In a world where the agricultural industry has long been dominated by men, the rise of female farmers is a powerful and inspiring trend that is reshaping the way we view farming.
Women in agriculture are bringing innovation, sustainability, and a unique perspective to the fields, quite literally.
“I think over the past 10 years everyone has seen what women are capable of and that is helping to change perspectives,” says multi-talented, Jill of all trades, Cindy Little.
Cindy has carved her own unique path in the world of agriculture, animals, and adventure. From the sprawling landscapes of Canada to the sun-kissed fields of Australia, Cindy is a testament to what women in agriculture are capable of.
Growing up helping on the family farm and horse riding, gave Cindy her love for farming and animals which later inspired her to complete an agriculture degree, with honours at Massey University.
With degree completed Cindy headed to Canada where she worked taking care of horses at a trekking and hunting establishment. From there she moved to a Canadian cattle feedlot housing 25,000 beef cows where she spent a lot of time on horseback looking for sick or weak cows, as well as helping with cropping to be used in the feedlot.
Canadian winters are long and very cold, so Cindy welcomed the opportunity to help with the Australian grain harvest. After which she headed home to NZ with her experience for the hay contracting season which she enjoyed. For the next few years Cindy repeated this routine and spent time each year in each country.
“For earlier generations of farming women, life was incredibly tough, and women worked extremely hard and, with that in mind, it’s amazing for me to be able to have done all of this,” Cindy explains.
“Women are increasingly being viewed as great assets to the farming industry and many employers are realising that women are generally gentler on gear and equipment and often have a softer, but practical, hand with stock which has good results.”
Cindy says that while she can do most things a man can there is the odd thing that can be tricky.
“Some things I physically can’t do without putting myself in danger, men are physically different and have more muscle strength, so I have to find creative ways to get around some things.”
Managing a sheep, beef and deer farm was the first role Cindy took on when she moved back to NZ permanently. Keen to be available to contract over the warmer months Cindy left this position to take on more casual sheep and beef farm work.
“It’s definitely getting harder to secure full-time employment doing split jobs,” she says.
“The variable weather and the market has everyone stressed out and trying to cut costs plays a big part. However, when it’s all going well it is really great so I’m keen to continue and see what the next 12 months brings for me.”
Increasing recognition of female farmers like Cindy in local rural communities is on the rise and Cindy says it’s great to see women locally getting recognised and accepted for their work.
“My grandmother farmed our family farm on her own after my grandfather passed and found farming very tough. It was a male dominated industry and women struggled to get ahead, she would be amazed and inspired at how far farming women have come.”
