More Women Running US Farms

Summary

Julie Steiner and Jean Deetband are part of a growing wave of women transitioning to farming careers. Steiner, who left her fashion job to start Even Song Farm in Maryland, grows over 100 vegetable varieties and raises animals. Deetband, with a background in molecular biology, now raises 200 goats at Many Rocks Farm. Both women reflect on the personal fulfillment, independence, and nurturing qualities that make farming a rewarding path. With the rise of farmers' markets and digital platforms, women farmers are thriving, providing high-quality, locally grown food and enjoying increased opportunities in agriculture.

Takeaways

• 😀 Julie Steiner transitioned from working in fashion to farming, starting with a small garden and growing the farm to 53 hectares with over 100 vegetable varieties.
• 😀 She raises chickens, cows, and pigs as part of her diverse farm operation in Sharpsburg, Maryland.
• 😀 Jean de Band owns a farm in Maryland, raising over 200 goats, and has a background in molecular biology and genetics.
• 😀 De Band quit her biotechnology career to spend more time with her teenage sons and has no regrets about the decision.
• 😀 Women are increasingly becoming principal farm operators, with a 30% rise in the past 5 years according to the 2007 Census of Agriculture.
• 😀 Women now manage over 14% of the 2.2 million farms in the U.S., reflecting trends seen in the broader workforce.
• 😀 De Band believes farming aligns well with women’s nurturing qualities, especially in nurturing life and seeing things grow.
• 😀 Many female farmers operate smaller farms but benefit from the growing trend of farmers' markets and eco-conscious consumerism.
• 😀 The rise in demand for locally grown products allows women farmers to sell their crops at higher market value rather than through middlemen.
• 😀 The internet and subscription-based programs make it easier for small farms to thrive, with weekly newsletters and customer engagement enhancing farm-business relationships.

Q & A

What was Julie Steiner's career before she started farming?

Julie Steiner worked with fashion stylists in a department store before starting her farming career.

How did Julie Steiner transition from her previous job to farming?

Julie Steiner quit her job at Nordstrom when she had her son, and this coincided with the time they moved to the farm.

What types of products does Julie Steiner's farm produce?

Julie Steiner grows more than 100 varieties of vegetables and raises chickens, cows, and pigs on her farm.

What was Jean de Band's background before becoming a farmer?

Jean de Band has a doctorate in molecular biology and genetics and worked in the biotechnology field before becoming a farmer.

Why did Jean de Band choose to leave her biotechnology career?

Jean de Band left her biotechnology career to spend more time with her teenage sons, which was a difficult decision but one she has never regretted.

What is the significance of Jean de Band's background in genetics for her farm?

Jean de Band uses her background in genetics for her goat breeding programs and applies her chemistry knowledge to make goat milk soap.

How has the number of women principal operators in farming changed in recent years?

According to the 2007 Census of Agriculture, the number of women who were principal operators of farms increased by 30% over the past 5 years.

What role does Stephanie Gambrell see for women in farming?

Stephanie Gambrell, a domestic policy economist with the American Farm Bureau, believes that the increasing number of women in farming aligns with the broader trends of women entering the general workforce.

Why does Jean de Band think farming suits women?

Jean de Band believes that farming suits women because of their nurturing qualities, which make them well-suited to take care of and nurture life, such as growing crops and raising animals.

What are some advantages women farmers have today?

Women farmers benefit from the growing popularity of farmers markets and the interest in locally grown products, which allows them to sell specialized crops at higher market values rather than through middlemen.

How has technology, like the internet, benefited small farming businesses?

The internet has helped small farming businesses by facilitating programs like pay-in-advance subscriptions, allowing them to engage directly with customers through newsletters, recipes, and updates from the farm.

What do the women farmers in the script find most rewarding about their work?

The women farmers find farming rewarding because it provides them with independence, flexibility, and a sense of fulfillment from providing high-quality food that nurtures families.