What It Means To Be A Woman In Agriculture

I have made advocating for women, specifically in agriculture, a part of my brand and personal mission. As an older sister, a friend, and a daughter, it is my goal to lift women up.

Women have always been involved in the agriculture industry, yet women haven’t always been seen in the industry. As a woman in agriculture, I have noticed that males outnumber women attending most agricultural events and in leadership positions within companies. Yet the rate of females graduating with degrees in agriculture has surpassed the rate of men at Iowa State University’s College of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.

I truly believe diversity brings various thoughts and ideas, strengthening any situation. For my fellow women in agriculture, below are things I keep in mind for myself when being in an industry that continues to become more gender diverse.

I can use my talents for good

My dad and I, getting ready for chores in 1997,

When it comes to using my talents on the farm, my favorite example is to compare myself to my dad. My dad is a very talented, full-time farmer. Since I was little, I was always amazed at how far he could throw a bucket full of feed when he would feed our animals. Every time I need to dump a bucket, I try to do it like he does. To no surprise, I can’t throw it as far as he can. I am a few inches shorter and a few pounds lighter than he is, so physically there are some things on the farm I’m just not as good at.

Now we have found areas on the farm that I am much better at than he is. The biggest area is when it comes to animals having babies. Mama pigs like the size of my arms when they need help having babies and I’m pretty good at getting baby calves to take a bottle of milk if they need additional nutrition. Simply put, always learn how your talents can be used for good.

I can advocate for others

Advocating for women doesn’t mean suppressing men, but statistics show that men apply for a job when they meet 60% of the qualifications, but women apply only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. (Forbes)

What can we learn from this statistic? Women are different than men. This stat doesn’t dive into the details of the job qualifications but proves that women don’t raise their hands as quickly as men do. This ultimately takes them out of the process before the process even begins.

How can this be changed? Encourage women to raise their hands and put themselves out there to be considered for any role. As a male, keep in mind how you can expand your reach to include a female who may not be in your close circle. It’s easy to give opportunities to your immediate colleagues or friends, but that limits the diversity.

I recently heard of an agriculture company that is committed to creating more diversity in its leadership positions. They have created a promise that when a role opens, it will not close without a woman applying for the job. This encourages women to start raising their hand and reaching for opportunities they wouldn’t have considered in the past.

I can bring attention to the gap

Growing up, I showed a lot of livestock. From local to national shows, I was often an exhibitor. I never once showed to a woman judge.

Women are dominant in livestock judging competitions during youth and collegiate programs, but the gap continues to widen after the end of the contest.

Is this a problem? No. I respect many judges who I showed to, all of who were men. I have had the most wonderful cheerleaders from the men in my life and I’m so grateful. I simply want to bring it up and call attention. Don’t give the answer, “there isn’t a woman qualified”, because that’s the easy answer, think a little harder and keep these stats in mind.

To me, being a woman in agriculture is powerful. The opportunities are endless and there are amazing people, men and women, leading the way to the future and encouraging others to do the same. By recognizing the strength of women in agriculture, the entire industry can be stronger.