The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has welcomed the next generation of female leaders in agriculture as the Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program kicked off in Canberra.
The program, which is now in its sixth year, aims to provide a clear path for women to pursue leadership roles in the field.
According to NFF President Fiona Simson, the 12 women heard from inspiring leaders and participated in practical personal and professional development activities over the course of three days.
“The NFF is committed to diversity in all its forms. Levelling up the imbalances at board tables and at the executive level is important in leading agriculture forward,” Simson said.
Simson noted that the Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program aims to quadruple the number of women in agriculture’s senior ranks.
“Again, we have a cohort of seriously talented women with a huge cross section of skills and experience. They’re all looking to be the next leaders in agriculture with some already taking on board roles and chief executive positions,” she stated.
Starting the mentorship program was a crucial element of the retreat. The 12 mentees were paired with a mentor, a successful male and female leader, with whom they will participate in a five-month intensive mentorship program.
“The retreat provides such an important opportunity for mentors and mentees to come together face to face and kick off their mentoring journey and begin mapping their leadership goals and aspirations,” Simson added.
Lucy Knight, a sheep and cattle farmer from Gunning, NSW, and a 2023 participant, commented on her time in the program thus far.
“The Diversity in Ag Leadership retreat has already given me a lot of clarity about what I want the next stage of my career and contribution to agriculture to look like. The opportunity to evaluate my goals, values and better understand what gives me energy and purpose has been invaluable at this stage of my life,” Knight said.
“I am looking forward to working with my mentor on these goals and identifying future opportunities throughout the remainder of the program,” Knight added.
The group will now meet with their mentor regularly and will gather as a group for online learning opportunities.
