Women in agriculture: there is no single path

Women in agriculture: there is no single path

Markie Hageman, AGDAILY*

Image : Haley Amman-Ekstrom

Is the future of agriculture female? About 36% of U.S. farmers are women, and 56% of farms have at least one female decision-maker, according to the 2017 Census of Agriculture. This figure has been steadily growing and demonstrates the important roles women play in the agricultural sector.

From the outside, it looks like women in agriculture are at the forefront of women’s equality and empowerment. They hold leadership positions in their communities, and even at the national level, seeming to break through the glass ceiling under which women in other sectors tend to get stuck. Many women in agriculture believe that the restrictions society claims women face are not really a problem for them – they feel equal to their male counterparts, and even welcome the difference in gender roles. .

Some women feel happy to work alongside men and are not afraid that their strengths and skills are different from those of men.

Jordan Johnson is a ranch woman and asked her audience on social media some thought-provoking questions: “ When will we stop shouting:I’m a woman, I’m a cowgirl, I’m female!“And get to work? When are we going to ask for help when something is too heavy or too difficult, and not be reluctant to ask for help? »

Ms. Johnson goes on to recognize the unique differences between men and women and see them as strengths. She simply wants women to assume what they are, and that they ” let a gentleman open the door for us ».

This is a popular school of thought among women in agriculture. They were brought up to appreciate what men and women can do to help each other and recognize the importance of having different skills. Women are not inferior to men; they are their partners, and having to prove they can do the job is part of the reward.

« I learned that I had to prove myself to get the same respect as men in the same profession. said Haley Ammann-Ekstrom, a breeder in Minnesota. ” At first I thought that was a bad thing, but now I see that my clients prefer to work with me rather than a man because I have an eye for detail, I’m quick to get results and deliver the product, and I am genuine. Few men have these same qualities. »

On the other hand, there is a huge disparity for women and a strong belief that this needs to change. According to members of the Farm Bureau surveyed following the 2017 census, 91% said they believed more women should be in leadership roles within the farming community. However, this is not the only problem that needs to be solved. Women have been victims of disrespect and judgment from their male counterparts and are tired of feeling inferior.

Ms. Ammann-Ekstrom often faces this kind of situation, because even commentators with no bad intentions tend to make women in agriculture feel like they are smaller and afraid of to be feminine while working in a man’s world, lest they be taken seriously.

As a woman who grew up in the livestock industry and works in an agricultural sales department, there are subtle things like ” Need help lifting this? » or « Do you sell fuel and propane? Are you not afraid of damaging your manicure? »

For other women, it also feels like missed opportunities, and one of the most salient issues: not being taken seriously in their respective roles.

Lauralee Doman experienced this as early as high school. She lost farming jobs to men who had less experience than her and was ignored when it came to farming tasks she wanted to learn.

« As a girl, I feel like it’s a struggle to have my desires or my knowledge taken seriously. Women have to work harder to find opportunities and mentors. I think that, in general, women have to step out of their comfort zone more than men to be able to communicate effectively. »

Karlee Kay, who works in genetics and cattle breeding, said it took years for a man to take her seriously when she expressed an opinion or stated a fact, which is common for women in many scenarios.

Another gap that can be noticed is the difference between women’s agricultural organizations and those that practice more diversity.

Women-focused groups are great for bringing together talented, passionate women with similar interests and giving those women a purpose to serve. However, some women feel that they only dramatize or are not interested in the serious issues of the agricultural sector.

Kacy Atkinson, a breeder in Wyoming, prefers mixed groups.

« Women still haven’t learned to get along, and that’s too much drama for me. I prefer the balance of mixed groups; they’re more productive, more fun, and just plain easier. »

Carrie Sue Meeks, a doctoral candidate at Iowa State University, thinks women’s groups in agriculture often focus on ” being a good wife who defends the interests of the members of her community and on cuter aspects “. She believes these groups need a better balance of skills and knowledge, as well as the fun aspects, to bring them back to their farms and succeed as women in the farming community.

Allyson Spears, animatrice du podcast Ag Chicksalso expects more from its women’s organisations.

« I have the impression that women’s organizations sometimes focus too much on the positive aspects. If the herders meeting has a session on feed prices, I want a session on feed prices at the women’s meeting too! »

Jordan Medlin, who works in finance, stresses the importance of including more women in male-dominated groups.

« Engaging more women breaks the clubs of “good old boys” and to bring younger people into the group. The younger generation must be involved to keep an organization alive. »

Of course, there are women who see the advantage of having women’s farmer organizations alongside male-dominated groups.

Alyson Connolly, member of both local bands, Cattlewomen et Cattlemenunderstands why both exist.

« Our group of breeders do a fantastic job reaching out to younger generations, running beef courses or interacting with the public. They also organize big fundraisers and award scholarships, while men can be intimidating for children. On the other hand, the breeders’ group is doing a wonderful job of improving our industry. I think both are necessary to be able to support the beef industry. »

The reality of women in agriculture is that we all have different perspectives and experiences that have shaped our views on how women are treated in the business. This is not only the result of treatment by men, but also by other women. There is no single path, and while many feel empowered in this area, there are just as many who feel they have been wronged.

There is no doubt that women have had to work hard to achieve the positions and successes they have today, and we still have a long way to go before we feel real representation in the agricultural sector.

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* Markie Hageman studied agribusiness at Fort Hays State University. She is actively involved in her state’s ranchers’ association, the young farmers’ chapter, and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. His articles on AGDAILY are available here.

Source : Women in ag: There is no one-size-fits-all journey | AGDAILY