Boy or Girl: Does Gender Matter When Learning to Farm Safely?

Based on a survey and face-to-face interview with 24 students who lived most of their lives on farms, this study extends the findings of previously reported research by examining similarities and differences between males' and females' beliefs, attitudes, and adoption of farm health and safety practices. The survey and interview asked participants to recall their experiences growing up on a farm and in particular how they learned to farm safely. Data were analyzed qualitatively, focusing on two potentially gendered farm chores: tractor operation and livestock handling. Particular emphasis was placed on identifying similarities and differences between boys' and girls' childhood farm experiences and transfer of farm health and safety knowledge. Main findings indicated that although there may be some differences between how boys and girls perceive the operational aspects of the farm (particularly parental roles), there seems to be little difference between genders in terms of tasks they were permitted to do and in their health and safety practices. The current study adds to a small but growing literature suggesting that gender differences play a relatively small role in farm health and safety practices among individuals strongly committed to and engaged in agriculture.