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The next generation of agriculture, women

A network for women in agriculture is empowering females in a male dominated industry to lead. USDA Deputy Secretary Kyrsta Harden has been meeting with women across the country.

“Sometimes women can feel isolated.” She says, “Frankly, in their own communities there might not be someone just like them farming or ranching and they would like to know how somebody else is coping.”

Senator Debbie Stabenow joined Harden at the recent Michigan Women in Agriculture Forum.  She tells Brownfield the events were inspired by a visit between a group of all women U.S. Senators with farm women in Africa.  Stabenow says while women have always been involved in agriculture, today they’re taking on new responsibilities.

“We’re seeing now with the sophistication in agriculture, the technology, the changes that we have new opportunities for women to play different kinds of leadership roles, and I think that’s exciting.”

Harden says more women are starting careers in agriculture and will be inheriting land. She says those women need to be valued and have their voices heard.

“We’re not going having this conversation in a few years I hope, because it’s going to be so common place because there are going to be more and more leaders.” She tells Brownfield, “There are going to be more women who say, ‘I can do this, I want to this, I want my voice heard.’”

Harden’s created a network to connect women and women leaders to serve as mentors.  Those interested in the network can email [email protected] to get connected.

AUDIO: Interview with USDA Deputy Secretary Kyrsta Harden (5:04 mp3):

AUDIO: Interview with Senator Debbie Stabenow (1:58 mp3):