Women: the (often) unsung heroines of agriculture

Women: the (often) unsung heroines of agriculture

Heidi Crnkovic, AGDAILY*

Image : Heidi Crnkovic

Women have always been an integral part of farming, so the glass ceilings look a little different here. They are filled with open spaces, stables, livestock and crops. And even in a world where sexism sometimes persists, cows and corn mightn’t even begin to define the term. In this world, hard work often pays dividends, but recognition is lacking.

I started writing this article trying to think of other women who might share a similar story to mine – I wanted to find a common thread I might hold onto to help me make sense of my own. history as a woman in agriculture. I found none. It is an economic activity that can be lonely.

But then I understood. Our stories are different, but every woman I know who works in agriculture brings something extraordinary to the table. And, while our experiences are all personal, all are modern-day heroines.

Fifty-six percent of all farms have at least one female key decision maker. At the same time, women represent 43% of the global agricultural workforce. Many women are involved in all of the key decisions on the farm while working on the farm or ranch, working in town, raising a family, or taking on support roles so people in the field can keep working. . And many of you are doing this under mundane, patriarchal and difficult conditions. Each of these roles is important, not because the future is female (it’s not male either), but because the future is everyone, and it takes all of us to keep going. to feed the world.

Women in Supporting Roles: Production Agriculture Wouldn’t Exist Without You

The women who look following the house, deliver meals, do the shopping, rock the babies and commute between school and activities, are an integral part of the farms they help support. The women who drive the tractor, grain cart, or cattle take on a variety of roles, while raising the next generation of farmers and ranchers. I take my hat off to you. But there aren’t enough hours in a day to do everything – I know that, I tried. And, thanks to you, we can do more.

Not to mention that you make sure everything gets done (at some point) even when the water pipes freeze and split. Even when the washing machine breaks down (thanks, hard water). Even when no one wants to take their boots off during calving season? YOU. You get there.

Some of you chose this world, others were born into it. Some of you have chosen a partner who sometimes prefers farming to family. But, overwhelmingly, I read regarding the value farming brings to your plate and to your family’s lives, thanks in large part to you.

Working women in town: most farms, and ranches, mightn’t function without you

The women who help support their families and farms financially, who maintain the bottom line and who, perhaps, ensure that their relationships remain intact by it is working not on the farm or on the ranch… What work! Some of you laugh when the auto insurance company asks you if you drive 15,000 miles a year. You’re on the road before sunrise – and long following.

In the meantime, you teach, you manage other people’s finances, you work in the medical field; some of you may be lawyers, politicians, post office workers or just doing what you can to get by. Some of you can even support your family and farm financially while advocating for farming professionally. And you wouldn’t mind grabbing a game or two on the way back, would you?

Part-time women farmers: you maintain the “ profits » and the products in circulation

Does the ranch or farm need help? Whether it’s seasonal work during harvest, following a combine in a car with flashing lights, or why not driving the combine? The women are there to get their hands dirty in their fields. Who still shows up when the farm can’t or won’t hire a full-time employee (or a woman)? YOU. Need an extra helping hand with marking? Yes, you’re here – even if you’ve already helped cook the meal and then have to help clean it all up.

And, if you live on this farm, I bet many of you will sometimes give instructions, even if you don’t wear the boss’s hat. Especially since your insight and experience are recognized.

Full Time Women in Agriculture, you bring so much to the table – it wouldn’t be full without you

For those whose business depends largely on their labour, who feed their families by working on the farm, whose crops or livestock pay the bills, it is hard work. But you are helping to provide for the needs of the world. Whether you are working towards the success of someone else’s operation or building on the success (and sometimes the difficulties) of past generations, may your work contribute to the future success of generations to come.

Are people surprised when you tell them you are a farmer? Let them wonder. Are you as strong as a man? Some of you might be. Others are innovative enough not to let physical strength become an obstacle. And sometimes you’re humble enough to know when to ask for help.

Like many of you, I have discovered that farming can be a daunting and isolating life. It’s a rewarding, exciting and sometimes even charming life, but for every moment you share with someone, there are ten more that you spend alone. People will sometimes doubt you, and sometimes you will question yourself. Babies (human or animal) will make your heart tender – while hours, days, and years will make your hands hard.

Being a woman farmer is hard work, but it is good work. And that can be a good life. If you’re not already recognized for your contributions – I see you. If you have kids, and you don’t already, they’ll soon see you too, because it’s going to take all of us to be there to move agriculture forward. And, thanks to you, we are on the right track.

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* Heidi Crnkovic is the associate editor ofAGDAILY. Originally from New Mexico, she has deep roots in the Southwest and is passionate regarding all things agriculture.

This article was published in partnership with American Farmland Trust.

Source : Women: The (often) unsung heroes of agriculture | AGDAILY