This week’s blog celebrates the VRDNT crew members, all of whom happen to be women. There’s something special about working with a small, all-women farm crew. In an industry and occupation that has historically been dominated by men in the United States, the recent trend of women working in agriculture is exciting and empowering.
Here’s what the VRDNT team has to say on the subject:
Ashley, Wash & Pack Manager
“I’ve worked on a handful of farms of varying sizes in Texas and in the Northeast, and all of them have had a majority staff of women, if not all women. I’ve asked my coworkers at each farm why they think more women are getting into farming recently, and there seems to be some common threads of thought on the matter. Some folks think women are more connected to the earth, that perhaps we’re channeling our maternal instincts towards growing food rather than growing babies (of course, many women do both, which is incredible and inspiring). Caring about how your food is grown is heavily connected to caring about environmental issues and the health of the planet, which is seen as a more feminine inclination. Women have been involved in farming since its inception, but as far as women being recognized as farmers and being farm owners–that’s a more recent trend. It wasn’t until 1900, little more than a century ago, that women were allowed to own properties in all U.S. states.
“This is why we’re celebrating women in agriculture–because of their resilience in the face of challenges and difficult history.”
Amanda, Wash & Pack Assistant
“It’s motivating seeing other women engage in physically and mentally challenging labor. When I find myself thinking I can’t do something on the farm, I realize that I have so many examples around me of women engaging in challenging work and it shows me I can absolutely do hard things.”
Pitters, Market Manager
“For me, working on a farm with an all-woman crew is both empowering and inspiring. There’s a unique sense of collaboration and mutual support, where everyone’s strengths are valued and challenges are met with creativity and resilience. The environment often fosters camaraderie and open communication, creating not just a team, but a true community. It’s a powerful reminder of the strength and capability women bring to every aspect of agriculture.”
Lea, Field Worker
“I really enjoy working with and creating intentional community with other women. I am very fortunate to work with creative and collaborative colleagues in several professional settings. Farming requires adaptability and problem-solving skills. I appreciate the crew and environment at VRDNT; folks generally work independently to move all areas of the farm forward. But, when needed for a ‘heavy lift,’ like prepping for a freeze, everyone is able to come together, cooperate and work efficiently. I think the culture at VRDNT is very reflective of Becky’s leadership.”
Cassandra, Communications Coordinator & Field Worker
“I’ve never worked with a team made up entirely of women before, much less bad-ass women on a biointensive vegetable farm! But for over a year now, that’s exactly what I’ve been doing! I’m very grateful for that!”
Becky, Owner & Operator
“Firstly, I want to express how deeply grateful I am for the women on my team who show up every day to do the often grueling labor of running a farm. I know each of them is incredibly talented and could be doing literally anything they want to be. I’m humbled that they are choosing to be at VRDNT and continue to work with me to build a food system that nourishes the land and our community.
“There are so many things I love about working with women. To be clear, having an all-women team was never something that I planned on. I’ve hired men. Team members have come and gone over the years, but it has continued to be women who have seen my vision and have stayed to help me build it.
“Working in an all-women farm team feels like an experiment. I am still learning and observing what thrives and is given life by our being and working together. The most obvious thing I have seen emerge is a culture of deep care for the life around us. I see flowers that are carefully weed-whacked around to leave food for pollinators. I overhear conversations between staff members, offering to help each other, checking in on each other's well-being, and curious about each other's passions and perspectives. I've discovered in myself new ways of being and leading. I love the saying, “A smart person is always learning, but a wise person is always unlearning.” I strive to do both, but, genuinely, working with women has been a container for me to unlearn many ways I've internalized notions of leadership and farming from patriarchal culture. I'm learning to be gentle and curious about myself and the world around me. I’m learning that real strength is sensitive and not dominating. Maybe these are things I grasped mentally before, but having the container of an all-women team has given me the space to continue to unfold and learn.
“Finally, I want to say that I am proud of what I’ve built! I’ve wanted to farm since I was a teenager, but I always imagined it would be with a partner or for someone else. The idea of taking full responsibility for the entire system, from the ownership of the land to the finances of the business to the tractor maintenance and the management of people, has been terrifying every step of the way. But here we are! I am proud to be just one example of a woman following her dreams and succeeding. Nothing would make me happier than to know that my journey could be just a little encouragement for other women who are ready to take risks and build their dreams. Let’s go!!”
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