MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTY – Rayelle Schmitt believes women can and will continue to make valuable contributions to agriculture across Canada – and she now has a big pink tractor to prove the point.
Schmitt, a 17-year-old Grade 12 student at Ecole Olds High School, received a 280-horsepower Fendt tractor, Massey Ferguson square bailer and fibre cart – all sporting pink panels – from her parents Barry and Nancy during a recent ceremony at Willow Lane Barn.
Schmitt’s father explained that when Rayelle was 13-years-old she told him she wanted to be involved in the family’s farming business – Barr-Ag Ltd. Hay & Grain Exporter – and wanted a pink tractor as part of the deal.
In order to cerebrate his daughter’s determination to play her part and to celebrate women in agriculture in general, the ribbon cutting ceremony and luncheon was held.
“Many of our friends have daughter working in the business, and so do we,” he said. “We are seeing more and more women working in the industry.
“After having four sons I want to make sure my daughter is welcome in the industry too.”
For her part, Rayelle says she enjoys being a working member of the agriculture community and encourages other girls and women to get involved in the vital industry too.
“As I grew older I realized there isn’t a lot of women in agriculture and a pink tractor would be a good way to show that can change,” she said.
“Agriculture is a great industry, not only for working on the farm but it also teaches you a bunch of stuff and work ethics.”
She explained that she has been operating farm equipment for years, so driving her massive new Fendt tractor is all just part of the job.
About 85 people, including friends, family, supplies, and fellow members of the area’s agriculture community, attended the event at the Willow Lane Barn, located northeast of Olds on Rge. Rd. 290.
