More than a Gate Getter 3/9 with Kasey Knotts
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Women: The Backbone of Agriculture
According to the 2017 Census of Agriculture, there are 1.2 million female producers in the United States, and more than half of the farms and ranches had a female producer. These women accounted for $148 billion in agricultural product sales.
It’s an easy assumption to think that “Women in Agriculture” is a fad. In fact, they have always been here. Women were tending the animals, the crops, and helping make decisions long before we even thought about “Women in Ag” being a thing. Just ask any woman that was raised in Hopkins County. They can tell you what it was like when their family had a dairy, and the hard times that came with it. They can tell you about participating in the Dairy Festival, and the milking or chicken cutting competition. They know about cutting hay. They know ag, plain and simple.
The misconception is that women are new to this gig. However, I think women are just now being recognized. My husband will tell you, “Women are the future of Ag, and we won’t survive without them.” Ag women tend to be more likely to try new ways of producing. In my experience, they also seem to be more teachable.
They may not meet to drink coffee every morning to discuss how things are going, but they do seek out and join groups of other women in Ag on social media to learn and grow their business. In these groups, they ask questions and give advice. They learn from one another and provide much-needed encouragement.
In these groups, I see women that have never been around cattle before joining in the discussion. They are researching and asking questions. These women are developing their cattle business. Each part is meticulously thought out from their corral system to what they need in their vet box. They research which cattle breeds will work the best in their location and climate. The most exciting thing is when we see, “Okay ladies, I just bought my first cows.” We get to be excited with them and for them.
The support doesn’t stop there. We help each other through breeding, calving, tagging, and down to brand design. New and experienced are treated equally among women. They seek out these groups because many of them do not have the network of friends/mentors that I feel most men have within the same areas. While our numbers are growing, we are still in the minority when it comes to agriculture.
These women become advocates and very outspoken in promoting agriculture. They advocate locally, and by being influencers on social media. They strive to inform and teach others about agriculture whether it’s the lifestyle, sustainable food processes, or caring for livestock. The Women of Ag have found their voice and they are using it.
Women are fearless and strong. Support the women in your life in all endeavors whether it’s in agriculture or otherwise. They are changing the world one step at a time. They have heart, passion, and skill. What they do not know, they will learn. We take massive steps and refuse to fail. If the ag industry is to survive, we need everyone. We need newbies. We need experience. We need women.
Facebook Groups I recommend-
The Secret Life of Ag Women (21.9k Members)
True Women of Agriculture (23k Members) https://www.facebook.com/groups/458007387910423/
Recommended Influencers –
Reporting by Kasey Knotts. Additional information sourced from USDA/NASS “Female Producers (2017)”
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