Welcome to the Bullvine Podcast, where we dig
deep into the stories, challenges, and innovations
shaping the dairy industry. Today, we're turning
the spotlight on the true backbone of dairy farming,
the mothers. Think you know who's running the
show on your local dairy farm? Spoiler alert.
It's not just the cows or the tractors. Behind
every successful operation, there's a woman juggling
calf care, financial spreadsheets, herd health
protocols, and a family's future, all before
lunchtime. In this episode, we're unmasking the
invisible labor of dairy farm moms. We'll explore
how they're redefining multitasking in a 24 -7
industry, why their mental load is heavier than
a loaded feed wagon, and how their resilience
is paving the way for a more sustainable and
equitable future for dairy. From Vermont innovators
to Nigerian milkmaids battling climate change,
you'll hear firsthand how these women are milking
challenges into opportunities. Let's get started.
All right, folks, welcome back to the Deep Dive.
Today, we're really zeroing in on what we at
the Bullvine know is often the heart and soul.
of so many dairy farms, the farm mom. That's
right. We've been digging through some really
compelling information, actually. Stuff that
shines a light on the pivotal role these women
play. And it goes way beyond just, you know,
lending a hand. Oh, absolutely. We're talking
about their strategic importance, the real economic
horsepower they bring to the whole operation.
Exactly. And for all you seasoned dairy folks,
industry pros tuning in, this isn't just a...
Well, a feel -good story. Our aim today is to
peel back the layers, really understand the powerhouse
that is the dairy farm mother. And why their
success is just absolutely vital, not just for
the farm, but for the entire industry's future.
Spot on. Okay, so where do we even start trying
to unpack all this? It's a big topic. Well, I
think let's start by tackling some, let's say,
outdated notions head on. Yeah, this idea that
women on dairy farms are just helping out. you
know, maybe with chores or they're primarily
focused on the house and kids. It's not only
behind the times, it's just demonstrably wrong.
Totally agree. What our analysis shows pretty
clearly is that these women are integral managers.
They're key decision makers. And frankly, they're
seriously skilled operators in their own right.
Couldn't agree more. We actually came across
one farmer's description of the farm mom as being
like command central. And that really hit the
nail on the head for me. They're so often the
central hub. Right. Everything else just kind
of revolves around them. That's a great analogy.
And the stats absolutely back this up. If you
look across all of U .S. agriculture, women make
up a significant chunk, 36 .3 percent of producers.
Wow. Yeah. And they're managing, well, a jaw
dropping 407 million acres. A million. That's
incredible. It is. And contributing a massive
222 billion dollars in farm sales. That's billion
with a B. Billion. That's serious economic impact.
And here's a figure that really underscores their
management role. Over half, a full 51 % of all
farms in the U .S. have at least one woman involved
in those crucial management decisions. 51%. So
it's the norm. Really? Pretty much. Now, when
we zoom in specifically on the dairy sector,
the picture gets even more interesting. You bet.
While, okay, 29 .9 % of dairy producers are women,
a significant 54 % over half, again, of dairy
farms report having at least one woman as a secondary
operator. And that secondary operator... term
is key, isn't it? It is, because they're actively
involved in those make or break decisions, day
-to -day stuff, long -term strategy. And we really
need to clarify what the USDA means by producer
here. Right. It's anyone making decisions for
the farm. Exactly. So these secondary operators,
they are producers through and through. Even
if they're a leadership role sometimes, well,
it flies under the radar a bit. That's a really
important point to make, because that under -recognition,
it can have tangible consequences. Like what?
Well, everything from how they're perceived within
the industry, you know, maybe at meetings or
by suppliers, to their actual access to vital
resources, support programs, even credit sometimes.
Okay. And when you think about the sheer breadth
of responsibilities these women often shoulder,
it's... frankly astonishing. It really is. Absolutely.
Think about calf care, for instance. That's literally
the future of the herd, right? The foundation.
Precisely. And so often it's the farm mom who
is the ultimate calf care commando. I like that
term. Yeah. Meticulously ensuring proper colostrum
management, getting that crucial first milk in,
checking passive transfer. They're overseeing
those early nutrition programs that, you know.
lay the groundwork for a heifer's entire productive
life. They're the first line of defense for those
newborns. Yeah. And probably the last one when
something looks a bit off. Exactly. And then
there's herd health. They frequently act as,
well, herd health gurus. Okay, another good one.
They're administering treatments, coordinating
those sometimes pretty frantic vet visits, diligently
maintaining treatment protocols. Making sure
everything's recorded right. And keeping a hawk
-like eye on those delicate transition cows.
That period around calving, you know, where things
can go sideways really fast. And that directly
hits profitability big time. Hugely. And let's
not overlook the financial reins. Many dairy
farm mothers are also the financial wizards.
Okay. Commandos, gurus, wizards. Seeing a theme
here. Huh. Well, it fits. They're managing payroll.
We even have that great example of Rita Vandercouy
in Minnesota who handles this for... pretty large
operation, they're tracking those all -important
milk quality premiums, which can really make
or break the milk checks some months, and navigating
the often choppy waters of farm finances, constantly
analyzing feed costs versus milk price margins.
It's a real financial tightrope walk sometimes.
No kidding. Yeah. What's truly impressive, I
think, is how seamlessly they often weave together
these demanding farm responsibilities with the,
well, the equally relentless demands of family
life. It's a constant juggling act. It demands
incredible skill, organization, and just sheer
determination. Yeah. As that one observer noted,
these moms are generally command central for
the entire farm family, right? Exactly. Handling
everything from hauling meals out to the field
during planting or harvest, and making those
emergency runs for crucial parts when something
breaks down at the worst possible moment. Always
happens then, doesn't it? Always. Driving equipment,
keeping the books in order, and yes, even maintaining
peace between family members, which, let's be
honest, can be a full -time job on any family
farm. You're not wrong there. We've got some
fantastic real -world examples, too, that really
paint a picture of this in action. Yeah, like
Renee Clark in Wisconsin. Every single morning,
she's out there mixing feed for the milking herd.
Doing the TMR. Exactly. Carefully tweaking that
total mixed ration, that precisely balanced feed,
that's just the cornerstone of good dairy nutrition.
Making sure rumination, that vital cud shoeing,
and butterfat production are exactly where they
need to be. And that's not just tossing ingredients
together, is it? That's applied nutritional science
happening right there in the feed alley. Every
day. Absolutely. It's constant monitoring and
adjustment. And then there's Rita van der Kooij
again. Beyond keeping the payroll humming, she
also coordinates extensively with the farm's
nutritionists and reproductive specialists. Making
sure everyone's on the same page. Precisely.
For optimal herd performance. And during the,
let's call it, controlled chaos of harvest, she's
also making sure the entire team is well -fed
and energized to keep things running smoothly.
That's huge for morale and, frankly, for getting
the job done safely and efficiently. Definitely.
And this kind of strategic coordination, this
ability to keep all those plates spinning without
dropping one, it's so often an invisible layer
of management. Right. People don't always see
it. But as our sources highlight, it's as absolutely
essential to the smooth operation of the farm
as, say, a properly functioning pleat cooler
is to maintaining the quality of that bulk tank
milk. That's a great comparison. If that cooling
system goes down... You know about it pretty
darn quick. You do. And the same holds true for
this central coordination. If it falters, things
start to unravel fast, even if you can't immediately
point to why. Okay, things are definitely getting
interesting here. We've established they're doing
incredible work. They certainly are. But while
we've highlighted these incredible contributions,
it's really crucial that we also acknowledge
the significant headwinds that dairy farm mothers
frequently face. Right. It's not all smooth sailing.
Not at all. Life on a dairy farm is demanding
for everyone, obviously. But for mothers, it
often means navigating a particularly challenging
landscape. You've got financial uncertainties,
immense mental pressures, and that constant balancing
act of raising a family within the 247 demands
of a working farm. Absolutely. It's like a trifecta
of challenges, as our sources clearly lay out.
Let's maybe kick things off with access to credit.
Yeah, that's a big one. The data suggests that
women -only farm operations often face a tougher
time securing loans compared to those run primarily
by men. Hmm. Even if the business plan is solid.
Apparently so, in some cases. And even if we
don't have exact percentages readily available,
the underlying truth seems clear. Limited access
to capital severely restricts their ability to
invest. Invest in what specifically? Well, crucial
technology, maybe pursuing farm expansion or
even just having the cushion to weather those
inevitable economic downturns that are just part
and parcel of agriculture. So that lack of capital
creates a significant hurdle, just holds back.
profitability and growth. Absolutely. It's kind
of like trying to push for peak milk production
while consistently feeding maybe a less than
optimal ration. You're just not going to reach
your full potential. Exactly. No matter how good
your genetics are or how hard you work, you're
handicapped from the start. Okay. Then we've
got the immense mental weight. Yeah. And agriculture
in general takes a significant toll on mental
well -being. We know that. For sure. But for
farm women, this is often amplified by what's
been called the triple burden. Right. Explain
that. It's juggling the on -farm work, often
holding down an off -farm job to supplement the
family income. Which is really common. Very common.
And still carrying the primary responsibility
for the home and child care. It's just a relentless
cycle. Wow. That sounds exhausting just listing
it. It is. There was one farm woman's description
of her week as this complex calculation involving
meal planning, work schedules both on and off,
the farm kids' activities, appointments, vet
visits, parts runs, and the ever -present farm
needs on top of it all. It really brings you
to sharp focus, doesn't it? That level of constant
mental juggling just doesn't seem sustainable
without adequate support. It really isn't. And
while the tragically high rates of suicide among
male farmers and ranchers are thankfully getting
more attention, it's vital to recognize that
female farmers also report significant levels
of stress, depression, and anxiety. Sometimes,
the data shows, even higher rates than their
male counterparts. That's a really serious issue
we need to address. Absolutely. And the third
part of that trifecta, the child care tightrope.
Ah, yes. As Wisconsin's Renee Clark put it so
well, farming is a 247 job and so is being a
mother. You can argue with that. She also pointed
out that women often tend to shoulder more of
the child care responsibilities, which makes
it incredibly difficult to step away from those
vital farm duties they're also deeply involved
in. You're needed in two critical places at once.
And the scarcity of affordable, flexible, rural
child care options. Yeah. That's a huge factor
too, right? Massive. It often leads to situations
where young children are present on the farm
during work hours, which is a constant source
of worry for safety -conscious mothers. I can
only imagine. It's like trying to manage a wobbly
newborn calf and a curious toddler at the same
time. Exactly. Your attention is constantly divided,
and the potential for something to go wrong,
for an accident to happen, it's always there
in the back of your mind. It's so crucial to
understand that these challenges aren't isolated,
are they? They're all interconnected. They create
this really tough cycle. That's a great point.
Think about it. If you can't secure that loan
to invest in labor -saving technology, maybe
like a robotic milker, then you're stuck with
more manual labor, which leads to increased stress
and fatigue. Which then negatively impacts your
mental well -being, your capacity to effectively
manage finances, or even just find the time and
energy to seek out support or training. It feeds
on itself. It really does. It's a bit like dealing
with a stubborn case of mystitis, actually. How
so? Well, you have to address not just the immediate
infection, but also the underlying environmental
factors, the management practices, maybe even
the equipment, to truly resolve the issue and
prevent it from just coming right back. You need
a holistic approach. That makes sense. But as
challenging as this landscape can be, our sources
also really underscore the incredible resilience
and adaptability of these dairy farm mothers.
Oh, absolutely. They are constantly finding innovative
ways to forge ahead despite the hurdles. Technology,
for example, is proving to be a real game changer
for many. Definitely. Things like automated milking
systems, AMS, robotics. Exactly. They not only
take a huge chunk out of the sheer physical labor
involved in milking multiple times a day, every
day. Which is significant. Huge. But they also
can boost cow welfare. You know, allowing for
voluntary milking when the couch uses, dividing
real -time health monitoring data right to your
phone or computer. And crucially, they can dramatically
improve that work -life balance, right? By breaking
those rigid milking schedules that can really
dictate a farm family's entire life. Dinner times,
holidays, kids' events. That's perhaps the biggest
benefit for many families. This isn't just about
having the latest shiny gadgets. It's about reclaiming
precious time and frankly reclaiming a bit of
sanity in a really demanding profession. Yeah.
Reclaiming time and sanity. I like that framing.
And we're seeing a growing number of women entrepreneurs
in the dairy sector who are actively leveraging
technology like this, using it to streamline
their operations while still effectively managing
their family responsibilities. So it's about
working smarter, not just harder. Precisely.
But, you know, as vital as technology is, it's
not the whole story. No, probably not. Our sources
also highlight the critical role of strong family
bonds and robust community support networks.
These act as crucial buffers against the significant
stresses inherent in dairy farming. That's social
fabric. Exactly. The data actually indicates
that women farmers who lack strong family support
are at a significantly higher risk of experiencing
depression. That social safety net is absolutely
essential. And that's where things like peer
groups come in. Women in ag networks. That's
precisely where they become Absolutely indispensable.
They provide invaluable emotional support, a
forum for shared learning, exchanging practical
tips, advice, maybe troubleshooting a problem
together. Sometimes just knowing someone else
gets it. That's huge. That vital sense of community
can make all the difference when the going gets
tough, when milk prices tank, or the weather
just won't cooperate. And for those of you listening
actively involved in dairy operations yourselves,
it's really worth considering the return on investment
here. What do you mean? Well, the ROI on the
well -being and the reduced stress of your partners,
or maybe yourselves if you happen to be a farm
mom listening, when you can shift focus from
being constantly tied to the parlor. Because
of something like AMS. Exactly. To those higher
level management tasks. Strategic planning, financial
analysis, employee management. That has a very
real, tangible economic benefit in the long run.
It's not just nice to have. That's a great way
to put it. It's very similar to how we meticulously
calculate the somatic cell count benefits of
implementing, say, a new teat prep routine. Right.
We track that data. We should also be evaluating
the value of supports and technologies that demonstrably
reduce stress and prevent burnout because burnout
has a huge cost, too. Definitely. The irony,
though, as our sources point out, is that those
who could potentially reap the greatest benefits.
from these technological advancements, they're
often the very ones facing the biggest financial
hurdles in affording them. Because of those existing
income disparities and that limited access to
credit we talked about. Exactly. It's a real
catch 22. And it's an inequity that ultimately
holds back the entire industry, not just the
individual farm. It really does. So what's the
big picture here? What does this all mean long
term? Well, I think it means we need to start
looking at the long term impact of dairy farm
mothers. An impact that stretches far beyond,
you know, the current lactation or this year's
cropping season. Thinking bigger. Exactly. These
women are, in so many ways, the primary architects
of the future of agriculture. They're the ones
meticulously passing down those essential skills,
those deeply ingrained core values, that incredible
work ethic that's just second to none. And that
profound love and respect for the land, right?
That's so deeply woven into the fabric of a farmer's
identity. Absolutely. Think of them as like living,
breathing libraries of agricultural wisdom. That's
a nice image. They're teaching the next generation
those crucial calf -rearing nuances. Instinctively
knowing when that colostrum needs to get in for
maximum impact, being able to spot the subtle
early signs of scours long before they become,
you know, clinically obvious and harder to treat.
They're also instilling those fundamental principles
of sustainable land management. Lessons learned
through years of hands -on observation and hard
work, stuff you just can't get from a textbook.
Exactly. Research actually backs this up. The
power of this informal, family -based learning
and the significant role of maternal mentorship
in shaping the future stewards of our farms.
So raising kids on a farm isn't just about assigning
chores. No way. It's an immersive, hands -on
education. In responsibility, in the cycles of
life and death, in appreciating the entire agricultural
process. And mom is so often the lead instructor
in that incredibly important curriculum. It's
learning by doing, day in and day out, guided
by her experience. Right. And this maternal mentorship,
as the sources call it, cultivates not just practical
skills but also those vital character attributes.
adaptability, like a truly holistic understanding
of the farm as a complex interconnected ecosystem.
Not just silos of activity. Precisely. They often
emphasize animal welfare and environmental stewardship
in ways that are just absolutely critical for
the long -term sustainability of the entire industry,
especially in our rapidly evolving world. It's
kind of akin to the long -term benefits of strategic
selective breeding, isn't it? How so? Well, you're
not just boosting immediate production in one
generation. You're investing in the overall resilience,
the health, the functionality of the entire herd
for generations to come. It's a long game. That's
a really good analogy. And this isn't just a
phenomenon we see here in North America, is it?
Not at all. Our sources point to some really
compelling global parallels. Like in Moroccan
farming households, women play a pivotal role
in that intergenerational transfer of agricultural
knowledge, building resilience within those communities
facing their own unique challenges, like water
scarcity. Interesting. Any others? Yeah. Large
-scale nutrition programs in places like India
and Nigeria have achieved remarkable success.
How are? By actively engaging mothers and grandmothers
to drive positive behavioral changes and share
vital health information within their families
and communities. So leveraging trusted figures
within the community. Exactly. These programs
often use existing community platforms and rely
on trusted local figures, very often women themselves,
to foster peer support and deliver tailored messaging
that really resonates culturally. It really makes
you think, doesn't it? Could we adapt this model
more effectively for agricultural knowledge transfer
right here within our own dairy industry? How
do you mean? Well, particularly for women who
might face barriers to accessing, say, the traditional,
perhaps more male -dominated extension services
or industry events. That's a fascinating thought.
It definitely sparks some interesting ideas.
Imagine women -centric dairy support groups may
be focused on specific topics like calf health
or financial management. Or female peer educators.
Women who excel in certain areas sharing their
knowledge directly with others. Yeah. Or really
tapping into the vast reservoir of knowledge
held by respected older farm women, using them
as mentors for the next generation. It's definitely
a thought worth exploring. Strengthening our
industry from the grassroots up, leveraging that
incredible expertise that's already there. Okay,
so if we connect this incredible role in knowledge
transfer and mentorship to the broader economic
landscape. It becomes crystal clear. that dairy
farm mothers are not only nurturers and educators,
but also significant economic engines. Right.
They are managing substantial assets, playing
indispensable roles in day -to -day production,
and increasingly demonstrating their entrepreneurial
drive, finding new ways to add value or diversify.
However, their true economic power is often masked,
isn't it? by that persistent earnings gap and
the unequal access to vital resources we keep
coming back to. Let's maybe circle back quickly
to those eye -opening statistics, just to reinforce
the point. We know that a full 51 % of all U
.S. farms have at least one woman operator. Half
the farms. And these women manage that staggering
407 million acres and generate $222 billion in
farm sales. These are not small numbers. Not
at all. They represent a massive contribution.
Absolutely. But here's the stark reality we have
to confront. Women -led farms, on average, earn
a staggering 40 % less than those run primarily
by men. 40 % less. That's huge. It's huge. And
this isn't some isolated data point from one
study. Multiple sources, different data sets
consistently point to this significant disparity.
Can you break that down further? Yeah. If we
look at the average value of production between,
say, 2017 and 2020, women -only operations averaged
just $28 ,492. Okay. Compare that to 209 ,083
threes for men -only farms. Wow, that's a massive
difference. It is, and that dexterity extends
to government payments as well. Women -only farms
received an average of $7 ,687 versus $24 ,964
for men -only operations during that same period.
Okay, now hang on. Of course, factors like the
average size of the farm, maybe the specific
commodities being produced, they must play some
role in those averages, right? Yeah. Oh, undoubtedly.
Women -led farms do tend to be smaller on average
and might be concentrated in different sectors.
However, even accounting for those factors, that
significant difference, that 40 % gap, is undeniable.
It persists across different analyses. It's almost
like comparing, I don't know, a dairy with a
20 ,000 pound rolling herd average to one consistently
pushing 33 ,000 pounds. Right. But without any
clear fundamental difference in terms of genetics
or basic management practices that would readily
explain such a massive gap, something else is
going on. Exactly. And this 40 % income gap isn't
solely attributable to farm size or type. It's
significantly influenced by that more challenging
access to credit we discussed earlier. Which
directly translates to less capital available
for those crucial on -farm investments. Precisely.
Whether that's investing in genomic testing your
heifer herd to really accelerate genetic progress,
or upgrading your milking parlor for greater
efficiency and improved cow comfort, or maybe
implementing a sophisticated activity monitoring
system to proactively manage herd health. Limited
access to capital just creates a major roadblock,
stops you from taking those next steps. It absolutely
does. And we absolutely cannot forget the unquantified
economic cost of all that invisible labor we've
been talking about. Right. The child care, the
household management that keeps the whole family.
unit functioning, the farm support tasks like
running for parts or keeping the books, stuff
that women often disproportionately handle. All
of this takes significant time and energy away
from activities that directly generate income
that actually gets formally accounted for on
the farm's balance sheet. So their total contribution
is much larger than the farm income figure show.
Much larger. Now, interestingly, globally, we
see the transformative power of collective action
in empowering women in dairy. Cooperatives seem
particularly effective. Like in India. Exactly.
In India, where women constitute a substantial
portion of the dairy labor force, initiatives
like the White Revolution 2 .0 are strategically
focused on integrating more women into organized
dairy cooperatives. And what do these co -ops
provide? They're a vital lifeline, really. Offering
access to crucial credit, which we know is often
a barrier. Providing essential training in everything
from, say, Basic mastitis prevention to formulating
balanced feed rations tailored to local conditions.
Practical skills. Very practical. Plus opportunities
for leadership roles within the cooperative structure
itself. And importantly, fair and direct access
to markets, cutting out those exploitative middlemen.
Like the Anand Pattern Co -ops. The famed Anand
Pattern Dairy Cooperatives are a powerful example
of exactly that. linking producers directly to
consumers ensures fairer returns for their hard
work and investment. And we have that story from
Bangladesh, right, of Parna Rani Singha. Yes,
her story really drives this point home. By joining
a project that guaranteed fair and transparent
pricing through local milk collection centers,
key element, crucial, and provided much needed
training or good dairy farming practices, and
even introduced digital tools for managing her
small operation, she was able to fundamentally
transform her business and really her life. So
these cooperatives, they're far more than just
marketing organizations then. Oh, much more.
They are comprehensive socioeconomic empowerment
tools. They offer really valuable lessons for
how we can work to uplift women in agriculture
everywhere. It's like how a well -managed FORGE
program doesn't just feed the cows. It supports
high milk production and robust rumen health
simultaneously. It has multiple benefits. That's
a perfect analogy. It builds a stronger, more
resilient system overall. What's particularly
noteworthy here is moving from the stats to the
people. Yeah, it's definitely time to put some
faces to these facts and figures. Our sources
share some truly inspiring stories of women who
are absolutely excelling and innovating within
the dairy world, often against the odds. Let's
start maybe with Jennifer Breen in Orwell, Vermont.
Okay, Jennifer Breen. She's a fifth -generation
innovator at Holland Breen Farm, LLC. Fifth generation,
wow. Yeah, and she brought her valuable communications
and business background from an off -farm career
back to the family farm. Partnered strategically
with her father. What changes did they make?
They embraced organic production methods, which
was a significant shift, and made that big investment
in robotic milkers, both to boost overall farm
efficiency and to improve their family's quality
of life. That balance again. Exactly. Her quote
really speaks volumes about her commitment. She
said, I felt strongly that the farm should continue
as a productive family enterprise. Keeping it
going, but making it work for the future. Right.
And showcasing their remarkable adaptability
in a tough market, they recently secured a grant
to actually transition part of the operation
to goat dairy. Diversification, like implementing
a diversified feeding strategy for the entire
farm business, not just the cows. Excellent parallel.
Then we shift continents and we have the Nigerian
Fulani milkmaids. Okay. These women have traditionally
been the absolute backbone of local milk processing
and sales, skillfully creating products like
Nono, which is a fermented milk drink, and butter.
This is often their primary source of income
and sustenance. But they face huge challenges,
right? Immense challenges. ongoing conflict in
some regions, and the increasingly severe impacts
of climate change, unpredictable rainfall, drought
affecting grazing. We hear those stories. Like
Hafsatu Muhammad, who was tragically displaced
by violence, losing her home. her herd, her livelihood.
And Morema Hussaini, who battles those increasingly
unpredictable rainfall patterns and the soaring
costs of livestock feed just to keep her animals
alive. And on top of that, they face systemic
inequities. Significant ones. A large majority
of women dairy farmers in Nigeria don't even
hold ownership of their own cattle. And men can
often earn considerably more for performing the
very same dairy work. That's incredibly frustrating.
It is. But despite confronting all this, these
women demonstrate just Extraordinary perseverance.
They're creatively adapting their sales methods,
relying heavily on their vital community networks
for support. That social fabric again. Absolutely
essential. And they eagerly embrace any opportunities
for training that come their way, recognizing
the value of new skills. One milkmaid proudly
shared how new training in hygiene led to more
hygienic production practices and a tangible
increase in their daily milk supply, which directly
improved their income. Small changes, big impact.
Definitely. And let's not forget Aparna Rani
Singha back in Bangladesh. Right, the co -op
member. Exactly. Starting her dairy journey with
just a single heifer, she diligently built her
business, overcoming those really common hurdles
of low productivity and unfair milk prices from
middlemen. How did she turn it around? By actively
participating in that Solidaridad Suffolk project.
She gained access to crucial training in modern
dairy farming techniques and, critically, those
fair -priced milk collection centers that ensured
she received a just return for her efforts. Taking
out the unfairness. Yes. And later, a USAID -funded
project further empowered her by introducing
practical digital tools, things like an IVR system
for information, a mobile payment app, just streamlining
her transactions and farm management. So embracing
technology, too. Absolutely. And now. She's a
testament to hard work and determination. She's
debt free, has a thriving small herd of five
cows, a biogas plant providing clean energy for
her home, and even a deep well ensuring a reliable
water source. Amazing transformation. It really
is. And her aspirations extend beyond the farm.
She hopes her daughters will become good citizens,
and she's actively contributing to her community
by serving as a local school governor. A true
inspiration. Incredible story. And closer to
home, we have Rita Vander Koei in Worthington,
Minnesota. Ah, yes, Rita. She's an absolutely
integral part of the operation at Okada Dairy,
which is a large, modern 2 ,500 cow farm. So.
Large scale. What are her roles? Incredibly diverse.
Spanning from that crucial initial care of newborn
calves to expertly coordinating with nutrition
consultants and reproductive specialists to optimize
herd performance. High level management. Definitely.
Efficiently managing the farm's payroll and even
ensuring the entire farm crew is well fed and
taken care of during those demanding planting
and harvest seasons. That logistical support
is huge. She does advocacy too, right? Yes. Beyond
her indispensable on -farm roles, Rita is also
a highly effective advocate for agriculture through
her engaging social media presence, Married and
Farming. She connects with a broad audience,
shares the realities of modern dairy farming,
tackles misconceptions. That's so important today.
It is. Her quotes really highlight her core values
too. Being together as a family is one of our
greatest joys, she shares. And she adds, with
real conviction, being a mother will always be
my greatest calling. Balancing it all. Exactly.
She truly embodies the modern dairy mom essential
to the success of a large -scale operation, a
passionate public advocate for the industry,
and deeply committed to her family. What really
ties these incredible stories together, I think,
despite their very diverse backgrounds and locations,
it's that unshakable entrepreneurial spirit and
that remarkable ability to adapt to incredibly
challenging circumstances. That adaptability
is key. Whether it's Jennifer Breen's strategic
technology investments in Vermont, or Aparna's
embrace of digital tools in Bangladesh, or the
Fulani milkmaid's sheer resilience in the face
of conflict and climate change in Nigeria, or
Rita's seamless blend of on -farm management
and off -farm advocacy in Minnesota. They're
all innovative problem solvers, often working
against significant odds. They're like those
exceptionally high -performing dairy cows, aren't
they? The ones that just keep producing and thriving,
no matter what challenges you throw their way.
That's a great way to think about it. They just
find a way. Which certainly raises another important
point for us to consider. Which is? This critical
concept of invisible labor on dairy farms, particularly
as it pertains to mothers. Ah, the iceberg analogy
you mentioned earlier. Exactly. Think of it like
that vast iceberg. What we readily observe...
The milking, the feeding, the field work represents
just a small fraction of the total effort involved
in keeping that farm and family running. So there's
a substantial amount of crucial work happening
beneath the surface. Huge amounts, often unseen,
frequently unacknowledged, and certainly almost
never compensated economically. much like, say,
the complex microbial activity diligently working
away inside a cow's rumen. It's absolutely essential
for efficient digestion and milk production,
but you don't see it directly. Right. And that
triple burden we discussed earlier, the on -farm
work, the off -farm income necessity, the disproportionate
share of caregiving and household duties that
significantly contributes to this invisible third
pillar, doesn't it? Massively. This encompasses
the considerable mental load associated with
child care. All the meticulous planning, the
constant emotional support, the educational guidance.
It also includes proactively researching herd
health protocols online. The often complex task
of meal planning for a busy farm crew. Managing
those intricate family schedules that are so
often intertwined with the farm's demands. Planting
season, harvest, calving rushes. Exactly. And
yes, even acting as the primary mediator and
peacekeeper within the family business structure,
smoothing things over when stresses are high.
And farm women often report significant stress
and even guilt from this juggling act. They do,
stemming from constantly trying to manage these
multiple demanding roles and that ever -present
worry about their children's safety in a potentially
hazardous farm environment. Especially given,
as we've said, the often limited availability
of accessible and affordable rural child care.
It's a constant balancing act with very real
emotional consequences. Definitely. But it's
really important to recognize how dairy moms
are actually redefining this so -called invisible
labor. It's not simply about passively performing
routine tasks like laundry or cooking. What do
you mean? It involves a significant degree of
strategic management. They're expertly coordinating
those incredibly complex daily and weekly schedules,
often managing the closely intertwined household
and farm finances, proactively researching solutions
for a myriad of on -farm challenges, from finding
better ways to implement mastitis prevention
strategies to sourcing the right specialized
veterinary or nutritional expertise when needed.
So it's active management, just in a different
sphere. Precisely. And there's also a substantial
component of often unrecognized emotional labor
involved. They are frequently the ones actively
maintaining family cohesion in what can be a
highly stressful and financially volatile business
environment. Providing crucial emotional support
to their partners through unpredictable market
fluctuations, weather disasters, the constant
pressures of foreign. Exactly. And nurturing
their children through it all. This is a massive,
often completely uncredited contribution. glue
that holds the entire farm operation and the
family unit together. Like that vital and diverse
microbiome silently maintaining optimal rumen
health and efficiency in our dairy cows. Essential,
but unseen. Perfect analogy again. And let's
not overlook the constant risk management involved,
particularly that often subconscious vigilance
around child safety and that potentially dangerous
farm environment, heavy machinery, large, unpredictable
livestock, agricultural chemicals. They're constantly
scanning their surroundings, right? Like a highly
skilled herds person is always keenly observing
for those subtle changes in cow behavior that
might indicate an early sign of a health issue.
Exactly that kind of vigilance. And finally,
there's their absolutely critical role in human
capital development. actively raising the next
generation of farmers, instilling those essential
values of hard work, responsibility, animal husbandry,
and that deep connection to the land. This is
a long -term investment in the very future of
the farm and the broader agricultural industry.
Like a dedicated breeder, carefully slicking
for specific genetic traits to enhance the herd's
overall potential for generations to come. Precisely.
Now, the real issue with this invisibility, why
it matters so much, is that it carries very tangible
and negative economic consequences. Because this
labor is frequently unpaid and certainly unquantified
in formal accounting. It significantly undervalues
the mother's true economic contribution to the
farm, which directly contributes to that persistent
40 % income disparity we discussed earlier. Right.
If you actually had to outsource all of that,
the essential childcare, the meticulous bookkeeping,
the delicate family mediation, even the regular
nutritious meal preparation that fuels the workforce.
The farm's bottom line would undoubtedly look
drastically different. It's like suddenly having
to pay market rates for all the essential and
continuous services that a healthy and efficient
rumen provides for free to the cow every single
day. You'd realize its value pretty quickly.
Okay, that's a powerful point. Enough talk about
the problems and the hidden value. Let's talk
solutions. time for action absolutely because
while acknowledging and appreciating the incredible
contributions of dairy farm mothers is certainly
important it's not enough just applause isn't
going to fix it exactly If we truly want to see
them thrive and for the entire industry to benefit
from their full potential, we need to move beyond
mere applause and implement tangible systemic
shifts. Shifts that dismantle the structural
barriers they consistently face. Right. And cultivate
an environment where their immense contributions
are genuinely recognized, appropriately valued,
and critically, fairly rewarded. Okay. Our analysis
points to several key areas where decisive action
is urgently needed. What's first? First and foremost,
we've got to crack open those often tight credit
lines. Access to capital is fundamental. So what
does that look like? It means actively implementing
targeted loan programs specifically designed
for women in agriculture, re -evaluating existing
credit criteria that might inadvertently or even
overtly disadvantage women -led operations. And
providing tailored financial literacy training
programs to empower them with the knowledge and
confidence to navigate that complex financial
landscape effectively. Giving them the same crucial
access to capital that's so vital for making
strategic genetic advancements in their herds
or investing in essential upgrades to their farm
facilities. Exactly. Secondly, we need to establish
robust and readily accessible mental health lifelines.
This is critical. Absolutely. Affordable and
crucially rurally aware mental health. And we
need to view this not as an added expense, right,
but as a critical investment in human well -being,
just as vital as the investments we routinely
make in maintaining optimal herd health and preventing
disease. Precisely. Thirdly, We need concrete
and sustainable child care solutions. And frankly,
we need them urgently. Step. The child care tightrope.
Yes. This demands significant and dedicated investment
in building and supporting rural child care infrastructure,
developing flexible child care options that truly
meet the unique and often unpredictable demands
of farm life, not just nine to five solutions,
and exploring potential subsidy programs to make
quality child care genuinely affordable for farm
families. You know, reliable and accessible calf
care is absolutely essential for the success
of a thriving dairy operation. Of course. The
same fundamental principle applies to reliable.
and accessible child care for the families who
are the backbone of that operation. It's infrastructure.
Well said. Fourthly, agricultural policies at
federal, state, local levels need to become truly
gender responsive in their design and their implementation.
What does gender responsive mean in practice?
It means actively ensuring equitable land rights
and inheritance laws. Guaranteeing fair and equal
access to all agricultural resources, extension
services, and support programs. Providing relevant
training opportunities that are specifically
tailored to meet the diverse needs of women in
agriculture, recognizing they might have different
starting points or learning preferences. And
better data collection. Yes. We need to improve
our data collection methods to more accurately
and comprehensively capture the full scope of
their invaluable contributions to the sector.
Right now, a lot of it is missed. It's like trying
to manage your herd without comprehensive DHI
testing. You just don't have the complete and
nuanced picture you need to make the best decisions.
Okay. Fifth. Fifth, we must proactively work
to boost leadership opportunities and significantly
strengthen support networks specifically for
women in the dairy industry. Like those women
in ag groups. Exactly. Actively supporting women
-led cooperatives and industry networks helps
to enhance their collective market presence,
increases their bargaining power in the marketplace,
and fosters invaluable mentorship opportunities
where they can learn from and support one another.
It's like how a strong and collaborative breeding
program builds a successful herd through shared
knowledge and strategic connections. Got it.
And finally. Finally, we need to unlock access
to those crucial labor -saving technologies that
can truly transform farm life and free up time
and energy. Back to the robotics, the monitoring
systems. Yes, this could involve implementing
targeted grant programs, offering specific subsidies
or developing innovative financing options specifically
aimed at facilitating the adoption of technologies
like automated milking systems, sophisticated
activity monitoring systems or automated calf
feeders. Because these technologies have the
potential to significantly transform daily workloads
and dramatically improve that often elusive work
-life balance on dairy farms. They essentially
multiply human effectiveness, allowing people
to focus on higher -level management and analysis,
much the same way that strategic genetic selection
amplifies the production potential of our herds
over time. It's absolutely vital for everyone
involved in the dairy industry, from producers
to processors to policymakers, to understand
that these aren't simply... Women's issues. No,
they're fundamental farm viability issues. They
impact the success and sustainability of the
entire sector. A well -supported and empowered
partner or key female manager is invariably more
effective, more innovative in their approach,
and ultimately more resilient in the face of
challenges. And that directly benefits the entire
farm operations bottom line and longevity. Absolutely.
Policies and support systems that proactively
address these often overlooked challenges create
a powerful and positive synergy for meaningful
change across the board. It's like the combined
impact of excellent nutrition, comfortable housing,
and consistently proper milking techniques in
optimizing both milk production and overall cow
health. You need all the pieces working together.
Which brings us nicely to the crucial role they
play in the sustainability of our industry, doesn't
it? Exactly. Because the role of dairy farm mothers
extends far beyond the immediate financial bottom
line of their individual operations. It's absolutely
central to the long -term environmental, social,
and economic sustainability of the entire dairy
industry. How so? Well, they're often unique
perspectives which frequently incorporate a strong
focus on long -term well -being, maybe a heightened
environmental consciousness, and that valuable
passing down of intergenerational knowledge make
them vital architects of a more resilient, ethical,
and environmentally sound dairy future. There's
evidence backing this up. There is. There's a
growing body of evidence suggesting that women
farm operators often demonstrate a greater inclination
towards adopting more sustainable farming practices.
Things like cover cropping, rotational grazing,
reduced tillage, which is obviously increasingly
critical as our industry faces greater scrutiny
regarding its environmental footprint and its
impact on natural resources. Their nurturing
approach often naturally extends beyond their
families and their livestock to encompass the
land itself. Often, yes. Fostering a strong ethic
of stewardship that values long -term soil health
just as much as they value utter health and milk
quality. They see the connection. And as primary
caregivers within their families, they often
harbor a deep and personal concern for the quality
and safety of the food they produce. Which perfectly
aligns with the increasing consumer demand for
greater transparency and accountability within
our food systems. They get why consumers care
about that. Plus, research increasingly indicates
that empowered women in agriculture often demonstrate
greater resilience and a more proactive approach
to adapting to the growing impacts of climatic
shocks and environmental changes. Which is a
crucial trait for ensuring the long -term viability
of dairy farming in an increasingly unpredictable
world. They're often thinking ahead, preparing
for challenges. So their role is truly paramount
for fostering a more sustainable dairy sector.
Why specifically? Okay, several key reasons.
One, they often act as the steadfast guardians
of long -term viability. They're consistently
thinking in terms of future generations, prioritizing
the long -term health and resilience of the farm,
their families, their communities, often focusing
on sustained lifetime profitability of a cow
rather than solely chasing maximum peak lactation
at any potential cost to longevity. Thinking
long -term, not just short -term games. Exactly.
Two, they are frequently the key drivers of innovation
in animal care and welfare practices. Their direct,
hands -on involvement with the daily care of
their animals, especially calves. Transition
cows often leads to practical, common sense,
and effective improvements in welfare protocols
and management strategies that maybe someone
less involved wouldn't notice. Like how employing
meticulous milking techniques is absolutely essential
for effectively preventing mastitis and ensuring
utter health. That attention to detail matters.
Precisely. Their nurturing and attentive approaches
often significantly enhance the overall well
-being of the entire herd. Three, they also tend
to advocate for more holistic and integrated
farming practices. Seeing the farm as an ecosystem.
Yes. Viewing the farm not as a collection of
isolated components, crops here, cows there,
finances over there, but as a complex and interconnected
ecosystem. They instinctively understand that
long -term soil health optimal cow comfort, and
sustained economic sustainability are all inextricably
linked. Like the delicate and balanced microbial
function within a cow's rumen, directly impacting
efficient nutrient utilization, leading to both
consistent milk production and overall farm profitability.
It's all connected. You've got it. And finally,
four, they often play a pivotal role in effectively
connecting with consumers and building trust
in the dairy industry. How? Through their stories.
Exactly. Their authentic stories, their deeply
held values, their genuine passion for their
animals and their way of life that can build
crucial bridges with an increasingly discerning
public, fostering a more positive and informed
perception of modern dairy farming. Kind of like
the vital trust that exists between a good farmer
and their dedicated veterinarian. It's built
on communication and shared values. Very similar.
Ultimately, empowering dairy mothers has the
profound potential to catalyze a significant
and positive shift towards a dairy sector that
is not only highly productive and efficient,
but also demonstrably more environmentally responsible,
ethically grounded in its animal care practices,
and more deeply and meaningfully connected to
the communities it proudly serves. Well said.
So let's try and get down to the bottom line
here. Okay. The story of the dairy farm mother.
It's a compelling narrative, isn't it? Unwavering
dedication, remarkable skill, and an often understated
but truly extraordinary strength. They really
are the operational masterminds, the emotional
bedrock, and the forward -thinking innovators
on so many of our farms. And yet, for far too
long, their immense and multifaceted contributions
have been significantly undervalued. If not outright
invisible to many outside the farm gate, maybe
even sometimes within it. Well, maybe enough
is enough. As an industry, as tight -knit rural
communities, and certainly as individual families,
we must actively celebrate these incredible women
who are the absolute backbone of our dairy sector.
Yeah, take a genuine moment. Think about the
dairy mom in your own life, within your cooperative,
in your local community. Reflect on the woman
who's expertly juggling complex dry cow protocols
and helping with the Kids 4 -H project. The one
meticulously tracking those milk quality premiums
and still managing to put a nutritious family
dinner on the table after a long day. The one
diligently analyzing those DHIA records to make
breeding decisions while also upholding cherished
family traditions and community commitments.
This isn't just about offering a fleeting pat
on the back, is it? Or a perfunctory word of
thanks at the annual meeting. It's a clear and
urgent call to action. Action like what? We need
to fully and unequivocally recognize their intrinsic
value, actively challenging that outdated and
frankly dismissive notion that their crucial
work is simply helping out. We need to actively
work to quantify their significant contributions
where possible, deeply respect their often hard
-earned expertise, and ensure that they are consistently
and fairly rewarded for their indispensable role.
Just as we've come to understand that the components
within milk the fat, the protein, not just the
sheer volume, truly determine its overall value
and producer compensation. We need to see all
the valuable components they bring. And we must
also become vocal advocates for meaningful systemic
change, actively supporting policies and initiatives
that directly address that persistent credit
gap they face. The critical child care crisis
that disproportionately impacts rural families.
And the often overlooked but vital mental health
needs of farm women who carry such a heavy load.
These are not peripheral issues. They are essential
pieces of the infrastructure that supports a
thriving and sustainable dairy industry. Every
bit as crucial as having proper housing and ventilation
for our valuable livestock. We need to proactively
foster and cultivate leadership opportunities
too. actively encouraging and creating clear
and accessible pathways for women to take on
more formal leadership roles within their own
farm operations, on co -op boards, and industry
organizations. We need to nurture their untapped
potential as diligently and strategically as
we nurture the genetic potential of our dairy
herds through careful selection and breeding
programs. Develop that talent. And perhaps most
importantly, maybe the easiest thing for everyone
listening to do, we need to actively share their
stories. Far and wide. Make the invisible visible.
Exactly. By intentionally making their often
invisible work visible to a wider audience, we
can not only deeply inspire others within the
industry, but also effectively educate those
outside of it, helping to put a very real and
relatable human face behind milk in the grocery
store, showing the incredible effort and dedication
it truly takes to produce it. day in and day
out. In fact, all of us here at The Bullvine
want to issue a direct challenge to everyone
listening right now. Okay, lay it on us. Please,
take the time. Nominate your dairy heroine for
recognition. Let's collectively amplify their
voices and ensure they receive the acknowledgement
and appreciation they so richly deserve. Whether
it's for a local community award, a prestigious
industry honor, or maybe just a heartfelt public
thank you shared within your local network or
on social media. Exactly. And when you're considering
your nominations, Really think about the women
you know who consistently excel in farm operations,
who enthusiastically embrace innovation and new
ideas, who are fierce champions for animal welfare
and environmental sustainability, who selflessly
serve as mentors to others, maybe younger women
starting out, who actively and positively contribute
to their local communities, volunteering their
time, and who demonstrate just unparalleled resilience
in the face of the inevitable challenges that
come with farm life. Because when we actively
champion these often unsung heroes of our industry,
we are doing so much more than just giving credit
where it's undeniably due. We are making a direct
and powerful investment in the long -term future
of the entire dairy industry. Fostering a more
equitable, more resilient, and ultimately a more
vibrant and sustainable future for all of us
who are a part of it. Let's ensure the remarkable
stories shine as brightly as that freshly scrubbed
bulk tank gleaming in the milk house, ready for
the morning's precious milk. That's a good goal.
It is. So just to quickly recap our deep dive
today, we've explored the central, absolutely
critical, and often underestimated role of dairy
farm mothers as skilled operational managers,
crucial decision makers, and incredibly capable
laborers. We've also highlighted the significant
and interconnected challenges they frequently
face. That persistent income gap, the often limited
access to essential credit, the immense and often
invisible mental load from the triple burden,
and the ongoing scarcity of affordable, flexible,
rural child care. We've also delved into that
vast and economically significant realm of invisible
labor that consistently performs strategic planning,
emotional support, risk management, human capital
development. And we've underscored the urgent
collective need for meaningful systemic changes
to achieve genuine economic parity and greater
override visibility for their vital contributions.
And finally, we've emphasized just how intrinsically
linked the empowerment of dairy farm mothers
is to the long -term sustainability, the continuous
innovation, and the essential intergenerational
continuity of the entire dairy industry, recognizing
their pivotal role as champions of long -term
viability, holistic practices, and animal welfare.
Absolutely. So as you go about the rest of your
day, maybe head out to the barn or into the office,
we want to leave you with this final thought
-predating question to chew on. How can you,
in your own sphere of influence, personally contribute
to elevating the role and truly valuing the immense
contributions of women in your own dairy operation
and in the broader dairy industry as a whole?
It's a vital topic. It deserves our ongoing reflection,
certainly open discussion, and most importantly,
decisive action. If there's one takeaway from
today's episode, it's this. Dairy farm mothers
aren't just helpers. They're CEOs, strategists,
and the heartbeat of their farms. Their stories
aren't just about survival. They're blueprints
for thriving in an industry that demands everything
and gives little back. So here's our challenge
to you. Next time you pour a glass of milk or
enjoy that wedge of cheese, remember the women
who made it possible. Better yet, nominate a
dairy heroine you know. Share her story with
dairy farm moms or tag us at The Bullvine. Let's
give these unsung heroes the recognition they've
earned. Thanks for tuning in. For more stories
that matter to dairy professionals, visit thebullvine
.com. Until next time, keep milking the possibilities.