Sask. woman proves women integral to harvest with trending hashtag

Tiffany Martinka wants to challenge the stereotype that only men work in the fields.
 
“All my life I’ve seen women behind the scenes being an important part of the farm decision-making,” said the farmer and mother who is raising her family on a grain and broiler chicken operation near Humboldt, Sask. “I feel that there are way more women behind the scenes than we even realize.”
 
That’s why Martinka started the hashtag #womenofharvest15 which encourages women to take selfies on the combine.

#womenofharvest15 best part of my job my babies are with me! pic.twitter.com/eJphctrW2L

— Selina (@4Selina) September 24, 2015

 
In the past, Martinka said women played a more traditional role because there were a lot more people around to help out on the family farm. But today, the farms are bigger and there’s a labour shortage.
 
“I think that a lot of women have stepped up to help run the equipment. They’re a very important part of helping to get the harvest off in the fall,” Martinka said.
 
The hashtag has started trending across Canada and the United States. Martinka said she hopes it will encourage the younger generations.
 
“Maybe that’s what they would want to do down the road is become a primary decision maker on the farm.”

Me and my buddy bringing home the combine. #lovethislife #AgMoreThanEver #womenofharvest15 pic.twitter.com/ZLHa0MGM0x

— Sabrina Shular (@sabrina_shular) September 24, 2015

#womenofharvest15 pic.twitter.com/p0WriQzaNx

— Stilly (@11Stilly) September 24, 2015

My copilot in the combine this harvest. Ethan is 6 months old and loves every minute! #harvest15 #womenofharvest15 pic.twitter.com/W9tCPFPWiv

— Marcy Hiduk (@mhiduk455) September 20, 2015