The Gendered Experiences of Wisconsin Dairy Farm Women

Abstract

Wisconsin dairy farm wives are dynamic, engaging, women who are mothers, farmers, and leaders in the agriculture industry. The agriculture industry has undergone drastic transformations in recent decades due to economic, technological, and social influences. These influences have changed how farmers run their businesses, the types of tasks farmers need to complete, and the role of women on dairy farms. This study examines the gendered experiences of dairy farm wives using a Moustaka' s modified Steven-Colaizzi-Keen method of analysis. This phenomenological study attempts to capture the essence of what it means to be a dairy farm wife in Wisconsin. More specifically, the research project discussed how women in partnership with their husbands communicated their gendered· experiences, as well as, how agribusinesses and leadership organizations communicated to dairy farm wives their gendered experiences. In depth qualitative data was acquired by completing semi-structured interviews and farms tours with fourteen dairy farm wives from across the State of Wisconsin. This study expected to find that roles of women have changed over time, when in fact, the study found that society has changed. Gendered roles and responsibilities in Wisconsin dairy farm families have not changed dramatically over the years. Instead, agribusinesses, leadership organizations, and society has begun to recognize the importance of the work that farm women do on dairy farms, their active role in decision making on farms, and are beginning to incorporate the image of a woman with that of a farmer.