Lakewood Ranch High teacher plows through stereotypes

EAST COUNTY — Although more than 2.5 million acres statewide are controlled by female farmers, Janyel Smith would like to break down a perceived stereotype.

She thought that Farm City Week, which is being celebrated this week with various events throughout Manatee County, would be a good place to start.

When people think of someone employed in agriculture, Smith wonders if they picture a male farmer in overalls and work boots?

Smith, a 26-year-old agriculture teacher at Lakewood Ranch High School, said she has encountered the perception that when it comes to agriculture, women need not apply.

"The field has been stereotyped as a man’s job," said Smith, who is the youngest agriculture instructor in the Manatee County School District. "Women can work just as hard as men can. A majority of agriculture teachers in Florida are women.

"I've had experiences where I was judged very harshly in the classroom because I'm a woman. It was thought that women were English teachers. They didn't teach about farming."

Farm City Week, which runs through Nov. 20, is dedicated to educating the community on the importance of agriculture through school events, farm tours and other activities. This year's theme of "Women in Agriculture" celebrates the work being done by female farmers along with others like Smith, who contribute to the agricultural field in different ways. 

"The theme of women in agriculture shows that women are on the front lines, doing some of the farming," said Samantha Kennedy, Manatee County Extension director and Farm City Week committee member. "Agriculture is a viable career choice for women. In fact, 2.5 million acres statewide are controlled by women farmers."

Others, like Smith, go into jobs associated with agriculture.  

"I relate well to my students," Smith said. "I sat in their chairs 11 years ago as a freshman at Lakewood."

A Sarasota native, Smith attended both Braden River and Lakewood Ranch high schools. She was part of the first graduating class at Braden River High in 2008.

She grew up in Creekwood, a deed-restricted community that offered houses close in proximity with small backyards. Smith didn't have acres to roam, cows to milk and she definitely didn't live the farm-girl lifestyle.

Her passion for agriculture started when she was a student of Debra Barry, who still teaches at Braden River High.

"I told myself I wanted to love my job every day," Smith said. "Mrs. Barry literally loved her job every day, whether it was tough or easy. She made class interesting."

For the last year, Smith has taught agriscience foundations, introductory horticulture II and horticulture sciences III with a hands-on approach.

Her students spend one-third of their class period outside tending to the plants in EarthBoxes or in the school's greenhouse, or cleaning up after steer, pigs and other animals housed in a small barn located on the back acres of the school.

Today, Smith hopes to inspire other young women on the verge of choosing their career paths.

"Agriculture is becoming one of the top majors in college," Smith said. "When people think of agriculture, they forget about the contribution of women, and not just in supporting the family and household. Some of these girls could make tremendous contributions to the agriculture industry."