BCG establishes a Women's Agronomy Group

As a result of receiving funding from the Invergowrie Foundation in September 2005, BCG was able to organise and stage the 2005 Women's Field Day – Females in the Field celebrating the 'F' Word - an incredibly successful event which attracted just under one hundred women and girls from across the Mallee Wimmera region.

One of the anticipated outcomes of the Women's Field Day was the development of a Women's Agronomy Group; BCG are now very excited to announce that, through the continued support of the Invergowrie Foundation, the BCG Women's Agronomy Group has been established.

The BCG Women's Agronomy Group offers targeted agronomic educational opportunities for women of all ages from across the Mallee/Wimmera region. Through this group, BCG will improve women's understanding of sustainable farming systems in the Mallee/Wimmera region.

Women who participate benefit by –

Ø      Developing their capacity to learn and to influence change within the grains industry

Ø      Enhancing personal motivation and confidence in playing an active role in farming operations

Ø      Developing a technical understanding of the cropping industry

Ø      Advancing agronomic knowledge

Ø      Understanding key environmental management practices

Ø      Understanding grain marketing strategies

Ø      Learning how to use specific tools and guides to identify crop pests and diseases

Ø      Developing skills in a variety of aspects of farm operations

Ø      Easing social isolation

Ø      Developing of a sense of community

Ø      Being part of a network of like-minded women

Ø      Having fun

In its first year, the Women's Agronomy Group will meet five times for four half day sessions and one full day session. The program timeline is mindful of school hours and holiday periods thus being sensitive to the role that many women play in day-to-day home operations. The next meeting is scheduled for Friday 12th May 2006 at 10.00am at BCG; all women interested in agronomic issues are invited to attend.

For enquiries and to register your interest, please call Margaret O'Keefe at BCG on 03 5492 2787
or email margaret@bcg.org.au.