Friday On The Farm ~ 7/30/2021
In-suring a Future for Agriculture
Woman bring crucial skills to the success of agriculture. According to the 2017 Census of Agriculture, 36% of U.S. farmers are women but the role of women in agriculture goes far beyond primary farm owner and operator. While women are equally capable of decision making and operating heavy machinery, Pennsylvania’s conservative religious background has impacted the roles women traditionally assume in agriculture here. It’s not uncommon to find farm wives raising children and providing meals before, during and after those long and tedious days in the fields. Other common roles for women are record keeping and managing finances. Many in urban settings do not realize that it’s also normal for women to work off-farm in addition to their roles on the farm. More than 95% of family farms have a member that is employed off-farm, commonly referred to as a “day job”, to supplement the household income. In many cases, this is the farm wife who is capitalizing on her education and farm experience skills to succeed in a career that provides farm support services. My household is no different. I’m a wife, parent, educator, farm hand, bookkeeper, insurance agent and community volunteer.
In a previous article Doug Lapp spoke of “Big Boy Toys” they use on their farm. Someone has to build those toys, sell them and service them. To go one step further, someone has to insure them. While I do sell home, auto and commercial insurance, I love to go out and talk to farmers about their insurance needs. I have learned firsthand not everyone wants to talk to a woman about a farm issue. It’s not uncommon for me to hear, “I’ve never dealt with a female insurance agent before.” My biggest challenge is having an appropriate conversation with male farmers about his biggest assets to help find the coverage that best suits his needs. On the other hand, I’ve watched male insurance agents walk onto a farm without prior farming experience and the farmer immediately begins opening up to them. I have to work harder to prove to the farmers that I know my business and understand their needs.
I love to grow agriculture awareness and support other woman in ag and ag related fields. Less than two percent of people are directly involved with food production so there are a lot of people in our communities that don’t understand farming. The key place to start educating people where their food comes from is with kids through field trips and on-farm events. Taking time to explain and show kids fascinating aspects of farming and answering their questions is what catches their attention. I have found from experience that even the teachers in our classrooms need some time on the farm! I once did a field trip with a group of kindergarteners. As we drove past a newly planted corn field with young corn plants coming out of the ground, the teacher pointed out the growing carrots to the class. It was a little awkward correcting the teacher in front of the class!
As a Blair County Farm Bureau member, I have been fortunate enough to do Ag Literacy Week every year. During the designated week, farmers from around the county read a chosen agriculture book to young children, answer their questions and then present their teacher with the book. I am also a member of the Blair County Chamber Farm-City committee where we present opportunities for people to learn about ag through events such as visit a farm, supporting ice cream-based businesses, and honoring farmers and ag related individuals for their hard work. Most recently I have been a part of RULE, and the connections I have made in the class have been unmeasurable. I am anxious to see where these opportunities and connections will lead me in educating others about agriculture and its importance.
As you can see, women play a significant role in our farming communities on and off the farm. There are definitely days I would rather be at the farm than stuck in an office during the day but no matter where I am, I’m happiest when my work is directly having a positive impact on my community.
Shana Stern (RULE XVIII) and her husband own and operate a large custom heifer raising operation and recently ventured into growing beef as well. Shana currently serves as Secretary on the Morrisons Cove Rotary Club Board and I am the head of the youth programs associated with the club. She is also a member at Clover Creek Church of the Brethren where she coordinates some of the children’s activities including the summer vacation bible school. She serves on the Farm-City Committee through the Blair County Chamber of Commerce. Shana is also active within the PA Farm Bureau.
