Women Farmers

Vourney

I have a question. I might have an opportunity to farm in Ireland, I am a single middle aged woman. I'm able to run a farm, provided I stick to areas I know and can manage. I don't really have any foreseeable plans to get hitched up with a man, it would be great if it happens, but I don't revolve my life around finding a man. Do you think it would be hard for a woman farmer in Ireland, say harder than like Canada. Would people do business with me, or would I be viewed as kind of a freak? Hope I don't offend any one, I've just heard some views from my father's generation (in Ireland) that put me off this idea. I'm no feminist to be honest, just a girl who loves farming and doesn't want to wait for a man to do what I want with my life.

Bizzum

There is nothing freakish about being a woman farmer in Ireland.
I know nothing of what it's like in Canada but there are successful women farming away happily here, well as happy as their male counterparts are, I suppose.
Just dont annoy the Bull McCabe!

whelan1

i have no problems what so ever , work away , it is narrow minded people who try to annoy you, they not worth the effort:rolleyes: i was told years ago by a relative that i would never be a farmer would only be some ones labourer as my brothers would get the farm

mantua

Let those people keep thinking that a woman can't farm!! its not going to affect you!! aslong as you go don't let that ruin your ambitions fire ahead and best of luck!!

Seloth

Not trying to sound bad but I've never heard of a woman farmer in Ireland.

I know of plenty that help or are farm labours etc but Full on farmers themselves would quite shock me.Don't get me wrong I'm sure there are at least several out there but still,as I said I'm abit shocked even so!.

whelan1

Esel

Seloth wrote: »

Not trying to sound bad but I've never heard of a woman farmer in Ireland.

I know of plenty that help or are farm labours etc but Full on farmers themselves would quite shock me.Don't get me wrong I'm sure there are at least several out there but still,as I said I'm abit shocked even so!.

Get out much?

tommylimerick

my mum farmed in her own right for about 15 years
made no difference
you have nothing to fear but fear it-self

johngalway

Seloth wrote: »

Not trying to sound bad but I've never heard of a woman farmer in Ireland.

I do, I shoot foxes for her, She's got great sheep, a good management system in place. Does the jobs she can herself and those she can get's people in to do them.

Just like anyone else!

bbam

Seloth wrote: »

Not trying to sound bad but I've never heard of a woman farmer in Ireland.

You don't sound bad... just very sheltered.
I contracted on farms for years and there are many, many farms ran by women. I'd go so far as to day they are easier to work with too..

OP, if you think you can do it then give it a lash..

irishh_bob

Vourney wrote: »

I have a question. I might have an opportunity to farm in Ireland, I am a single middle aged woman. I'm able to run a farm, provided I stick to areas I know and can manage. I don't really have any foreseeable plans to get hitched up with a man, it would be great if it happens, but I don't revolve my life around finding a man. Do you think it would be hard for a woman farmer in Ireland, say harder than like Canada. Would people do business with me, or would I be viewed as kind of a freak? Hope I don't offend any one, I've just heard some views from my father's generation (in Ireland) that put me off this idea. I'm no feminist to be honest, just a girl who loves farming and doesn't want to wait for a man to do what I want with my life.

compared to the likes of new zealand , the farming community here is indeed very conservative and traditional , beit in terms of our grim death hold on land regadless of whether its giving us any return to our astonishment at the idea that someone would decide to uproot ( from where four generations had lived ) and relocate to another part of the country , this happens all the time in new zealand , thier is also an incredibly high level of church attendance among the farming community compared to other sections of society , farmers in ireland for the most part are not what you would call a liberal open minded bunch
that said , farmers in this country are for the most part the salt of the earth , after the novelty ( women farmers are still a big novelty in ireland ) wears off , if your a decent person who is approachable and willing to help out a neighbour in need beit with a tractor that needs towing or help with a cow that is having problems calving , im sure you would be both respected and welcomed into whatever community you arrive

ps

the age profile of farmers in ireland is very old compared to other sectors of the economy but with a renewed respect for agriculture , it is likely that young blood will enter the sector , this should create a more progressive and liberal minded generation of farmer

Vourney

Thanks very much everyone for your support, encouragement and feedback. It certainly sounds do-able with the right attitude and skills. Now I just have to educate myself some more and save up a little more seed money before I go forward.

The Paws

Vourney!

I wish you the very best with this exciting role - I always wanted to be a farmer and I am very like your self in your first post. (maybe one fine day! - I am currently studying in college)

I dont think it is "odd" to be a female farmer and there are many around but you got to go out and find them?!! - I have a friend who lives in Co. Tipperary and she is a full time farmer (job sharing with her sister - both in their 30s). I stay with them one night after a great girlie night out ( just down the road!!) and she gets up really early every day to milk the cows. Before she even step outside, she would wear the most deepest red lipstick you ever saw on her and off she goes to her cows! :P

I know 2 girls in Kerry who were mechanics and they love working with cars - sure why not! Female postwomen, female bus driver around...a lot of female vets....female mechanics.....female soldiers in ireland (I know one) and many more. They will experience some slanging, acting strange when talking to the female staff, "oh/but you are a woman" when you tell them about your career,... etc but you get over it, leave them behind and move on!

I dont have a good advice on how to gain farming experience except to advertize yourself on newspaper and in shops to do a few hours work at a farm...???

Come back and let us know how did you get on!