Farmwives

Farmwives are women who live and work on a farm, typically married to a farmer. Historically, their roles were integral to the success of a farm, extending far beyond domestic duties. While their specific responsibilities varied by region, time period, and the size and type of farm, their contributions were essential for survival and prosperity.

Farmwives often managed the household, including cooking, cleaning, and sewing. Crucially, they were deeply involved in food production and preservation, tending to kitchen gardens, raising poultry, milking cows, and preserving food through canning, drying, or salting to ensure sustenance throughout the year. They frequently assisted with fieldwork, especially during peak seasons like planting and harvesting, and were responsible for caring for children and the elderly on the farm.

In many cases, farmwives also contributed to the farm's income through selling surplus produce, eggs, butter, or crafts at local markets. They were often repositories of knowledge regarding farming practices, passed down through generations. The advent of mechanization and changing agricultural practices in the 20th century altered some of these roles, but the concept of the farmwife continues to evolve, with many women today actively participating in farm management and decision-making.