building both their farm and their community.

Following the passing of her husband, Gracyne moved to Ely, where she continued farming and raising livestock. Although she recently sold the family farm to her grandson, she still lives on the property and finds great joy in watching him develop the same love for the land while continuing to improve the operation.

Today, Gracyne is the proud mother of six children, grandmother of 17 grandchildren, and great-grandmother of 21 great-grandchildren.

When asked what has kept her active throughout her life, her answer reflects the faith that has guided every step of her journey.

“My good health is simply a gift from God. He is always with me. Even as a little girl, I walked and talked to God out in the pasture when I was troubled. Anything I have accomplished in my life is from Him. How fortunate I was because I got to do what I wanted. I am one of the luckiest people in the world.”

Gracyne’s story is one of resilience, faith, family, and an unwavering commitment to agriculture. Her lifetime of hard work and service reminds us that the strength of Nevada agriculture is built by individuals who dedicate themselves not only to the land but also to their communities and future generations.

Thank you, Gracyne Backus, for your lifelong contributions to Nevada agriculture and for inspiring all of us through your example.

This article is part of the Nevada Farm Bureau’s Women in Agriculture Spotlight Series, celebrating the remarkable women who help keep Nevada agriculture strong. Stay tuned as we continue introducing outstanding women from across the Silver State leading up to the presentation of the Nevada Woman in Agriculture Award at the 107th Nevada Farm Bureau Annual Meeting.