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Is it time for a new definition of “farmer”? Or just some recognition?

Is it time for a new definition of “farmer”? Or just some recognition?

In Post #2 in this series, we heard from women on the reasons why they don’t use the term “farmer”. Many women told me that they aren’t a farmer because they don’t own land, machinery or animals. Or because they do only a small portion of the total farm work required. Others have said their off-farm career or role as a mother takes precedence. But why can’t women use multiple labels? Why are there so many real or perceived restrictions around using the term “farmer”? Gender p

Does the term “farmer’s wife” cut it?

Does the term “farmer’s wife” cut it?

Many women choose to use “farmer’s wife” to describe themselves, their lifestyle and often their additional responsibilities. But what’s the difference between a farmer’s wife and a farmer? If these women have farming responsibilities, why aren’t they farmers? Interestingly “farmer’s wife” and “farm wife” can mean very different things to different people (just like the term “farmer”), but for most of the women I spoke to “farmer’s wife” seems to summarize their role in suppo

Why don’t farming women call themselves farmers?

Why don’t farming women call themselves farmers?

Before we even start on this question, we need to talk about the elephant in the room: we don’t have a standardized definition for the term “farmer”. It means very different things to different people. And after talking to many men and women (farmers and non-farmers), it’s important to start off this discussion with a disclaimer. Our industry (and society at large), don’t have a consensus on what it means to be a farmer. But let’s explore the opinions of a few women who farm

Are you a farmer? Yes, No and everywhere in between for women

Are you a farmer? Yes, No and everywhere in between for women

It seems like a simple question, but I’ve realized the response to “Are you a farmer?” is hella complicated for women. When Maureen Balsillie, who coordinates this blog, asked me to write a post on why many farming women don’t use the term “farmer” to describe themselves, I balked. Really? Is that a thing? And then Maureen mentioned my own mom, Joan, who only just started using the term farmer to describe herself. But for 25 years she supported the family dairy farm without u

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