Recent investigations indicate that the distinct pressures associated with farm life could be negatively impacting a key group in farming households: the women who help sustain these families.
As most Americans, you might not often consider the origins of your food. Furthermore, the contributors behind that food may not cross your mind either.
However, a new study from the University of Georgia highlights that the unique demands of agricultural life might be affecting a crucial part of the family units responsible for your meals: the women who are essential to keeping farming families operational.
“If we don’t have control over our food supply, we lose control over our health and safety,” stated Anna Scheyett, the primary author of the study and a professor at the UGA School of Social Work. “Ensuring farmers’ viability in the U.S. is a matter of national security. A significant factor in the survival of farms is the involvement of women.”
Women play an essential role in agriculture, both on and off the farm
The research involved six focus group sessions with over 25 women who are married to farmers in rural Georgia.
According to Scheyett, women are indispensable in farming. Some women are directly involved in farming, while others assist their spouses in the daily operations. Yet, much of their labor tends to be “invisible,” which is a sentiment echoed among the participants.
They frequently manage everything other than farming, including household chores, yard maintenance, and childcare. One participant expressed feelings akin to being a single parent, saying, “If it’s related to our children or household, that responsibility falls entirely on me.”
Given the unpredictability of farming, where a single bad frost can devastate a season’s harvest, two-thirds of the women in the study also work full time outside the home. This adds financial stability and health benefits for the families, but it also increases the mental burden on these women.
In addition to their jobs and managing non-farming responsibilities, more than half of the women in the study also oversaw the financial management of their families’ farms, contributing a distinct source of stress.
“He doesn’t pay attention to the finances … I carry that weight of our incoming and outgoing funds,” one woman shared.
Many also participate in farm work but often diminish their own contributions, stating they merely “handle hay” or referring to their spouses as “the primary farmer.”
Emotional management and coping with stress becomes challenging for farming wives
The women conveyed the pressure to remain a “bright spot” for everyone around them, feeling responsible for managing their husbands’ emotions during tough times.
“Whenever they’re stressed, you’re going to bear the brunt of it,” remarked one participant.
The participants acknowledged leading a life that can feel isolated and lonely.
“People often overlook that being a farmer’s wife means you can’t clock out at 5 o’clock to socialize like most people do… It’s a full-time, seven days a week job,” one participant mentioned.
“It’s easy to feel down,” said another.
Finding pride and joy to navigate farm life
The women frequently downplayed their challenges, characterizing their farm roles as simple and labeling their husbands’ efforts as “real work.” They also minimized the negative feelings they absorbed from their husbands.
“I don’t think they intend any harm,” and “I just tune it out,” were common expressions among the focus group participants.
A recurring positive theme among the women was their pride in farm life and the joy they experience in raising their children in that environment. One wife expressed feeling fortunate because “we live right in the middle of it all; there’s nothing like it,” while others expressed that “it’s an amazing way to raise children.”
“These women are strong and resilient … They are deeply passionate about farming and the farm lifestyle.” — Anna Scheyett, School of Social Work
“These are determined, resilient women,” stated Scheyett. “The title of the paper — ‘A great life if you can stand it’ — comes from one of the women’s comments.
“They take pride in farming and farm life, feeling proud of their family’s efforts, their children, and their husbands’ hard work along with their own.”
Additionally, they do not seek pity, the researchers noted. The women collectively agreed that while raising families on a farm is challenging, it is also a deeply rewarding experience and they wouldn’t trade it.
Express appreciation for farming families
Despite this, the researchers advocate for greater acknowledgment of their contributions in ensuring the U.S. food supply.
“I’d love to see a campaign that expresses gratitude to farmers and their families for their service to the nation,” Scheyett commented. “They risk their well-being every day so we can eat and live. A simple ‘thank you’ would be the least we could do.”
Connecting women to Extension services could also alleviate their feelings of isolation and enhance their quality of life.
Another challenge is securing childcare, which can be hard to find and quite expensive in rural areas. Policies aimed at improving access to quality and affordable childcare “would offer these women some respite,” Scheyett said.
“Ultimately, I hope people can move beyond any stereotypes they hold about farmers and farming families,” she said. “If we fail to support these families, we jeopardize our ability to produce food as a country.”
