Women In Agriculture

 

"Where should I begin? I guess I should begin where understanding agriculture begins, what God teaches. Have you ever read Proverbs 31:10-31? It starts with "Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life." The next several verses tell about the important role a farmer's wife has. She is not just a chief cook and bottle washer, she is a business lady making important decision like buying a field to grow food for her family and to sell in the city. The fruit of her labor provides her the opportunity to buy land and buy a wide variety food for her family. Her resourcefulness also allows her to be able to share her bounty with the poor and needy. The farmer's wife was to do this to bring honor to her husband and provide a safe home for her family. But even more important she does this to honor and worship the Lord.

          This virtuous farm wife will not only be praised by her husband and children but she will also be known and praised in the city. It was God who first offered a way for us women to receive respect for what we do."

Proverbs 31:10-31 (KJV)

Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

     She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
     She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
     She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

     Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

Women And Agriculture

Did you know women seem to be able to do a better job in caring and feeding the baby calves on dairy farms? Many times when a lady runs the pig nurseries the pigs are healthier.

 

In 2002 12.6% of the farms in the US were run by women (maybe as high as 18 in 2012)

 

American Agri-Women Organization

 

Did You Know?

Alice Evans, aka “The Pioneer of Safe Milk” trailblazing research led to the mandatory pasteurization of milk.

 

Did you Know?

Elizabeth Coleman White was responsible for the development of the first commercial variety of blueberries in 1916.

 

 

Did you Know?

Margaret Brown Newton's research in the 1920'2 & 30's led to drastically cutting the loss in wheat production from stem rust in Canada and throughout the world.

 

Amegda J. Overman,

 

Picture Perfect: Audra Mulkern and the Female Farmer Project | UC Food Observer

Farmher

Iowa Women In Agriculture

National Women In Agriculture

Wonder Women of Agriculture | USDA

Women in Agriculture | Alternative Farming Systems Information Center | NAL | USDA

Women in Ag Learning Network (extension.org)

Women in Agriculture | Successful Farming

The Importance of Women In Ag | Successful Farming (agriculture.com)

Women Who Revolutionized Agriculture and the World: Part 1 (womeninagscience.org)

 

Harriet Williams Russell Strong

(1844-1926)

Widowed with kids and without any formal education, Harriet pioneered new methods in water conservation and dry land irrigation to supply her walnut, olive and pomegranate plantings. She created several inventions and patents, raised fast-growing pampas grass and sold plumes in her efforts to save her family and ranch from debt. She later became the leading commercial grower of walnuts in the U.S. Her life’s work and advocacy for water conservation, irrigation, women’s rights and education gained her fame as an inventor, agricultural pioneer, civic leader, philanthropist and advocate for women.

Dr. Mary Engle Pennington

(1872-1952)

The “Ice Woman” of the “Cold Chain” revolutionized the food supply and distribution system by developing safe and sanitary methods for processing, storing and shipping dairy products, poultry, eggs and fish. In addition to instilling food safety and preservation practices, the chemist and engineer helped design and evaluate transportation and storage mediums aimed at maintaining low temperatures to reduce bacteria counts in refrigerated and frozen foods. Mary served President Hoover’s Food Administration, USDA, and FDA, as well as the private sector. 

Dr. Temple Grandin's Web Page