It is harvest time in Saskatchewan and women behind farming operations accross the province are uniting online.
Using the hashtag #WomenOfHarvest15 they have shared farming selfies (#felfies), with many taken from the cab of combines.
Proud to be part of #womenofharvest15 #growingconfidence -> @mhillfarm @MeghannGarlough @morgankluka pic? pic.twitter.com/sQ4xdsBV3m
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@KitchenMechanic
I hear ladies make better combine operators! Share your pic using #womenofharvest15 #growingconfidence pic.twitter.com/oW8lXuvRCH
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@MartinkaTiffany
#womenofharvest15 #growingconfidence here is my combine selfie for the year! pic.twitter.com/dUQPWqI4f1
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@Naomi_Darragh
Tiffany Martinka, an account manager for Monsanto Canada, started the hashtag.
"I wanted to highlight the women who are on the farm and running machinery, making decisions, and helping pull everything together. I believe that there are more women who are involved with the farm than we realize," Martinka told CBC News. "What better way to tell the story than through pictures and I thought a hashtag would be a great way to gather them all together to tell the story."
I always get the cutest co-pilots! #womenofharvest15 #crazyhairdontcare pic.twitter.com/BcqKaU37lA
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@kelseymdale
Love this initiative! #wecandoit #womenofharvest15 pic.twitter.com/AhaBUb5kw1
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@BASFDorothee
My copilot in the combine this harvest. Ethan is 6 months old and loves every minute! #harvest15 #womenofharvest15 pic.twitter.com/W9tCPFPWiv
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@mhiduk455
"I think it's important for women to identify themselves as farmers because it is a very important job. Don't underestimate yourselves," Martinka explained. "Bring yourselves to the table and the conversation. This will encourage the ag industry to do more to market to men and women and better include them in customer appreciation events and meetings."
"I hope that people see the hashtag and reflect on how strong and independent farm women are, that they are extremely hard working and just as passionate about ag as their male counterparts," said Martinka. "Women are an integral part of the farm business and we need to include them when it comes time to sitting at the table."
Katie Threinen farming in east-central Saskatchewan in 1957. (The Encyclopedia of Saskatchewan)
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