Most of us know the old nursery rhyme about Old MacDonald and his farm. It was probably one of the first songs taught in kindergarten. It just so happens that Old MacDonald could very well be a woman these days.
Recently, I attended the 2015 Women in Agriculture Conference that took place on October 23 and 24 at Canaan Valley Resort in Davis. Nearly 200 women attended the two day conference organized by WVU Extension Agriculture & Natural Resources. Highlights included tours of Potomac Highlands Food & Farm Initiative, Blackwater Brewing Company, and an in-depth tour of a sheep and cattle farm. Friday night ended with a regionally sourced dinner from area farms and an opportunity to network with other women farmers.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the number of women farming in West Virginia has increased steadily over the last few years, and now there are now close to 10,000 women farmers across our state. Some of the women use the term "Farmerette" to describe themselves, and as one of the women stated, "I don't want to give up my feminine side just because I get dirty and sweaty."
Whichever term one prefers, "farmer" or "farmerette," there is no doubt women are playing a huge role in West Virginia agriculture.
Attending the conference were women from all over the state. There were chicken farmers, cattle farmers, produce growers, beekeepers, maple syrup producers and other farm businesses. Over the course of the two-day conference, I spoke with a number of them in depth about farming, and became well acquainted with many smart, driven, and caring women. There seemed to be a sense of urgency in what they were trying to do for themselves and their communities.
The subject of community was at the forefront of most of the conversations throughout the conference. As I took everything in, I came to the conclusion that for many of these women, farming isn't just about growing healthy food, it is about building strong, healthy families and neighborhoods.
Many of our communities across the nation are in trouble. There seems to be a disconnect of sorts, as people are more isolated than ever before. Mental and physical health issues are on the rise and help is needed. Throughout history women have been widely perceived to be naturally nurturing, so in that aspect in makes sense that more and more women are farming, as it takes a great deal of patience and hard work to raise and care for a seed that will eventually benefit a community.
While these traits are obviously very important and crucial to any farmer, they aren't the only beneficial qualities that these women possess. The farmers I encountered over these past few days truly showed me, and everyone else, just how hardworking and determined they are to not only help their communities thrive, but to also succeed in having a sustainable business.
On the last day of the conference, Agriculture Commissioner, Walt Helmick was there to present Family Roots Farm with the National American Maple Syrup Council award. Cathy Hervey and Britney Hervey-Farris won first place in the nation for their stirred maple syrup. Family Roots Farm is located in Wellsburg, West Virginia. I am proud to be working alongside many of these women and I look forward to see what the future holds for all Women in Agriculture.
Shelly Keeney is the market manager for The Wild Ramp farmers market, a nonprofit, year-round indoor market in Huntington open six days a week. The Wild Ramp is at 555 14th St. W., Huntington. For more information, visit wildramp.org/, call 304-523-RAMP (7267) or email info@wildramp.com.