“There seems to be a lot of buzz in the past few years about “women in Ag”, but I don’t ever feel like my role in the farm has changed because of it.” Brenda Walde, CFO of Rosanna Farms, wife, and mother thoughtfully reviewed Rural Women’s Month.
Walde is in a position to do so since she has co-ownership of Rosanna Farms and Walde Farms with her husband, Robin Walde. The farms employ several employees and produce grain, oilseed and pulse crops for the Canadian market. With a background in administration, finance and human resources, Brenda Walde plays a key role in heading not only the business’ financial databases but also their worldwide presence through social media and website management.
Walde continued her thoughts on Rural Women’s month, noting that the “buzz” is rather behind the times. “I have been blessed to be mentored by both my mother and mother-in-law to be a strong rural woman.” This was before Rural Women’s Month made it popular to do so. Regardless of the possible over-hype of the observance, Walde noted that the principal of having women highly involved in the industry can give more knowledge to the industry and about the industry.
For example, the public relations side of managing the Waldes’ ag business is a great avenue for Walde to use her skills in communication. “I am passionate about agriculture being properly represented to those outside of the ag community. I want people to know we are conscientious stewards of the land we have been entrusted with and we are truly privileged to contribute to feeding our big world.”
Walde’s outlook on women in agriculture was echoed by another Kindersley-area producer, Jolene Shea. Shea says it’s nothing new to see women actively a part of, or being leaders in, farms; but what is new is how they are being recognized in the world of crop and livestock production. “It’s great to see how so many are working to give women a face in agriculture.”
Shea is a good authority on the matter. As a farm kid, Shea faced a common farm kid conundrum, would the cow/calf operation raise her or would she raise the cow/calf operation? In Shea’s case, both happened. “I was always helping Dad out with the cows, and then started my own herd in 2009.” Shea recently incorporated with her father in Sheady Farms as a part of their succession plan.
As a part of their operation, Sheady Farms manages some crop production as well as growing, cutting, baling and stacking their hay and straw. Because of this, it is a common occurrence for neighbors to drive by and wave to Shea, faithfully driving farm equipment at all hours of the day. She says she enjoys creating her mark in the world through her cattle operation. “When you are able to do something you enjoy, it never feels like work.”
Referring to the impact women have been making in agriculture, Shea noted the different outlook that women have, can propagate huge benefits for agriculture as a whole. For example, the changing consumer demand is resulting in policy changes for companies and producers. “When you start talking about serving only antibiotic-free meat or promoting GMO-free products, it’s important for the industry to have many different people promoting the safety of our products.”
As an interesting note, Rural Women’s month often promotes women in agriculture, however, not all rural women are involved in agriculture — some have a different rural business. For example, Anna Tarves has owned and operated an oilfield fluid hauling business in the Coleville area since 2013.
Tarves, originally from British Columbia, says that moving to Saskatchewan provided her the space and opportunity to start a business that works for her own personal preferences. “Owning my own business has given me more options in terms of flexibility and expansion—in theory anyways.” Tarves laughed somewhat ruefully at her statement, but then continued with the positives of her independent role.
“There are options to adjust the size of your operation depending on the economic climate at the time and you are able to choose your own business path and direction. For me, that meant moving from one truck and zero employees to two full-time trucks and three employees.”
Working and owning a business in an area that has a predominately male presence has not been exactly easy for Tarves. While media boosts might make the practice more socially recognized, the nuts and bolts of the matter are not without their challenges. “I think it takes a bit longer to prove that you’re serious about your job, and you have the work ethic and drive to succeed.” Tarves says determination and competency play major roles in making your mark. “If you work hard, you can overcome preconceived notions.”
Whether it’s shouldering jobs in the patch, toting meals out to the field, running the combine, managing the books, or assisting a calf birthing, rural women are a strong backbone for our province. Walde put her finger on the pulse of the matter, “we are all very diverse women, some work off the farm and some work right alongside their partners in the operation. But everywhere we are blessed by rural life. Wide open spaces, watching the stars and northern lights, walking quiet, endless dirt roads and breathing in the smell of the soil. Our kids learn to work, raise animals, appreciate small town relationships and always know that home is just down the gravel road.”
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