Focus group participants say time to ditch 'farmer's wife' title

It is a simple question which has provided a myriad of answers for University of Adelaide social researcher Emily Buddle, from being born into it to the love of the land.

Last week, Dr Buddle, who is also a sheep and grain farmer at Eudunda, held four focus groups across the state at Cowell, Wallaroo, Pinnaroo and Naracoorte in conjunction with WoTL (Women Together Learning), looking specifically at the motivators for why women farm.

According to the 2021 Census, 25 per cent of SA farmers are women, but Dr Buddle says it is clear there are also more females taking greater responsibility in often invisible roles of farming businesses, such as office work.

From the discussions she says it is clear, these women are keen to ditch the "farmer's wife" label, but not sure what title to give themselves.

"Our typical male farmers are really interested in the production side and want to be in the paddock, but then we have our non traditional farming activities which started off as bookwork, but now include compliance, occupational health and safety and human resources," she said.

"The pressure and demands of those non-traditional farming activities is increasing, someone needs to pick them up, it is not in all cases but typically those activities are being picked up by the female partners in the business.

"Several women referred to themselves as the CEO or managing director, but others weren't sure what to call themselves."

Another common theme from the focus groups, according to Dr Buddle, was the determination by women to ensure their daughters had the same opportunities as their sons to take on the farming business if they wanted.

"A lot of the conversation was that these women didn't feel welcome to take on the farm because they were women but that stops with them, changing things for the next generation," she said.

WoTL Limestone Coast ambassador Jacqui Foster - who was one of the attendees - enjoys the freedom and lifestyle farming provides.

She says she is fortunate her parents always encouraged her to be involved in the family farm at Apsley, Vic. She also works for Locmaria Farms at Langkoop.

"I really enjoy observing what is happening in nature throughout the year and being outside and working with animals, she said.

"Yes it can be challenging but there is always something different happening."

Dr Buddle has conducted one-on-one interviews with farmers across SA and is keen to hear from any others willing to share their perspectives.

The research funded by PIRSA will help ensure future extension programs hit the mark for both farming men and women. The report is due in December.