'Women In Ag'...what does that really mean anyways?

Me and my dad.

Quite honestly, I get tired of the constant narrative of women not being fairly represented in all facets of society but specifically in the agricultural industry. Probably because I have personal experience with that. I happen to be a girl (obviously) and I happen to be *heavily* involved in agriculture. I have never felt less than when it came to taking an active part in any area of the agricultural industry because I was a woman. I will say I have been passed over when folks are looking for information when my dad is around and I know that solely has to do with my age. It wouldn't matter if I was a twenty year old guy - I would get the same treatment because I am ONLY twenty years. I've got a lot left to learn and anybody can see that.

I can remember several conversations with fellow female agriculturalists and them voicing their experiences and concerns when it came to their gender. The first time I was around this kind of talk, I just laughed and then I realized they were being serious and quickly wiped the grin off my face - #awkward. My mind just doesn't even go down that road. I credit my parents for always treating me the same as my brother. It has never been a narrative in our family that I couldn't do something because I was girl. I also have personally, never met a man or woman in the ag world who made me feel I wasn't heard because I wear makeup.

One of my dad's very best friend, Mark who is also our agronomist, has always taken the time to teach me the same as he would one of his clients. One of my favorite farm memories was riding around with him and my dad to check on aphids in an alfalfa field. I can specifically recall Mark swiping his shovel along the crop to scoop up the bugs so all three of us could get a better look. My dad and him were talking about what chemical would be best as well as the application technique, I waited until they were finished to ask a question I had (because I'm respectful like that - haha). Mark took the time to give me his full attention as well as to show me the tool I asked about. Some may argue that because he is my dad's friend he would treat me well. I respectfully disagree with you. Mark would treat anyone this way - I know in my heart the large majority of men in the ag industry would give the same respect. I'm naïve to the reality of their being some folks out their who do judge based on gender but I believe they are few and far between.

My dad, Steven, and his friends Kevin and Mark - they will always pose for a pic ;)

Another example of this is when I run parts for my dad. My dad will usually call ahead to order the part he needs and I'll go get it. No matter the place, I am always welcomed with a smile and called by name. At the irrigation store they always make sure to remind me to take it slow on my four-wheeler (long story short - I flipped the thing on myself and one of the guy's had to "save" me, I was like 10 and I guess I was passed out - oops!) The employees treat me like they would my dad, as a friend. They could care less that I'm wearing mascara rather than having facial hair.

I believe this 'Women In Ag' movement is dividing us as an industry. It takes both men AND women to get the job done. Neither is better. Both have strengths. Each compliment one another. I am firm believer God made each to bring out the best of both. Is there times I wish I didn't have to ask my dad for help to lift or tighten something, oh yes. But guess who has to come to me for a creative photo?!

I was able to find an article done by the USDA it happens to be from their Women in Ag section of their website but I truly loved the direction and mindset of the woman they interviewed. I will put the link below:

https://newfarmers.usda.gov/women-ag-success-stories

My favorite quote of the whole article was this:

"I have not felt any challenges as a female growing up with a passion for raising livestock and managing our natural resources, thanks to having a supportive family and agricultural environment. My parents instilled in me the importance of hard work and being excited about what you do, whether it is agriculture-related or not. I attribute my successes to those who have raised me, and I consider that to be the agriculture community of California. There are good people out there and when we show passion and drive, the agriculture community embraces us and will help to stock our tool boxes with tools for success." 

My hope is you will come away from reading this with a renewed sense of appreciation for all of those who live and work in agriculture. It takes all kinds of kinds to bring in the crop!

As always thank you for reading.

*tips ball cap from the tractor seat*