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
Hannah Dasher has more than 1.5 million followers on TikTok, but between her music, viral cooking series “Stand By Your Pan” and comedy, everyone is taking notice of her.
Jade Eagleson is a country music artist who grew up on his grandparent’s farm in Ontario, Canada and has gone to make a name for himself in the industry. He has been awarded the Top Selling Canadian Album for his sophomore release Honkytonk Revival.

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:

The decline in production marks the second consecutive year of contraction in the U.S. turkey industry.
“Those could’ve easily been our beans going over there. It goes to show that if that opportunity is there, China would be willing to buy.”
We caught up with Karen Braun, Chief Market Analyst at Zaner Ag Hedge, at the Women in Agribusiness to discuss the data behind commodity trading.
Weston Brown joined us on Monday in the RFD-TV Studios in Nashville to share how he is preparing for the upcoming National FFA Convention & Expo.
Missouri Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn joined us Monday to share highlights from Secretary Brooke Rollins’ visit and her perspective on USDA’s new initiatives.
RFD-TV Farm Legal and Taxation expert, Roger McEowen, with the Washburn School of Law, joined us Monday to break down the changes and explain what producers should know.