Women involved in rice farming businesses and the wider farming community gathered in Finley last Friday to be ‘‘connected and empowered’’ at the annual Women in Rice lunch.
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The lunch saw a crowd of 60 women listen to other females tell their stories of success in the industry and develop new skills off farm and to consider new ways of doing business.
Deniliquin farmer Kellie Crossley, who was the keynote speaker, spoke about how she was able to bring her working experience back into the rice industry.
Mrs Crossley was a participant in the Ricegrowers’ Association’s leadership program and encouraged others to take part in the program.
‘‘I’ve been involved in the farming industry for the past 10 years after I married my husband Andrew,’’ she said.
‘‘I did little bits but it wasn’t until about six years ago that I was more involved with the farm.
‘‘Things I had learnt in my working life were able to be used in the farm business.
‘‘The main message I wanted to push was to encourage women to have confidence and trust in themselves to contribute to the rice industry and to show each other support.
‘‘To be asked to be a keynote speaker was very humbling and I’m thankful for this opportunity.’’
Mrs Crossley was joined by emerging and established leaders Laura Kaylock (AgriFutures rice program advisory panel member, grower and Western Murray Land Improvement Group project officer), Michele Groat (AgriFutures rice program advisory panel member and Leeton Shire Council project manager) and Ange Urquhart (Ricegrowers Association board member, established leader and grower) for an interactive panel discussion.
The Rural Financial Counselling Service also discussed available financial services and support, and there was an informal opportunity to discuss the impact of low water allocations on communities.
Guest speaker Laura Kaylock said she was still ‘‘very new’’ to a leadership role, but events like this have helped her with her leadership skills.
‘‘I was born into a farming family in Moulamein and have my Bachelor of Ag Science after studying in Wagga,’’ she said.
‘‘I worked as an agronomist and then went back into farming.
‘‘Today has certainly addressed the need for women in the rice industry.
‘‘I’m quite used to going into meetings about rice that are full of men, but other women may not feel like they’re heard in those settings so these events are quite important,’’ she said.
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