Research and Development of Alternatives to the Walk-behind Rotary Tiller Suitable for Women Farmers

The number of women farmers in the U.S. has been rising over the past several decades, with the rate of growth accelerating between the 2002 and 2007 Censuses of Agriculture, to nearly 1 million female farm operators in 2007. Between 1980 and 2002, the number of women-operated farms had increased by 86%, a rate far surpassing growth in U.S. farms overall. These data underscore the need for agricultural tools & equipment that are appropriate for women. In general, tools & equipment function best and are safest and easiest to operate when they fit the user. Because women's and men's bodies are markedly different - women, for example, tend to be shorter and to have 40-75% less upper-body strength & 5-30% less lower-body strength than men - agricultural equipment designed for men will not "fit" or be optimal for the vast majority of female users. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that some of women's anatomical and physiological characteristics may place them at particular risk for farm injuries and musculoskeletal disabilities, the leading cause of disability for people in their working years. Despite women's key role in agriculture & the importance of appropriate tools, there appear to be no agricultural tools or equipment on the U.S. market that were designed explicitly for women. Instead, virtually all tools and equipment seem to have been designed either for men or for some "average" user whose size, weight, strength etc. were heavily influenced by the average man's. Through this project, Green Heron Tools will research and design safer, more user-friendly alternative(s) to the traditional full-size walk-behind rotary tiller, a vital piece of equipment on small farms of the type most often operated by women. Rotary tillers were the highest priority for redesign cited by women farmers & market growers providing input to Green Heron Tools during its Phase I SBIR project. The scientific design process will be based on data about women's anatomy and physiology, and will incorporate input already obtained from women farmers; state-of-the-art knowledge related to ergonomics, human factors & fuel/energy efficiency; and latest technology & materials. Anticipated benefits include: 1) A reduction in agriculturally related injuries and disabilities among women farmers, leading to a decrease in lost productivity, missed work days and health care costs; 2) Improved quality of life for women farmers; 3) An increase in productivity of women farmers, leading to enhanced viability of farming for women; and 4) The potential for the U.S. to become a world leader in producing agricultural equipment appropriate for women. The resulting tillage equipment is also expected to be safer and easier to operate for some men, particularly older men and those of smaller stature.