It is often overlooked that the female in a farming operation plays a crucial role in the success of that business. This ranch partner wears many hats including: hired hand, meals-on-wheels service, chauffer, maid, errands-runner, fix-it gal and chore help. She can be found in the kitchen, in the feedyard, on a tractor or in a repair shop. She keeps the books, takes care of paperwork and makes sure the kids get to band practice and basketball games. She maintains several full-time jobs: housewife, farmer, career woman, mom and wife. She is a super hero; She is a ranch wife.

For these everyday agriculture super heroes, the Women In Blue Jeans (WIBJ) Conference was developed. Seven years ago, WIBJ started as a club for fifteen local farm gals. These women met in the conference room of a crop insurance building, and they discussed everything from farm prices to maintaining good health. The need for fellowship in women in agriculture was strong, and soon, the word spread about WIBJ. This year’s event boasted an all-time attendance rate, with over 200 female participants. The 2009 WIBJ Conference was held in Mitchell, S.D. at the Dakota Wesleyan University Campus on January 15-17.

I had the great opportunity to speak at the 2009 WIBJ Conference. My forum topic was, “What happened to the next generation of agriculture?” It identified the issues facing young people after graduation. This is a time when they have to choose between a high profile career in the cities and the rural lifestyle they have always known. It was a great presentation, and if you are interested in hearing more about it, let me know.

Anyway, another WIBJ Conference has come and gone, and with that, women in agriculture have renewed their passions for their lives on the farm. You might see her at the grocery store. She might be picking up feed at the elevator. She could be getting parts for the tractor. Maybe she is picking up the kids from practice. Wherever you see her, take the time to thank these agriculture superheroes for their efforts.

For more information on the conference, check out Women in Blue Jeans today!