Letter to the Editor: Farm Matriarchs Did More than Make Meatloaf

You recently used a photo of me in connection with your article titled “Females May Reign in Future of Farming.” This article talked about the shift/increase in women in the agricultural industry, but I wanted to comment on your opening line.  You wrote, “The days of the man working hard on the farm while his wife prepares supper may not be gone, but they may be on the way out.” This seems to imply that women actually working on a farm is a new concept, and I felt I must say something to recognize the many wonderful farm women who have been incredible mentors to me growing up and in my life.

While it is awesome to read that women are attending classes in animal and dairy science, feeling comfortable seeking leadership roles, and breaking boundaries (per se) to get recognition for their work in agriculture, the truth is, there have always been many women working quite hard on our dairy farms…and trust me, they were doing more than just making meatloaf!

Like me, my mother, grandmothers, and mother-in-law all were farmers’ wives. And, I’ve known many other women in my community who work on farms. I was raised with and witnessed a great respect for what each person contributed to the common goal of seeing the farm succeed.  There never was talk of “his or her work” while working on the farm…there was just work. For generations these strong women, alongside their husband, woke before the sun, drove farm equipment, picked stones, baled and unloaded hay, milked cows, cleaned pens, fed cows, bottle fed calves, worried over sick animals, corralled animals in places they didn’t always want to go, monitored cows in labor, mowed the lawn, got calluses on their hands, prayed for rain, prayed for the rain to stop, balanced books, and yes, prepared supper.  

While many didn’t drive away each morning to “go to work,” they had their own time clock in their head and much concern about all that happened on the farm. A typical day may start out with a routine of getting animals fed/barn clean/milking, but as the day went on it could take twists and turns…sometimes taking them on road trips for elusive machinery parts, sometimes to the ER for stitches, or sometimes sprinting across the road because “Winnie” discovered the gate was unchained.

Many raised big families, and had gardens and fruit trees to feed that family. Their strong hands canning and freezing the food that would sustain them over the winter months. They also volunteered at church, read stories at school, and took care of their elders. All without the modern advances we now have in technology to aid them in their work.  

As I reflect on their lives, I am in awe of their accomplishments. Their constant motion and purpose, all done with great love for God, creation, and family. How they were a humble but important part of a team that worked together – how they could be pushed to extremes and still sacrifice time to help a neighbor in need.

I liked the article and wish the future of farm women all the best! I just wanted to give a shout out to all the farm women of the past and present, because while they make some incredible meals, I know they have impacted me and others around them in other ways too. Thank you!

Julie Kiehnau

Egg Harbor, Wis.