During World War Two, so many British men were taken or volunteered into service that there were few men left to run the great agriculture of the Kingdom. Women stepped into many roles during that time, including the service of Land Girls (as seen in the photo above).
Is it time for the Land Girls to put on the muck boots and step forward again?
I think so.
Agriculture doesn't pay. Did it ever? I'm not sure. But in today's day and age, it really doesn't pay. There are far too many subsidies for GMO's and other questionable AG practices and higher costs for organic farmers. However, I'm sure we can all agree that quality, sustainable farming is VERY important and must be preserved. So, where do we ladies come in?
Farming used to generally be a male occupation. The strappy little wife would contribute more than given credit for and give birth to plenty of little farm hands. Today, though, according to the USDA census, female farm ownership is up 30% from 2002-2007! My own husband and I hope to add to this statistic in the near future.
In order to continue farming and make it work, farming seems to have become a second income for families. At least in our future case, hubby will continue with his career while I take on the ownership and management of our small farm. It'll be my career, our second income. Another scenario to help make farms work is the man owns and runs the farm while the wife carries a second income in the outside work force. Still, I can't help but be interested in the rise in female farmers and applaud the men who support her endeavors.
In order to continue farming and make it work, farming seems to have become a second income for families. At least in our future case, hubby will continue with his career while I take on the ownership and management of our small farm. It'll be my career, our second income. Another scenario to help make farms work is the man owns and runs the farm while the wife carries a second income in the outside work force. Still, I can't help but be interested in the rise in female farmers and applaud the men who support her endeavors.
Magazines and books are catering to this new growth. Resources abound with a simple google search. Even equipment manufacturers are creating tools and machinery more suitable to the strength, nature, design and interest of women.
As an aside, women farmers are taking the world by storm all over the globe! There are funds and charities and ministries to help these women who often face family care alone due to the lack of male support, or the loss of male support in more traditional cultures. Check this out!
Hello, just clicked through from Fitnessista. You have a great blog! I'm not sure if it's different there, but here (in NZ) farming has always been a 'husband and wife' occupation. From what I've seen growing up on farms the woman has the tough job! Not only did we do physical labour (feeding animals, rousing, tagging, tailing, making hay..) but then had to cook a MASSIVE dinner for the guys while they sat around and drank beer, then get the kids in bed while they.. sat around drinking beer... ;D
ReplyDeleteNot too much different, though to the credit of men in the USA, they are getting more and more involved in household fatherhood. Maybe I'll change my tune when I'm trying to fix a flat in the middle of a muddy field, but I feel like it'll be really empowering to drive a big ol' tractor!
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