Did you know that 80% of ag workers speak Spanish? There’s no doubt that the language barrier on farms and in agricultural operations remains one of the industry’s biggest challenges. AgvoKate, an established language learning company founded by former dairy farmer and educator Katie Dotterer, is addressing this issue with the launch of its Spanish for Swine course, designed specifically for the swine industry.
Enrollment for the fall 2025 session is now open through Sept. 19, with classes running Sept. 23 – Nov. 20. Access is available to all materials until Dec. 30, so students can learn at their preferred pace.
“The language barrier is real—but so is the solution,” Dotterer says. “As a former dairy farmer, I know firsthand the challenges of miscommunication on the farm. I created AgvoKate to empower agricultural teams with the Spanish they actually need—no fluff, just the words and skills that matter day-to-day.”
Real Skills for Real Life
Dotterer says this 8-week, fully online program goes beyond tourist phrases or textbook Spanish by providing real, practical language skills tailored for swine production. Participants will learn essential Spanish grammar and pronunciation, swine- and ag-specific vocabulary and phrases (anatomy, equipment, daily operations, safety), cultural insights to improve team relationships and workplace communication skills to build trust and efficiency.
“To date, the program has already proven successful with hundreds of students within agriculture across the U.S., Canada and the U.K,” she says.
She has taught more than 800 students, all adults ranging in age from 18 to 76—including farm owners, farm workers, nutritionists, veterinarians and other professionals in the industry—who need Spanish for everyday communication in their work.
“My team wouldn’t be where we are if I hadn’t found your class. Not only were the lessons simple and practical, but your encouragement kept us going,” says Cassady Wilson, a former student.
The course meets Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6 p.m. EST, but Dotterer says all lessons are recorded for flexible, 24/7 access. Students receive digital flashcards, printable vocab lists, reference materials and a certificate of completion. She adds that one-on-one instructor support ensures participants stay confident and on track.
