Women in Agriculture "Taster Event"

Funded by Murray Local Land Services, the "Taster event" was held to get to know the priorities of Local Women in Agriculture.

Women in Agriculture "Taster Event"

Funded by Murray Local Land Services, the "Taster event" was held to get to know the priorities of Local Women in Agriculture.

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LLCI019-001

The issue

Southern Growers is a not-for-profit agricultural research and extension organisation, led by farmers from the Southern Riverina Region of New South Wales, based around Finley and particularly focused on irrigated farming systems.

The group wanted to find out the information and training priorities for women working in agriculture and part of the family farm. While also allowing them to hear from inspirational women in agriculture and participate in a communication workshop.

The solution

Erika Heffer, the Local Landcare Coordinator worked in partnership with Southern Growers to deliver a ladies only event at Finley on Friday the 27th of May, 2016.

The event featured Lucinda Corrigan ("Rennylea") on her farming experience, followed by Natalie Sheppard and Sandra Martin (Universally Speaking) presenting a workshop on how to communicate effectively with your business partners. Hayley Purbrick spoke about the Riverina Collective during lunch and Perin Davey (Murray Irrigation) explained how water allocations are made.

Susan Benedyka (The Regional Development Company) facilitated the final session of the day engaging the participants in discussions about what could be useful for topics for future events. This was followed by a short activity to prioritise the group's ideas.

The impact

The women enjoyed the opportunity to network and learn together through practical sessions. One of the first events of it's kind in the Finley area; the 'Taster Event' created a positive atmosphere for the women to share their workshop topic priorities.

Learnings

The top six items prioritised by the Women were: 1. Farm to Table: Commodities and Markets; 2. Commodity products to reduce volatility; 3. Communication strategies; 4. Farm safety and WH&S; 5. Farm business strategic planning; 6. Succession planning

Key facts

  • 65 local women in attendance.
  • "Good speakers, good food, good company"
  • "Great structure of the day"

Project Partners