A woman's role on the farm is as varied as the farms themselves. Some own farms; others are the principal operators. Some assist husbands and partners with marketing, record keeping and financial planning. Others take second jobs to obtain health insurance for the family and to help support the family farm.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency, at the Second International Conference on Women in Agriculture, Dan Glickman stated: "One of the biggest issues facing women farmers is the future of small farmers." The keynote speaker for the conference, Tipper Gore, recongnized the importance of women in agriculture by saying: "It is time to acknowledge women in agriculture and value that role. Their contributions are deserving of value by society because women contribute to the economics of their households, communities and the world." More than a decade later, this role is still being recognized as "key to the survival of mankind."
Making the choice
Findings report more women are choosing farming as a vocation. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that in 2001, 81 percent of women on U.S. farms were actively involved with the farm's operation. One-third were full partners, while 50 percent had off-farm jobs to offset farming losses. Another 10 percent were principal operators.
Today, many are making the choice to work on the farm early on when their families are young. Being a stay-at-home mom is a choice they make because they love farm work and want to raise their children with fewer outside influences.
Some obtain additional employment to gain insurance coverage. During the busiest times on the farm, the spring and fall of the year, many request time off from their second jobs to help out on the farm.
The Farm Service Agency states most female farmers and ranchers in the U.S. are "small farmers," but at the same time women are involved in "a variety of agricultural activities ranging from herb production to cattle ranching and nearly everything in between." The agency further says diversity in agricultural enterprises "is a hallmark of women in agriculture."
Advantages and disadvantages
The American Journal of Economics and Sociology states "the farming family remains, but in diminishing numbers." For some women, working on the family farm is seen as an advantage. The ones with no employees and with young children, feel it's an advantage to not have to work somewhere else, especially when there are children to raise.
The journal also states women are instrumental to the development of rural areas through their contributions to sustainable agriculture and rural development, including food security. However, "women are often marginalized in the agricultural sector, do not share equal status at the banks or within the agribusiness sector, and often do not fully participate in USDA programs and services."
Another disadvantage for women is isolation. A fellowship by Tamar Weinstock at Cornell University in summer 2009, attests that since the start of the 20th century, many women affirm they need encouragement. The paper outlines how encountering endless work and often severe isolation "starves one's soul" out in the country. They also have to be good financial planners especially when they can't dictate things like prices and weather. But many know that going into it, especially if they've grown up with it.
Women who farm typically grew up farming and married partners with the same passion. They enjoy spending time working with their families, eating together and going to events. Though their day often begins early, this allows time to attend outside activities the children are involved in, such as 4-H.
While working on the farm, women teach children about life and how they can benefit from the diversity on a farm. They become hard workers, financial planners and understand the different aspects of risk taking.
Sources:
- The American Journal of Economics and Sociology "Is Technology-ridden U.S. Agriculture in a Long-run Decline?" (vol 37 October 1978 Number 4)
- U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency "Women Outreach Program"
- Tamar Weinstock Fellowship at Cornell University (summer 2009)
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