AgriSafe: Women Make Up Half of the Ag Workforce, But Face Distinct Health and Safety Challenges

Natalie Roy from AgriSafe Network talks about women’s role in agriculture and the increasing need to address their unique health and safety needs as they form a larger part of the workforce.

COVINGTON, LOUISIANA (RFD NEWS) — Women now make up roughly half of the agricultural workforce, and as the International Year of the Woman Farmer is recognized, attention is turning to the unique health and safety challenges they face in the industry.

Natalie Roy with AgriSafe Network joins us on Monday’s Market Day Report to discuss the unique health and safety challenges facing women in agriculture.

In her interview with RFD NEWS, Roy explains why agricultural health and safety should be viewed as a broader public health issue that impacts not just farmers but entire rural communities. She also highlights the evolving role of women in agriculture and the critical contributions they make across the sector.

Roy goes on to discuss the unique health and safety challenges women face on the farm, as well as meaningful ways communities and policymakers can better support and recognize women in agriculture.

Finally, Roy addresses common misconceptions about women in agriculture and offers guidance to young women entering the industry on ways to feel safe and supported.

Related Stories
Airs Friday at 8:30 PM ET on RFD-TV and RFD-TV’s YouTube Channel
Experience the buzz at Wild Harvest Honey on this episode of FarmHER featuring Amber Rutledge, one of the few Honey Connoisseurs in the United States.
Meet Erica Sawatzke, a passionate sixth-generation turkey, corn, and soy FarmHER dedicated to preserving her family’s agricultural legacy at Oakdale Farms in Kensington, Minnesota.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Beef industry groups seem to agree — market-based pricing, not federal intervention, best supports rancher livelihoods and long-term beef supply stability.
Cattle groups say additional imports would offer little relief for consumers but could erode rancher confidence as the industry begins to rebuild herds.
Harvest Pace, Logistics, and Input Costs Drive Fall Decisions
The USDA’s latest Hogs and Pigs Report caught some analysts off guard. Inventories came in lower than expected, signaling tighter supplies ahead, even as producers return to profitability this year.
Over the past decade, Tractor Supply has expanded its support through sponsorships and youth programs, all part of its broader mission to invest in the future of agriculture.
Understanding how these tax provisions interact will be key for farmers planning long-term equipment purchases or transfers within the family.