Hursh’s argument outdated

Kevin Hursh wrote: “Nothing is stopping women from becoming leaders in agriculture” other than their own failure to “step up rather than just attending their own women in ag events.” He said his sons felt his attitude “didn’t come across as very progressive,” but Hursh persisted and jumped into this complex debate with disappointingly dated, overly simplistic arguments.

Hursh acknowledges men often outnumber women in agricultural leadership positions. Since female agriculture students have outnumbered male counterparts at the U of S for more than a decade, education isn’t the issue. So what is?

Placing the blame on a “victim mentality” isn’t helpful. Instead, we must recognize systemic biases that inherently favour some social groups, and devalue others, simply because the majority is inclined to follow well-worn, comfortable habits — such as nominating committees approaching men first; admiring assertive behaviour in men while viewing the same in women as pushy; naming the position ‘chairman’ not ‘chair’; failing to object to sexist behaviour because ‘the fuss’ could cost a friendship or future promotion; and making the easy assertion that women fail to step up to the plate.

Strong women are making huge advances in the agriculture industry, but the playing field is not level. This is a time when agriculture needs our very best minds to tackle big issues such as food security and climate change. Each of us must do all we can to see and reject systemic biases and instead encourage all able leaders, irrespective of gender. Kevin, listen to your sons.

Mary M. Buhr and Fran Walley, Saskatoon