Empowering The Role of Women in Agriculture

Happy National Women's Month! Learn about the experiences, hardships, and contributions of women in agriculture. Today, we're acknowledging one particular woman leader.

Meet Heather Beaner, a trailblazing figure in agriculture. Her accomplishments and dedication are a testament to the incredible work women do in this field.

Heather has been at the forefront of sustainable farming practices. She pioneered innovative techniques that have changed the way we approach agriculture. We aim to shed light on the important role of women in agriculture through Heather's story.

Q: Can you share your journey into the world of agriculture? What inspired you to pursue a career in this field?

A: I grew up on the farm but left to go to college and then law school, ending up in the Air Force as an attorney in the JAG Corps. It was never really my intention to come back and take over the farm until my Mom’s health turned bad a decade later and my Dad was at the point of needing to make a decision about the operation since my only sibling wasn’t involved in the farm. Plus, I had met my future husband while home on leave and he was a solid South Dakota boy, so I knew my place was back home on the farm.  

Q: As a woman in agriculture, what unique perspectives or experiences do you bring to the industry?

A: Women are natural caregivers and nurturers. That gives us a unique perspective on things and we analyze situations from a different angle than most men. My time in the Air Force and as an attorney also gave me a certain skill set and problem-solving approach that is useful in business and in my work as a board member for the various Ag boards I serve.

Q: Could you highlight some of the challenges you've faced as a woman in agriculture and how you've overcome them?

A: When I first came back to the farm, especially without having any experience in production agriculture or even an Ag-related degree, I had to play catch-up on a fairly steep learning curve. My Dad worked hard over the first few years to teach me what I needed to know, but being a woman didn’t impact that. What did was when I would go to the seed or chemical meetings and be the only female in the room. Everyone assumed I was a farmer’s wife who tagged along, not the actual farmer. Salesmen and agronomists would stop by or call and ask to speak to my husband. I was always silently amused at their reactions when I replied that I was the farmer and if they wanted anything to do with our operation they had to deal with me.

Q: In your opinion, how has the role of women in agriculture evolved over the years, and what positive changes have you witnessed?

A: There are so many more women in Ag now than a decade ago when I first came back, especially in agribusiness. I’m no longer the only woman in the seed or chemical meetings! What I’ve enjoyed witnessing is that it doesn’t seem to matter to most people if the person they are dealing with is a man or woman, as long as they know what they are talking about and are good at their jobs.  

Q: What specific contributions do women make to the agricultural sector, and how do these contributions impact the industry as a whole?

A: Women are the link between the old farmers of yesteryear and the future generation. We took over from our grandfathers and fathers or started our own operations, and now we are raising the next generation of farmers. We work hard but also do the extra, like raising a family, in a way that only women can. After all, we are great multitaskers!

Q: Are there any female figures in agriculture who have inspired or influenced your career? How have they made a difference?

A: I appreciate any woman who is willing to put in the long hours, efforts towards learning, and extra work, all while being a minority in the industry just to grow their operation or become better at their job. And don’t forget about the traditional “farmer’s wife;” without the women behind the men all these years, many farms would never have survived. My grandmothers and my Mom were farmers’ wives and they were some of the strongest people I know.  

Q: How do you balance the demands of a career in agriculture with other aspects of your life, and what advice do you have for other women navigating similar challenges?

A: Much like busy women everywhere, we have to learn to say no. As a woman in production agriculture, which is a rare thing to start with, I get many requests for my time and service. I have to choose things where I can be of the greatest service but not compromise my time needed for the farm. Plus we have to get creative: my son rides around in the equipment with me quite a bit and we turn some of my board trips into family vacations.

Q: What initiatives or projects are you currently involved in to promote women's participation and success in agriculture?

A: I’ve done some mentoring and speaking about women in Ag. I often tell women who are looking to get involved in Ag or service on Ag boards that they need to know what they bring to the operation and their own skills. Don’t do things just because you are a woman, make sure that no matter your gender, people will appreciate what you have to offer.

Q: Can you share a memorable or rewarding moment from your career in agriculture that stands out as a proud achievement?

A: When my Dad was finally able to officially retire (which farmers never really do of course) because I could run the operation myself; and when the farm became profitable enough to support my husband leaving his job in town to come home to farm with me.  

Q: How do you envision the future of women in agriculture, and what steps do you think are crucial to fostering continued progress and inclusivity?

A: Women can function in every facet of agriculture, but we have to be careful that we don’t push our way in just for the sake of diversity. We need to know what we are doing too. Truly accomplished individuals in agriculture are hard workers, innovative, strong, and dedicated to taking care of the land and animals God gave us, and when we are women too, it is even better!

Empower The Women In Agriculture

The remarkable stories and insights shared by Heather highlight the invaluable contributions of women in agriculture. Heather's journey, from implementing sustainable farming methods to mentoring the next generation of female farmers, showcases the multifaceted roles women play in agriculture.

Her dedication, resilience, and innovations in sustainable farming practices demonstrate the pivotal role women play in securing our food supply and promoting agricultural sustainability. The empowerment and recognition of women in agriculture is vital for gender equality and the future of agriculture.

Start supporting and empowering women in agriculture today. We can pave the way for a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable agricultural sector that benefits us all.

We salute all women in agriculture like Heather Beaner during this special month. We acknowledge your hard work and dedication to agriculture.