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
University of Nebraska President Dr. Jeffrey Gold discusses the ongoing measles outbreak in the United States and the importance of vaccination awareness on this week’s Rural Health Matters.
Lori Stevermer with the National Pork Producers Council reacts to the USDA’s speedline proposal, the new Farm Bill’s fix for California’s Prop-12, and other policy developments impacting the pork industry.
Bayer’s Monsanto announces $7.25B class settlement for Roundup™ lawsuits alleging Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), covering claims over 21 years.
Farmer Ed Bell shares how AGRAbility helped him return to his family’s strawberry farm and inspire resilience, legacy, and hope in rural life.
Weskan Grain CEO Will Bramblett discusses the antitrust lawsuit filed by grain farmers and agribusinesses, and its potential implications on rail competition and market access.

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 bill has already cleared the House Agriculture Committee and is headed toward a full House vote, but the timeline for final passage remains unclear. But the question is, when exactly? Could it possibly be a nice little gift for Easter?
Tidal Grow’s AlignN delivers encapsulated nitrogen to leaves, boosting in-season response, yield gains, and farm profits.
Katie Keener with the National Women in Agriculture Association joins us to celebrate women in agriculture and spotlight programs and initiatives aimed at empowering female producers across the country.
Nationwide’s Elizabeth Duncan and Traci Via with Agriculture Future of America highlight the impact of women in agriculture and how mentorship and partnerships empower future farmers and ranchers.
UNL student fellow Alison Walbrecht shares her perspective on building support for agricultural research, extension, and teaching while gaining hands-on insight into federal policymaking.
HTS Commodities’ Lewis Williamson provides updates on how growers are preparing for spring planting in an unpredictable agricultural landscape.