20 year old farmer Lauren Ennis opens up about sexism in agriculture

At just 20 years of age, Lauren Ennis is already breaking down barriers in the world of farming. The Co. Offaly native has agriculture in her blood, with her father’s side of the family working in agricultural contracting and her mother’s side focusing on drystock farming.

Lauren says she was lucky that her family didn’t bat an eyelid at her interest in farming, as gender stereotypes in agriculture are still so prevalent. “It’s similar to when people discourage young boys from playing with dolls. These gender roles are put on us from a young age. Daily routine Lauren works on her family farm, which is sheep and drystock, and she also works part-time on a dairy farm. “My work routine changes daily – the seasons and weather are big factors,” she says. “On the dairy farm, you’d get up early to bring the cows in for milking. We don’t milk by hand anymore, it’s done by a machine, but you have to attach the cows to it. I look after about 300 cows.

Lauren explains that there is an unspoken bond between her and the animals she cares for. “I can tell when they are in distress as they give me signs, even though they can’t speak. Watching a calf take its first steps and how it knows to suckle on its mother is also fascinating.” This also feeds into the mental health issues that farmers are facing, which is thankfully being spoken about more openly than before. “It is a tough job –it’s physically demanding and the hours are long,” Lauren adds.

Lauren encourages people to think more about the food they eat and how it got there. “In general I feel that people should appreciate the quality of the beef and dairy we have in Ireland,” she continues. “You go to other countries where antibiotics are allowed in the food, and the taste and quality just isn’t the same.”

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