WOMEN IN THE FIELD

Canadian farmers and ranchers set a strong global example and stand at the forefront of the agricultural industry. While both male and female farmers / ranchers face daily challenges, women in agriculture have struggled, globally, for many years. Canada showcases incredible examples of females in agriculture and as a nation, we continue to set trends. Our agricultural sector has experienced growth in many ways, however the reported number of farmers/ranchers continues to decline. Now more than ever, it’s imperative that agriculture remains appealing to younger generations and proper avenues of support remain accessible to everyone.

The Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN) indicates that women make up 43% of the global, agricultural labour force. National Geographic indicates that most economically active women, especially in the less-developed countries, work in agriculture. Statistics Canada and the UN both indicate that approximately 30% of farmers in the United States and Canada are women. While these numbers continue to rise and a balance of gender-based participation in agriculture is near, gender specific obstacles burden many female farmers / ranchers, especially outside of North America. Land and livestock ownership, equal pay, and access to credit / financial services impede women’s ability to advance in agriculture, in many countries. National Geographic notes that less than 20% of landholders in developing countries are women. In some parts of the world, women still cannot legally own or control land.

National Geographic correspondent Maryellen Kennedy Duckett noted, “When a female farmer isn’t empowered to make decisions about the land she works; it is impossible for her to enter contract farming agreements that could provide higher earnings and reliable sources of income.” Canada sets precedence, world-wide, having a powerful and influential female, farmer / rancher cohort. We have strong numbers of women in agricultural pursuits and promote programs that empower and encourage equal gender participation in the agricultural sector.

Female farm operators, and spokeswomen for farming/ ranching disciplines, play a pivotal role in Canadian agriculture. Federal government initiatives, such as the Women Entrepreneur Program (WEP), have fostered an increase in female based agricultural and agri-food endeavors. Launched in 2019, the WEP program has invested over $500 million dollars, to date. The 2021 Canadian Census shows that female farm operators increased by nearly 3%, for the first time since 1991. In the same period, a 5% decrease in male farmers was reported. While Canada’s female farmer population has increased, the Census of Agriculture shows a total farm operator decline of nearly 33%, in the past 30 years. These numbers are, uniquely, something to celebrate and something to be mindful of. While many believe this trend is influenced by male farmers / ranchers working “off- farm,” to keep afloat, others believe women are taking a more active role because access to funding has increased and more women serve as role models in the industry.

As a nation, Canada is quickly approaching gender equality in the agricultural industry. Sadly, our total number of farmers / ranchers requires attention. In any event, Canadian farmers / ranchers set a global example and our female farmers / ranchers have a wealth of knowledge to share. How can Canadian farmers / ranchers build appeal and support equal growth in our agricultural industry? Without prejudice, three Western Horse Review interviewees share their well-rounded thoughts.

A fourth-generation farmer, Erica Thew loves everything about the agricultural industry. From the people involved and the work it entails, to putting food on tables (world-wide), and advocating for the industry, each element is an integral piece of a very detailed puzzle. In preserving a respected way of life and being a good steward of the land, Thew aims to uphold her family legacy and carry forward Canada’s reputation in the global, agricultural industry. Farming close to 14,000 acres, Thew and family have a primary rotation of Hard Red Spring Wheat, Yellow Peas, Malt Barley, and Canola. In addition, Thew raises 80 head of commercial, Red and Black Angus cattle on her native, unfarmable pastureland. As a young girl, Thew spent a great deal of time with her father, learning