The True Unsung Heroes, Women in Agriculture

Amanda Nolz October 26th, 2009

Women in agriculture are unsung heroes. When a woman vows to marry a farmer, she knows she is also marrying the operation, too, including the cattle, sheep, hogs, crops, hay and all of the work that goes with it. When marrying into farm life, she knows she will have a life full of blessings and a life full of trials. Yet, she takes it in stride, making it look easy as she balances things like off-the-farm work, home, family, food, bills, records, busy schedules, laundry, gardening, community service activities and the list goes on. However, despite how the farmwife manages to conquer the day-to-day tasks with ease, the one thing that is often forgotten is her. Today, I want to remind farm women how greatly appreciated they truly are.

That’s where Annie’s Project comes in. Annie’s Project is an educational program dedicated to strengthening women’s roles in the modern farm enterprise. This program is based on the life of a farm woman in Illinois, Annette (Kohlhagen) Fleck (1922-1997). Annie’s goal was to marry a farmer and she did. She spent her lifetime learning how to be an involved business partner with her farm husband. Of course, there were challenges including three generations living under one roof, low profitiability, changing farm enterprises and raising a family. Annie had to make many painful sacrifices that tested her conviction to be married to a farmer.

Last week, I attended a meeting of SASSY (Sustaining Annie’s in South Dakota for Years to Come), an extension of Annie’s Project. McCook County Extension Educator Heather Gessner hosts the five-part series for these women, and I had the opportunity to interview her. Listen to my interview below, and thanks to all the farm women out there. You are greatly appreciated!

BEEF Daily Quick Fact: The mission statement of Annie’s Project is to empower farm women to be better business partners through networks and by managing and organizing critical information.

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8 Comments to “The True Unsung Heroes, Women in Agriculture”

Sara Faivre-Davis Says:

October 26th, 2009 at 11:20 am

Hooray for Ag Women!

Not all ag women are the “wives” and “helpmates”. My husband married into my operation, not the other way around. I fight against the bias that he is the primary business-person, and I should be in the Angus Auxilary.

I hope the Annie program is focusing on the partnership, and helping to get ag women recognized as ag business women, as well as dealing with the tough dual role we play as mothers and caregivers.
Julie Groce Says:

October 26th, 2009 at 11:39 am

Speaking of women in agriculture, last week during the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, IN, it was announced that Senator Mike Johanns led an effort in the Senate to commemorate 40 years of women in the Future Farmers of America, which is now known as the National FFA Organization. Read more at the link below.

http://www.ffa.org/documents/conv_091022_johanresolution.pdf
Mary Collins Landin Says:

October 26th, 2009 at 11:56 am

Some of us ARE the farmers, we were born and raised into farm families, didn’t marry one. I have about 300 mama cows, with their calves, replacement heifers, bulls, etc on my 1000 farm here in central Mississippi, and handle almost all the farm work myself. I hire out somebody to cut my hay (on my own land), but I do everything else. I’m sure I am not the only one like me out there!
Benita Wells Says:

October 26th, 2009 at 12:42 pm

I was born and raised on a NC farm and even though I said I would NEVER MARRY A FARMER, I did. And I dont regret it one second. We have built, together, a livestock operation that encompasses our grown sons. Never have I felt like I was on the outside of making decisions…my imput was needed. It really doesnt matter to me if the outside sees me as a viable partner or not…I know I am.
Joan Ruskamp Says:

October 26th, 2009 at 2:00 pm

Thanks, Amanda, for recognizing that women play an important role in agriculture. I have found that the challenges are mostly misunderstandings about what we do. Perhaps we could get Hallmark to have a “Women In Ag” day to celebrate. Ladies, if you are anywhere near Norfolk, NE we have a one-day conference on November 20th that is going to be well worth your time!
Jerry Laskody Says:

October 27th, 2009 at 12:35 am

I thank God every day for the things my wife does on our small operation.
betty deines Says:

October 27th, 2009 at 10:56 pm

What I hate is when someone asks your occupation and you say you are a farmwife their immediate response is “I’ll put housewife.” Unless they are active in farming people have no idea what a farmwife does.
Amanda Nolz Says:

October 30th, 2009 at 4:39 pm

Women in agriculture rock! I appreciate each and every one of you for what you do! A HUGE thank you to each and everyone of you!