It's 2017 and there are still incredible double standards when defining a farmer. This, at least, is based on my experience and research (yes, Mr. Google took part as well as my friends and relatives etc...).
How often are women still expected to deliver each meal to the field, regardless of a child or two screaming at their feet ready to eat, nap or have the poop cleaned from their behind? How often are these same women working jobs off the farm? How often are the men labelled as the farmer and the wife, just the 'farmer's wife'?
Listen up.
I won't lie and say that I'm not a bit irritated (is it obvious?) when people assume the role of a woman on the farm is somehow less than that of their husband. That somehow their presence in the barn or out on the land is, in someway, mightier than that of their wife who, most often alone, tends to all of the house chores, cooks and cares for children while simultaneously supporting her husbands demanding schedule. In addition, the women are expected to be understanding when their needs are constantly pushed aside for "everything farm". These wives are to have compassion for the farmer's busy schedule no matter what. Even date night, if you are so lucky to have one, will turn into a trip for parts. Having numerous last minute cancellations are nearly something to expect, due to their mistress - Mother Nature.
That is - spring until fall.
I can honestly say that I'm annoyed that I'm not considered a candidate for the title of 'farmer'. That somehow I am a nurse, mother and farm-wife, but not a farmer. My own retired farmer opa (grandfather - bless his heart) only considers 1 of his 21 grandkids a farmer. *Spoiler alert! It's my cousin - a male, who is his favourite due, at least in part, to the fact he farms and carries on the family name* Whether I'm his favourite or not (I'm not) it doesn't really matter, but the lack of recognition for my involvement in the farm does and here's why.
1. I want our farm to be a success - financially and subjectively;
2. Our farming business is our farming business. It's a team thing. If this ship sinks I'm going down as much as he is
3. Time. If I'm in the field or barn alongside my husband, I'm actually WITH my husband. Farm families know how sparse quality time spent together is from April-November;
4. I want to know what's going on so I can better support my husband, have empathy and understanding for the things that create frustration and long days;
5. Identity. I was raised on the farm and now I'm incredibly fortunate to be using it as a source of income where my husband and I are raising our family;
6. It's my family's farm. I'm the 3rd generation. What an honour that is.
I may not know how to fix machinery or what fertilizer each crop requires and when, but I have contributed to the farm.
I've been out in the field during planting and harvest, running the buggy and wagons. I have cultivated fields, picked stones and bailed straw. I have brought my husband meals throughout the day even when I've just worked a night shift as a nurse and am dying for good sleep. I have helped build fences, taken down trees, processed and shipped cattle, collected eggs, bottle fed calves and driven to town multiple times a day for parts. I've built my own garden boxes and maintained vegetable gardens to feed our family. My husband consults with me about new ideas, time management strategies and future goals. I'm taking care of everything house related - cleaning, cooking, childcare - so that he can focus 100% on the farming business when it's go-time.
So how am I (or other women who are similarly involved) not considered a farmer? Read the previous paragraph again with the mindset that I'm a male.
Does it read differently?
Should it?
Why?
Society appears to be on it's way to redefining the meaning of a farmer. In some ways good and others bad, but at least farming is starting to gain some mainstream attention. Now it's our job as farmers to educated the public and ensure the true value and worth of this title is recognized and not skewed by those who think they know something about farming.
More women are becoming farmers by trade, not only by marriage, attending colleges and universities for legitimate agricultural programs. Women are also participating at farming conferences in the role of attendee and speaker. However, it's important to mention that the population of farmers is majorly declining overall in Canada.
So then, isn't it time we raise a glass and celebrate the involvement of women who want to farm, in any way?
Absolutely!
Does it matter if they work off the farm as well?
Absolutely not!
Cheers to you farm wife!
