Women In Agriculture - Ya Reckon?
 | Author:
Denise Thompson, MT43 News AG Correspondent
Denise Thompson |
Denise Thompson
MT43 News AG Correspondent
Perhaps one of the most heartwarming endeavors I was blessed to be a part of as Broadwater Conservation District administrator was an oral history project about women in agriculture. This project morphed into a statewide effort to capture the essence of the remarkable women who, in their own unique and priceless way, breathe life into the world of Ag..
Some feel the women are often the unsung heroes on the family farm. They make great sacrifices, often work other jobs off the ranch to help make ends meet, and must be willing to wear many hats. A deep passion for this lifestyle and seeing one’s family flourish in the world of agriculture are strong driving forces for the women who farm and ranch.
Linda Brander, Laurie Zeller, Heidi Crum, all with the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), met with me in the Fall of 2011 to begin planning this Women in Ag ‘thing.’ Broadwater Conservation District’s Annual Dinner in May of 2012 was the kickoff to what would be a seven year “labor of love!” This dinner honored all the local women involved in agriculture, and what a hit it was. With roughly 300 black and white photos covering the walls of the 4-H building with the richness women bring to the world of agriculture, we began our quest of preserving the lives of the strong and savvy women in Montana who have been the heartbeat of Ag. for generations.
I always knew this project was important, but it became an absolute MUST when I went out to a ranch to interview and photograph the wife. After a beautiful morning together, she cried, gave me a hug and thanked me for my time. She was so touched to be the focus of my attention. I left that ole farm with a deeper gratefulness for the ladies of the rugged rural landscapes.
Townsend’s very own, Pauline Webb, became ‘the poster child’ across Montana as we hauled her from one end of the state to the other speaking about her life in agriculture. Her “Woman of Many Hats” speech was a hit wherever she went. Endless laughter and even some touching tears would fill the rooms. Folks loved Pauline and developed a deeper understanding and appreciation for the women in agriculture. What fun we had!
In 2018, through a partnership between Broadwater CD, Glacier County CD and DNRC, the culmination of our endless research, interviews and edits was woven into a wonderful book, Montana Women, From the Ground Up, Passionate Voices in Agriculture and Land Conservation, written by Kristine Ellis. I am honored to say colorful locals, Dorothy Hahn, Pauline Webb, Diana Burkhart Graveley and Barbara Beers Kirscher made the book. If I had the final say, this book would have been filled with many more of our amazing Broadwater County farmHERS and rancHERS. Perhaps a Volume II or Broadwater County edition of Montana Women, From the Ground Up is in order, ya reckon?
The book is still available on Amazon, through Arcadia Publishing and the Montana Historical Society, the Broadwater County Museum and Broadwater CD still has a few copies in the office. This book makes a great heirloom gift for family and is certainly worth a purchase for those who love Montana history and life out west.
For the Love of Ag, From the Heart of a Western Woman,
Denise Thompson
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