Farm women haven’t changed over the years, but their tools have, Alberta’s lieutenant-governor told a farm women’s conference.
Lois Hole said one of the most important tools on her grandmother’s farm was a large cooking pot that was the centre of three meals a day.
When the threshing crews arrived, the work got harder, with baking dozens of pies.
“We all know how hard farm women worked in those days,” said Hole.
“We certainly owe a tremendous debt to our farming ancestors.”
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Farm work hasn’t gotten easier over the years, but it has changed, she said.
“If we’re not baking 15 pies, we’re making 15 trips to town.
“Farm women aren’t just providers . They’re active partners in the farm.”
Hole told how she would grovel at the feet of hotel chefs to sell her vegetables from the family market garden.
“You cannot believe how humble you have to be in front of them.”
Farm women today still need charm and the ability to sweet talk to help the farm run smoothly, she said.
When the Holes were establishing a market garden business, she often took over the tractor during potato harvest.
“I was better than he was, but he never knew that,” said Hole about the diplomacy needed with her husband. “Farm women are dedicated, adaptable and strong. You have to be, to make it as a farm woman.”
Hole said her urban friends don’t appreciate the work farmers do and the importance of agriculture in the province.
“We don’t push it down our city friends’ throats but we should. I believe the farm life shall remain an important part of the Canadian landscape.”
When Hole went to England last year to visit the Queen, more than half her discussion was about Canadian farming and agriculture.
“The first question she asked me was about the farms,” said Hole of her visit. “She was very keenly interested.”
Hole, the author of several gardening books, gave the Queen and Prince Charles some of her writings.
In exchange, the prince sent her some of his books on gardening and an invitation to visit his estate at Highgrove.
“Her Majesty would be thrilled to know I was here,” she told the group.
