American woman farmers: Females have connectivity with livestock that male counterparts may not have

New methodologies

The Vietnam Agriculture Newspaper, in partnership with the U.S. Embassy in Vietnam, conducted an exchange program on the morning of August 13 that was designed to promote women in agriculture. Jennifer H. Schmidt and Jaclyn Wilson, two exceptional American female producers, visited two exemplary agricultural production models in the Soc Son district of Hanoi.

The Thu Thoan Bio Chicken Cooperative farm is managed by Director Nguyen Thi Thu Thoan, who reported that the cooperative has 7 members and 2 workers. The model stretches over 5,000 square meters and contains approximately 3,000 chickens of various species.

One of her secrets is that the poultry feed is made with natural herbs, gac oil, and turmeric powder. The feed is fermented for 8 to 10 hours in summer and 24 hours in winter. The entire product is stored in plastic containers that are securely sealed after fermentation and is suitable for use within the next 14 days.

This procedure ensures the health of the livestock and enhances the quality of the commercial meat by preventing the feed from spoiling or molding. "The ingredients are ground into powder separately and are only mixed during the preparation of the feed. The chickens are less susceptible to disease and exhibit good resistance as a result of supplementing their daily diet with a variety of minerals," stated Ms. Thoan.

Ms. Thoan and the cooperative members are also dedicated to the development of "biological bedding" for the poultry coops, in addition to the feed. The poultry coop's floor is composed of a combination of rice husks and sawdust, which are combined with probiotics to regulate the odor.

Ms. Thoan was exceedingly delighted with the opportunity to engage with colleagues from the United States, a nation that boasts sophisticated agricultural production technologies. She expressed her interest in acquiring knowledge about large-scale production experiences and more diverse methods of product promotion and marketing.

The two farmers, Schmidt and Wilson, were stunned by the effects of the traditional medicinal plants that were extensively grown within the local community during their visit to the Soc Son Medicinal Plant Conservation and Development Cooperative.

Burdock was the medicinal plant that most impressed Deputy Director Nguyen Thanh Tuyen. This plant, which is indigenous to temperate regions and frequently grows in disturbed soil areas, is processed into tea using its seeds and roots. This beverage is abundant in minerals, including calcium, iron, and vitamins A and B6. The consumption of burdock tea on a regular basis can aid in the improvement of digestion and the reduction of flatulence, as it is extremely high in protein and fiber.

Ms. Tuyen's cooperative, which cultivates medicinal plants in Bắc Sơn commune, was traditionally perceived as destitute in previous years. The traditional crafts were not practiced by the locals, and the primary activities of the producers were rice cultivation, tea planting, and forestry. Tea, which was regarded as the most economically valuable commodity, frequently encountered market challenges.

Consequently, Soc Son was the first district in Hanoi to experiment with the cultivation of burdock, converting inefficient rice and vegetable-growing areas to this medicinal plant. Residents of two communes, Bắc Sơn and Xuân Giang, have entered into contracts with the Sóc Sơn Medicinal Plant Conservation and Development Cooperative to acquire their produce. A portion of the produce is utilized to produce tea, while the remaining portion is utilized as basic material for burdock soy sauce.

The cooperative has high expectations for their soy sauce product. The cooperative is presently receiving assistance from the Soc Son district in order to complete the requisite steps to participate in the 2024 OCOP Program, which involves the evaluation and ranking of products.

The special connection between women and agriculture

During a visit to the poultry farming model at Thu Thoan Bio Chicken Cooperative, Jaclyn Wilson, one of the two outstanding female farmers from the United States participating in the program echoeing the “International Year of Woman Farmers 2026” in Vietnam, shared her observations on the similarities and differences between agricultural activities in Vietnam and the U.S., the potential of farmers to meet global food demands through sustainable farming, and the crucial role of women in agriculture, particularly in ensuring food security and responding to domestic market needs.

Witnessing the chickens being raised in spacious, airy, and clean environments, Wilson noted that the agricultural models in both countries are increasingly focused on the welfare and safety of livestock. Despite her experience in beef cattle farming, she was surprised by the shifts in the agricultural sector and the unique approaches taken to ensure safe livestock farming, thereby delivering high-quality, reliable products to consumers.

“Adopting sustainable and humane farming practices is not only beneficial for food security but also for animal welfare. I believe these practices are essential for securing the future of agriculture, as consumers are increasingly concerned about the origins of their food and the conditions in which animals are raised,” Wilson shared with Vietnam Agriculture Newspaper, emphasizing that niche markets focusing on sustainability could represent the future of the agricultural industry, provided they remain economically viable and efficient.

Regarding women-led agricultural models, the American farmer observed that the success of these models stems from the involvement of women in every detail. She asserted that women have a “connectivity” that the man counterparts do not have with livestock, which she believes is why these farms can operate efficiently while still ensuring animal welfare.

During a discussion about the challenges in agriculture and women’s roles in the field at a gathering with female farmers at the Phuc Xuan Herb Garden, Jennifer H. Schmidt, another American guest, shared that in specific cases like Maryland, on the East Coast of the United States, farms are also facing weather-related issues such as saltwater intrusion due to rising sea levels, droughts, and hurricanes. Since weather conditions are beyond control, Schmidt emphasized the need for farms to adapt accordingly.

Additionally, speaking on the role of women leaders in agriculture, Schmidt, who owns a farm spanning over 7,000 hectares in the U.S., stressed the importance of proactively learning and gaining knowledge to overcome the challenges and barriers women face in agriculture. She noted that this knowledge is built and acquired through participation and connection with agricultural extension centers, affiliated businesses, and training institutions, as these organizations have strong ties to field programs and an in-depth understanding of the market.