I’m not a farmer. I don’t feel comfortable calling myself a farmer. But agreed we women on farms shouldn’t be defined by our husbands occupation. But I need a term to define my role somewhere less than farmer but more independent than farmers wife.

We both support one another’s businesses whole heartedly. So some days I’m in the chaser bin and other days I’m dropping my son in the header so I can get some work done. And the mutual support of one another is what matters.

I like to refer to farming as my side hustle. It’s not my main gig. It’s not something I do 24/7. It’s definitely a huge part of my life. But to call myself a farmer is a stretch.

I know women play a huge role in farms. I think the movement to recognise such efforts is incredible and wonderful and gets all the gold stars. And women are SO important on farms.

But I struggle to call myself a farmer… I don’t even have work boots. I like to wear dresses in the header at harvest time. I’m more likely parked in the corner of the paddock that has good service so I can email, text, gram or make calls. And guaranteed I’m wearing sandals/thongs/flip flops. Sure when it comes to the business side of the farm I’m all ears. .

I just thought y’all should know. I’m struggling to call myself anything other than an entrepreneur with a farming side gig. I hope y’all can accept it- or help me come up with a better term 😂

Also this was hard to write, and probably slightly controversial. So be nice please.

This post was written by Tori Kopke, founder of 20/20 Marketing Solutions and co-founder of Big Ideas Rural, on Instagram and republished here with permission.