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
Practical changes to retailer stocking standards promote more options all while reducing fraud and abuse in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
Jonathan Braley joins us to discuss rising cybersecurity threats in agriculture, the risks of ransomware attacks, and how Food and Ag-ISAC’s new guide can help businesses better protect themselves.
ASFMRA’s Skye Root joins us to discuss shifts in Western farmland markets, financial pressures facing producers, and the outside forces influencing land values and decision-making.
Culver’s is holding its annual “Scoops of Thanks Day” event, offering a scoop of frozen custard in exchange for a $1 donation supporting agricultural education.
Dr. Jeffrey Gold joins us on Rural Health Matters to discuss the early warning signs of arthritis, the challenges facing rural populations, and steps individuals can take to manage joint health.
CME Group’s Fred Seamon joins us to break down the drop in farmer sentiment, discuss the role of input costs and global factors, and share his outlook for the ag economy ahead.

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:

U.S. aquaculture may gain competitive ground as harmful subsidies are phased out abroad, but producers should monitor shifts in import supply chains and trade enforcement closely.
Producers may need to prepare for margin pressure in livestock feeding, while dairy farmers could benefit from stronger product demand.
Farmers await concrete trade commitments from China. Until then, export prospects for soybeans, corn, and sorghum remain uncertain against strong South American competition.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins today issued a new memorandum to modernize and strengthen America’s wildfire prevention and response system.
Understanding the Big, Beautiful Bill’s complex impact on SNAP benefits – that’s the topic of today’s Firm to Farm blog post by RFD-TV’s legal expert, Roger McEowen.
National Sorghum Producers CEO Tim Lust said farmers face a challenging year with strong supply, murky trade conditions, and uncertain access to their largest market: China.