North American Women and Their Children: Valuable Resources in Food Production

The production of the world's food supply is a complex process involving technical skills and human resources. While often thought of as a male's occupation, agriculture has profited from the work contributions of women. This paper reports the results of a study designed to determine the current work role of women and their children in agricultural production in North Dakota, U.S.A. Results indicate that women and children make significant contributions through various types of farm work. Furthermore, women are increasingly seeking employment off the farm in order to earn the income that will allow the family to continue farming during difficult financial times. As agricultural technologies become more complex, additional skills will be required to manage finances, utilize computers, analyze market infotmaton, and program farm operations. These skills do not require physical strength, but do require time and energy. Women can make significant contributions to agriculture by performance of these skills, The integration of technological skills performed by women with physical farm work performed by men will contribute greatly to the increased effectiveness of agricultural production and management.