Trudiann Ashmead: Voice of change for women in agriculture
THOUGH there is usually no glitz or glamour associated with agriculture, 25-year-old Trudiann Ashmead is motivated by her deep-rooted love for the sector. On Saturday, August 5, she was crowned the 54th National Farm Queen at the Denbigh Agricultural Show in May Pen, Clarendon. The Nutramix-sponsored competition showcases knowledge of the agricultural sector rather than stereotypes of conventional beauty.
Born and raised in Seaforth, St Thomas, Ashmead, who is employed at the municipal corporation in the parish, was literally groomed in agriculture. With her father being a farmer and many other individuals in her community sharing the same love for agriculture, she said it was natural for her to develop an interest in the field. She is a past student of the Morant Bay High School where she studied the arts, but she says agriculture has always been a passion of hers.
“I know the benefits that are to be had from agriculture; hence I just followed my passion,” she said.
Epitomising grace, personality, intelligence, the right values and attitudes all encapsulated by agricultural knowledge, Ashmead will represent the agricultural sector for one year. Above all, she says she would like to use her programme of study to be a voice of change for women in agriculture as well as youths as it relates to gender disparities in agriculture.
As a part-time student at the University of the West Indies, Mona, in the Institute of Gender and Development Studies, she is being given the opportunity to explore every single area within society. She is using this knowledge to make a connection with the agricultural sector. She explained that she chose gender studies because of her passion for the role women play in society, as well as unattached youth.
“I believe that women are underrepresented in the agricultural sector and a lot of the times, even now when I go out there and say to somebody “You know, I am farmer,” they will say to me with surprise: “What! How can you be a farmer?” For this stereotype to change, she said more light needs to be shed on the involvement of women in agriculture.
Ashmead explained that women in agriculture are intellectuals too, and as natural nurturers they are able to excel in the agriculture industry. She also wants to get the voice of youth heard in the sector.
“I hope to empower and encourage young people to get involved, to go out there and maximise their full potential. If we do not do our work, then the agricultural sector will die. It has the potential to move Jamaica forward, to help Jamaica to maximise its fullest potential, and if we do not play our part, then the sector will not be able to get to where its fullest potential is at,” she explained.
As part of her prize, she will receive a scholarship to study at the acclaimed College of Agriculture, Science & Education in Port Antonio. She will also receive a two-week exchange programme from Delaware State University in the United States, and a cash prize from title sponsors Nutramix.
