Role of women in farming and food production is changing

by Tracey Arts Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture

Women have long played a very pivotal although often unseen role in Canadian agriculture. Traditionally, that role has been one of support, from doing the farm books and helping with chores, to raising the family, managing the household and whatever else was needed behind the scenes to keep things running.

It was less common to see women actively running or managing farm businesses or participating in leadership roles with farm and agricultural organizations, but that’s something that has been increasingly changing –and the latest Census of Agriculture numbers back that up.

For the first time since 1991, when the Census of Agriculture first started collecting data on this topic, the number of female farmers in Canada has increased, rising to 30.4% of the farm population. And interestingly, that growth is attributed entirely to an increase in what Statistics Canada calls “one-operator farms” – that is, women who farm by themselves. The data also shows that more women are now running large farm businesses than ever before too.

As we mark International Women’s Day this week, it’s interesting for me to reflect on this evolution in our industry. I farm together with my husband and our children in Oxford County and I’m also a director on the board of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA), the largest farm organization in the province.

I grew up on farm and completed schooling as a veterinary technician, so agriculture has always been a part of my life. When you’re in a life like farming, which is a 365day a year job, it’s important to love what you do and I’ve always enjoyed being around animals and working outside. And it’s rewarding when you can raise healthy livestock, grow a good crop or have a high yielding harvest.

When I was growing up, sales and service people coming to our farm wouldn’t be interested in speaking to my mother about issues related to the farm even though she did the books, paid the bills and spent her fair share of time on a tractor cropping or baling hay.

On our farm today, our suppliers and service providers understand that I’m an involved partner in our family business and speak to both of us equally. I know that is not yet every woman in agriculture’s experience, but the industry has definitely come a long way in accepting women in leadership and management roles.

Things have also been evolving at the farm organization level. The OFA, for example, currently has both a female president and a female general manager, and I share the board table with both female and male directors.

There is still room for more change, though, when it comes to women being accepted as equals across many different aspects of life. Society in general views men who stand up for their opinions as strong leaders, whereas women in a similar capac- fleeing domestic violence. If you, or someone you know, is considering help, please call our 24/7 crisis line at 613.774.2838 or email staff@naomiscentre.com for information and help. Our operations are funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, and the generous donations received by the community are used to directly support the residents who stay here.

House of Lazarus

Thrift Store Property Burglarized

ity are sometimes called difficult – a scenario that is experienced by women in many sectors, not just agriculture, and still needs to change.

That being said, my advice to girls and women considering a career in agriculture or taking on a leadership role in a farm business or agricultural organization is to just go for it if that’s something you’re interested in.

It’s not always an easy road, so finding a mentor, a good group of friends or other supports is helpful. Taking leadership training is also valuable as it helps you learn new skills, build a professional network and give you the confidence to speak up with conviction. I’m just completing the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program and have found it to be extremely useful to help me further my skills, grow my network, and build my confidence.

Women have always been in the background of agriculture, but we’ve proven that we’re very capable to be at the forefront of farming too.

by Brandon Mayer

A local charitable organization has been victimized, and it turns out it’s not the first time. The House of Lazarus is a local not-for-profit organization based in Mountain which runs a thrift store in that town, a food bank in South Mountain, and a satellite thrift store and food bank location in Ingleside. The organization also runs over two dozen programs all dedicated to providing human compassion at a time when people need it the most. During the overnight hours between March 1 and March 2, the donation area of HOL’s main headquarters was burglarized and vandalised.

“To the visitors that destroyed and vandalized our donation area over night, you are not only stealing from us, but those in our community that rely on our support,” reads a social media post made by a member of the HOL team. “This is very disheartening to our staff and volunteers who work so hard day in and day out, to start their day off cleaning up ripped bags and boxes from others that disrespect our property. We see you, this needs to stop. We are working closely with the OPP to end this.”

Vicki Cane of HOL provided some insight regarding what happened at the property. She ex- plained that a vehicle showed up, and the perpetrators ripped open bags and boxes and left most of what they rummaged through in a mess. The perpetrators did make off with a few items, but only what they could carry in their arms. The license plate of the vehicle that was used in committing the crime is not known, but the Ontario Provincial Police is currently conducting an investigation.

It wasn’t just the property’s donation area that was targeted. A relatively new shed that serves as an electronics recycling shed was also broken into. Although nothing was taken from the shed, the door was badly damaged which is unfortunate because HOL paid to have the shed built just last summer.

This is not the first time that the House of Lazarus property has been victimized. Vandalism and minor thefts have happened periodically in recent years, though nothing has happened to date that was quite as bold as what happened last week. Vicki explained that many people likely see HOL as an easy target, but given

Misener, Sandra Carolyn (Baker)

Sandra was born January 6th, 1947, passed away at the Ottawa Heart Institute on February 22, 2023. Survived by beloved husband Ron Misener, cherished grandson Drew Sargent. Also survived by step-daughter Katharine Maloley (spouse Dan Maloley) and grandchildren Gordon, Jacob and Sarah. Sandra was a proud Aunt to many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and greatgreat nieces and nephews. Also survived by sister-in law Helen Baker. Sandra was predeceased by her parents Jacob Baker and Clara Baker (Shay), siblings Edith (Edie) Chambers, John (Joe), Marlene Stewart and infant son Thomas. Predeceased by much loved daughter Tracey. Sandra served the community as owner of Muriel’s Flowers for 35 years and served on many committees in the town of Winchester, Ontario. On February 26th at 1pm, a Celebration of Life was held at the Winchester Lion’s Hall. A graveside service will follow in the spring. Memorial donations can be made to the Winchester District Memorial Hospital or a local charity of your choice in her memory. Condolences/Tributes/Donations

Hulse, Playfair & McGarry www.hpmcgarry.ca

613-774-1117

Tid Bit Musings

by Elva Patterson Rutters RSSW

Focusing on women is synonymous with focusing on men. Be it roles, fashion, physical attributes, personalities, temperaments, habits, interests, passions and so on, the element of definition is in fact comparison and the resulting justification or refuting. Ironically, much doesn't compute with being sensible or practical. When there is equal focus on men and on women, true respect and equality has blossomed. Where does your mindset rest or perhaps fluctuate?

Our upbringing sets an example for our reactions and perhaps normalizes acceptance of indicators others find objectionable. To develop your understanding, start by defining an expectation and explore why you have that opinion. For starters, why should the woman be the one making breakfast? Perhaps in your background that is what your parents did. If on a farm, the man went out to check the livestock prior to coming in to the kitchen for a breakfast made by his "fraa" (wife). But in today’s world, both can work together to make breakfast or brunch, or take turns. If the wife is sick, had surgery, gave birth, is nursing the child, changing diapers, why does she have to get up to make the breakfast when the male can easily put toast in the toaster or make porridge?

Times do change, as do the roles of women and men. Women need to be respected and treated with dignity, as do everyone else. Behaviors are the objective component. Variance of physique, hair length, dress styles, sexual orientation, ritual, etc, all are as different as the day is long. Ask yourself if it is morally threatening or life threatening for your situation and react accordingly.

Unfortunately, males physically have the equipment to force sex onto the spouse but that is sexual abuse. To force your wife into non-consensual sex is RAPE!!! Sexual assaults of female children is higher than females raping little boys or even boys being sexually abused by males but that is only by reports. Reports are more difficult by males (young or adult) unfortunately. For too many years women were sexual objects with no regard for feelings or respect. The tide has turned. Sadly, the institutionalized abuse is being highlighted and all we can do is change our levels of acceptance AND our own behaviors. Your behavior, attitude and beliefs will be the catalyst for change. As Nike says - JUST DO IT!

Periods –What’s Normal?

submitted by Andrea Empey

Like so many other teenage girls, I had no idea what to expect with my first period. I also did what so many other teenage girls do - I asked the women in my life. While this may seem like a good idea, it isn't! If they don't know what a "normal period" is, how can they actually answer this question?!

When I complained to my family doctor about cramps, I was given very strong painkillers. When I complained that the flow was too heavy, I was put on B12 supplements, told I was anemic and given the option of taking birth control pills (a nightmare story for another day). For the longest time, I accepted this as my lot in life. I didn’t know there was another option.

When I was first told what a "normal" period and cycle were, my jaw dropped. It shocked me to learned that my period and cycle was the furthest thing from "normal", that it had never been "normal". What a normal cycle and period should be:

A normal menstrual cycle should be approximately 28 days, plus or minus a day here or there. A normal period should be 4-5 days long. It should start, peak and then taper off. It should be slightly darker than if you'd cut yourself and not too heavy or too light.

That's it.

What an abnormal cycle and period might be:

For every woman, your cycle may a little different based on the symptoms you’re experiencing. Your period can also shift and change throughout your life as well.

An abnormal period and cycle might include symptoms like:

- early, late or irregular periods

- long periods (5+ days)

- heavy periods

- cramps

- clots

- PMS

- depression, sadness, moodiness

- migraines

- acne

- night sweats

- insomnia

- bloating

- and more.

In short - a monthly nightmare for some, a pain in the butt for others and almost tolerable for a few. The good news - you don't have to live with the symptoms you've struggled with! There are treatment options.

Timing

The timing of your cycle overall can be a challenge, especially when it's irregular! One of my first suggestions is to track it. There are a ton of apps these days that can help with this. Also, pay attention to what your body is telling you throughout the month (not only during your period).

How long is your period?

Anything shorter than 4 days is likely too short, especially if you’re trying to conceive. Anything over 5-6 days is too long. Ideally, you’re also not experiencing any spotting with your period.

This is a bit of a Goldilocks situation. Too long can lead to too much blood loss and too short can lead to either poor shedding of the uterine lining or insufficient blood creating the lining. Is your period heavy?

Given the number of period products available these days, it's hard to tell what a normal volume of blood loss actually is. If you're relying on both tampons and pads on your heaviest day, you should get at least 5+ hours. If you're changing more frequently, then you may have a heavy to extremely heavy period.

Period cups are a great way to tell exactly how much blood you're losing month to month as they usually hold a specific volume of blood that can be tracked.

Is your period painful?

Cramping and clots tend to coincide. Depending on the size of the clots, there may or may not be increased pain or cramping. This typically shows up as lower abdominal pain but can also be lower back pain. Ultimately, periods should be entirely pain free. This isn't limited to cramps but also includes things like breast tenderness, pain and/or distension.

For easing clots, using a menstrual cup or pads only may help. I know that the idea of only using pads isn't a very popular one; however, it's the best option for reducing period pain and clots as much as possible before working on additional reasons why the pain and clots to be present.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

PMS is often associated more with emotions like anger, irritability, depression, sadness, anxiety and mood swings. PMS is occasionally associated with physical symptoms like fatigue, acne, migraines, breast tenderness, abdominal distension (bloating), insomnia, cravings, appetite changes, weight gain (3+ pounds) and more.

These are typically symptoms that start prior to your period and end the day before your period starts or on day one of your period. It’s important to know that these symptoms may start at early at 14 days prior to your period. This is why tracking through the entire month is important!

Things you can do

There are a number of things you can do at home to help your period and your cycle. This starts with tracking your cycle so you know what’s happening.

- Movement is the next thing that can be very helpful. Getting out and moving gently daily for three weeks of your cycle is optimal. Be gentle with yourself when you’re on your period. If you’re experiencing pain, getting up and moving may help even if it’s the last thing you want to do.

- Eating magnesium, zinc and B6 rich foods all month can also help to alleviate pain. If you’re looking to improve your flow, eating iron and B12 rich foods may help.

- Talking to your healthcare provider or seeing someone who works specifically with those who are struggling with their periods or cycles.

If you’re still struggling and want help figuring out your next steps, please contact me at Hello@DancingWillowWellness.com.