International Day of Rural Women

AGnVET celebrate International Day of Rural Women by talking to four women in our business about their experiences working in the ag industry.

October 15 is dedicated to the millions of women living in remote, rural places and celebrates the achievements and contributions of these women towards rural development and agriculture.

Grace – Agronomist

Q: What made you decide to work in agriculture and what do you love about ag?

A: Growing up on a farm, there was something encouraging about when dad would meet with the agronomist, and they would work together to problem solve. As a result of this, I decided that I wanted to be a part of creating resilient production systems by helping provide solutions.

I love the ever-evolving nature of ag, especially the progressing technology. There is always something new to be learning and it is an absolute privilege to learn from people with varying life experiences.

Q: So far in your career, what are you most proud of achieving in your role in ag?

A: Consistently choosing to be gutsy, even when it is made hard. Every woman in ag should be proud that they wake up in the morning, choosing to challenge the narrative that an androcentric society has written.  We are the doers, the problem solvers, the early up-takers, the challengers.

Q: As a woman in ag how have you overcome any challenges and how do you see the future of women in ag?

A: By leaning on the women around me. We have all been met with scepticism of our work. No one knows the experience of women in ag better than another woman in ag.  My hope for the future is that we will be able to do our jobs while being supported and respected.

Q: How can we all encourage more women to work in ag and celebrate their contributions?

A: Women need to know that they will be safe, valued and encouraged within the industry. There needs to be opportunities for women to be in management roles and our strong male leaders need to continue modelling respect and encouragement. We are fortunate to experience this positive modelling within AGnVET.

Laura – Customer Service Officer

Q: What made you decide to work in agriculture and what do you love about ag?

A: I decided to work in ag because I grew up on a family dairy farm which enabled me to understand the everyday challenges some face in ag but also the many opportunities both on farm and beyond the farm gate.

Q: So far in your career, what are you most proud of achieving in your role in ag?

A: I’m proud to be in a role where I’m developing and growing, and I can influence how our store operates. I’m also proud to working in a team that supports the growth of the Darling Irrigation business in Tasmania.

Q: As a woman in ag how have you overcome any challenges and how do you see the future of women in ag?

A: The perception of woman in agriculture can be very challenging at times, however my experience in ag has been that women are equal partners in businesses, are decision makers and are very committed to rural communities. I hope the future for all women in agriculture can receive recognition for all their efforts past, present and future.

Q: How can we all encourage more women to work in ag and celebrate their contributions?

A: Leading Ag organisations need to look at their culture of inclusiveness and be bold enough to have their staffing levels reflect what is actually happening at a grass roots level where women are already celebrated. 

Carolyn – Branch Manager

Q: What made you decide to work in agriculture and what do you love about ag?

A: Having been brought up on the land and owning my own property as a young adult, it was only natural that I would enjoy working in some form or another in agriculture. You develop a natural affinity with the land and its people, and it somehow draws you back in if you moved away from the industry for a while. Wouldn’t want to work in any other industry now.

Q: So far in your career, what are you most proud of achieving in your role in ag?

A: Just working in a male dominated field is challenging enough but to be provided with an opportunity to manage a dual store for AGnVET and Darling Irrigation was a huge achievement.  Given that this dual management role had not been taken on by another employee was quite daunting at first but by building a great team of employees around me we have grown the store into a pleasant and productive place to work.

Q: As a woman in ag how have you overcome any challenges and how do you see the future of women in ag?

A: Women naturally bring a more empathetic approach to business along with good communication and listening skills. These attributes along with their sheer determination to be as good or if not better than their male counterparts provide for a very productive and effective rivalry amongst the genders. By bringing these attributes into the role has allowed me to be considered in my approach to managing staff, gained respect from my fellow employees and created a good working culture within our workplace. Of course, it’s not as easy as I have just explained of course, but very rewarding when it all comes off.

Q: How can we all encourage more women to work in ag and celebrate their contributions?

A: Women should be encouraged to know that they can provide different perspectives on solutions, different attitudes to problems. Take on the challenges and be encouraged that we can make a positive and productive difference.

Renee – Customer Service Officer

Q: What made you decide to work in agriculture and what do you love about ag?

A: Living and growing up in a rural location such as Narromine, the options for working in Agriculture are many and varied. If you are prepared to work hard and get your hands dirty, it is a terrific industry where no two days are ever the same! I love the people and the places ag has taken me to and I look forward to many more years in the industry.

Q: So far in your career, what are you most proud of achieving in your role in ag?

A: I am most proud of achieving the goals I have set for myself, including being recognised in a mostly male dominated industry such as agriculture. I enjoy my role at AGnVET and look forward to learning where it can take me.

Q: As a woman in ag how have you overcome any challenges and how do you see the future of women in ag?

A: I have overcome any challenges I have faced by not being afraid to ask for help or support when it was needed. I think women can be afraid to speak up for fear of seeming “weak” or not as capable as men. It has made me stronger by accepting help at times and I hope to be able to use my knowledge to support the next generation of women coming through the ranks in Agriculture.

Q: How can we all encourage more women to work in ag and celebrate their contributions?

A: By encouraging the younger generation to follow their passion and to not be afraid to step into a male dominated industry. Women can support other women by mentoring them in the pursuit of their own goals and dreams.