Women have long been an active part of the farm.  For a lot of farms, it takes a team that may include a couple or a family, but it is a team.

International Women’s Day is March 8, 2022.  The theme for 2022 is #BreakTheBias.  Unfortunately, this is still an issue in the ag world today.  There are still many who do not recognize the value women can bring to the table.

March 8 is recognized by countries around the world as a day to celebrate women’s achievements and gender equality.

We, at the AgriNews, are excited to join forces with the Eastern Ontario Women In Ag Network (EOWIAN).  We will publish each month articles and updates that are relevant to women in agriculture.

For those that are not as active on social media, we will provide the vehicle to include you in the ongoing events and topics that are being covered.

It is easy to feel excluded in the agriculture realm.  We look forward to working with the EOWIAN to strengthen their vision.

Diane Harkin stated “a hard copy, handwritten letter gets more attention than 200 emails. It is easy to hit delete or ignore an email.  In sharing her passion for that written word we will be able to provide articles and topics that are relevant to the women in ag. 

This group of active members in agriculture are giving a vibrant resource and support for Eastern Ontario.  See pages 18 and 19 inside to meet the new executive. 

If you have topics that are of interest, please reach out to us so we can keep the content relevant and inspiring.

It can be overwhelming when you find yourself in a situation and cannot get access to the resources you need.  Knowing that someone else may have experienced or is experiencing the same issues can lighten the load and provide the path through.

Having started farming when I married, I had a lot to learn.  Yes, I had been through the 4-H program and had shown cattle but that was a far cry from understanding the events of everyday farming.  I was successful in becoming the secretary/treasurer for our local federation of agriculture.  The books were handed over to me from the gentleman that had been in the position for 20 years.  The all-male directorship welcomed me into the position.  Over the years, I did develop as a director and had direct input into decisions of the board.  I have also been an active member on the local soil and crop, local pork board and the 4-H. 

Yes, being actively involved on a board is not for everyone, but being a member of that board and having that connection to others in a similar industry can be worth its weight in gold.

Recognizing International Women’s Day is a tribute to those women who spoke out and became involved to give a voice to women.  This does not mean we are superior, just that we too, have ideas and can inspire, develop, and manage businesses. 

Linda Vogel